Thinking about getting another dog?

Read more about Australian pet ownership in the Animal Medicines Australia Pet Ownership 2016 report: http://animalmedicinesaustralia.org.au/ wp-content/uploads/2016/11/AMA_PetOwnership-in-Australia-2016-Report_sml.pdf

Why? Investing in a second dog can be a wonderful addition to the family for you and your existing dog, but take a moment to think about the pros and cons carefully. Many people consider getting a second pet because their first dog is misbehaving (barking, digging or destructive behaviour). Investing in a second dog because you think it will be good company for your first dog is not a good enough reason – your pet does not need a pet. If your older dog is misbehaving, be prepared for your younger dog to learn the exact same behaviours from them – instead of making things easier, you can get double the trouble! Older, well-behaved dogs can teach younger dogs good behaviour, but young untrained dogs can also teach older dogs to make poor choices. If you invest in another pet, do it for you and your family. If you’re worried about your dog’s loneliness or boredom, they will likely appreciate greater quality attention from you (extra walks before or after work, more training, car rides, etc.) more than having a second dog in the home. If you do invest in another dog for your family, both dogs will still need quality one-on-one time with you for training and walking, and to build trusting relationships with you. Always supervise the first few interactions between new dogs, to make sure they will get on well for any length of time while you’re not there.

The following is a basic list of fundamental needs to consider when thinking about a new pet addition to your family: • Good quality food: chat to a veterinarian about recommendations.

• Registration: annual registration fees apply for dogs. • Veterinary Costs: annual vaccinations and checkups, worming, fleas, desexing, and other unexpected health care. • Suitable property: this is important when considering a new pet. Just because you have a large backyard, doesn’t mean a dog is self exercising.

High, physical (metal or wooden or other type) fences are more effective in keeping dogs inside the yard and uninvited people out, than other fencing types, like invisible (electric shock) or low fencing. • Mental stimulation: tug games or play, and food-dispensing toys, and daily exercise are all important aspects of a dog’s life and upbringing. Be prepared to invest your time and money into your dog’s mental wellbeing.

• Socialisation and training: careful socialisation is most effective for puppies, but your investment into teaching your dog to be sociable and confident in the community is lifelong.

Behaviour changes over time; if your dog doesn’t continue to use their social skills in appropriate play and interactions with other people and dogs as they grow, they’ll lose them.

Other considerations for a new pet include: • What breed? Dogs were bred for purposes. The breed you choose may influence whether your dog digs, chases, barks, herds, retrieves or guards. Be prepared, patient and understanding of the behaviours you can expect to see based on the breed you choose. • Large or small breed? (And their associated health or behaviour tendencies) • Long hair or short hair? Will you need to find a good groomer and account for the associated costs? Or learn to do it yourself? • How much are you home to spend time with them? Animals are social and need interaction with you as well as others of their own species • Who will look after them when you go away? Is that person reliable? Find out more information at: http://www.gooddogsa.com/select-a-dog