Puppies are a wonderful addition to a family home, but before you rush out and buy the first puppy that catches your eye you need to first ask yourself a few questions

Why do I want a pup? 

You need to make sure this decision is for all the right reasons, not because it's Christmas and a puppy would look cute under the tree, Christmas will pass and a pup is not a throw away toy!

Am I ready for a "LIFETIME" commitment? 

What's a lifetime for a dog? Different breeds vary in age but the average Cocker Spaniels life span is 12-15yrs, which is short compared to the average human life span of 65-80yrs. Be prepared to commit 12-15yrs of your life to this pup and please be 100% sure as dogs should never be seen as expendable.

Do I have the time, energy, patience and financial means to raise a puppy?

The initial outlay for a puppy is minimal compared to the ongoing costs to keep your canine friend healthy and happy. Pups need to be regularly wormed, vaccinated three times by the time they are 16-18weeks of age, and then maintained every year of their life after that. Their diets need to be "Premium" which consists of an essential vitamins and minerals in a balanced and complete food especially designed for the "Canine's metabolism" to ensure a strong and steady growth of your pup at all stages of their life. These foods do cost more then your supermarket dog foods, but you do get what you pay for, the benefits far outweigh the costs. I also encourage new owners to book into a puppy preschool, whether it be for a brush up or learning how to raise a puppy for the first time.

Do I have a good sized yard for a grown dog to run in?

This is important as the dogs natural instinct is to run, dig, discover, play and fossik around. If you have a suburban block chances are you have limited space for your dog to do these very things, though this does not mean you can not have a dog, it just means you need to be more aware of your dogs needs to express themselves in these ways. If you can commit to walking your dog once to twice daily this will give your dog the exercise and stimulation they long for with the bonus of good health for you both!

Please be aware that bored dogs are destructive dogs!

Does my lifestyle allow for the day to day care of my pup?

If you work long hours or travel a lot, having a dog may not be your best option, especially if you are on your own. Dogs are a pack animal and thrive on company, they are much like children you need to feed them, brush their hair, play games as well as teach them. Leaving a dog on their own is just like leaving a child to fend for themselves and it is psychologically unhealthy to both.

Again! Bored dogs are destructive dogs!

In Closing

I have the occasional litter, colours vary from gold, orange roan, gold and white, black and white, black, blue roan as well as red. I am particular where my puppies go as my sole interest is their health and wellbeing, as a lot of time, love and energy go into these little guys and it is paramount that they go to the right owners.

My puppies can go to their new homes from 8 weeks of age, at this stage they have had their first vaccination, they are up to date with worming, they are microchipped and veterinary health checked, they also come with an information on raising puppy.

NB - The things I have pointed out above may seem a bit harsh to some, though its my personal views and beliefs, through experience that I share these views with you and if that means I can make people stop and think this wonderful yet major decision through, then I know I have done all I can for these innocent lives to get them the best homes possible. The truth is unfortunately too many people run out and buy on impulse without thinking it through which inevitably the pup is the one that loses out.