FAMILY
How To Choose and Prepare For Your New Puppy By Lauren Messervey Photos Sara Bakker
P lanning and preparing for a new puppy is an exciting experience, especially for first-time pet owners. For Joyce Robertson, Head Trainer at Red Dog Training, a dog isn’t just a pet - it’s a new family member, and a commitment. “A word of caution - never get a puppy on a whim or impulse,” she says. “You want to be sure that you are ready. The commitment means devoting a great deal of your personal time to your dog, including exercising and training them on a daily basis.” Although there are many factors in choosing the right puppy, one of the most important decisions for a first- time owner is finding the right dog for their lifestyle. Some of the criteria to consider include your dog’s energy level, exercise requirements, ease of training and learning, personality, typical behaviour, and grooming requirements.
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www.pei-living.ca WINTER 2020
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