Dog trainer warns ‘harsh’ reality of getting pet people don’t realise

A professional dog trainer shared the “harsh reality” of getting a dog, urging people to avoid getting one unless they can face it. Getting a dog can be an incredibly rewarding, enriching experience thanks to their unyielding sense of loyalty, boundless affection, and positive demeanour.

Dogs are a popular choice of pet all over the world, with millions of people opening their homes to a four-legged companion who quickly becomes an integral part of the family. A dog is a major commitment though, and certainly not a choice to enter into lightly.

This is a particular bone of contention for canine behaviourist Will Atherton, who has spent a lot of time with very young dogs sent to a rescue centre or shelter because of prospective owners failing to understand the severity of their decision to get a puppy – especially as the puppy phase is so short.

The expert often takes to social media to offer training tips and guidance based on his years of professional experience working with a vast array of dog breeds.

Recently, he shared a video on Instagram where he launched into the reality of getting a puppy and the wider implications and effects of bringing a puppy into your home.

He explained: “If you’re thinking about getting a puppy, you’re probably really excited about getting a puppy but the reality is, is that you’re not getting a puppy.

“Even if you’re getting an eight-week-old puppy, what you’re actually getting is a fully grown dog for, most likely, 10 plus years.

“That puppy stage is just a stage – a very small stage, and it goes by incredibly quickly and what you’re left with is a full grown, adult dog.

“If that idea doesn’t excite you as much as the idea of having a puppy excites you, I guarantee you’re setting both you and them up for failure.”

He added: “I work with dogs every single day who’ve been stuck in a rescue centre and they started in the rescue centre once that cuteness of a puppy wore off. ”

Will said in many cases, once the “novelty of a puppy wore off” and owners were left with a dog in the “teenage stage” who’s typically the “size of an adult dog” but may display “problem behaviours”, they’re often surrendered to a rescue centre.

He stressed: “If you’re not excited about owning a fully grown dog, you shouldn’t be getting a puppy in the first place.”

Dogs bring about a major lifestyle change so before getting one, it’s important to do your research.

It’s also worth bearing in mind that training is essential, and not all dogs are suitable for first time owners.

If you’re looking to welcome a dog into your home, consider the benefits of adopting a puppy or dog from a charity or local shelter instead of shopping from a breeder.