The decision to become a dog owner should never be taken lightly, as it is a huge responsibility and calls for total commitment on your part. A dog's life may span 14 years and this companion will rely on your care for his entire lifetime. The dog is a loyal and rewarding companion only if you are prepared to give in return. Having made the commitment it remains to choose from hundreds of pedigreed and crossbred dogs! We strongly suggest reading up on breeds before making a decision - different breeds suit specific lifestyles. The majority of dogs do not have complicated needs, but all have certain requirements which you need to meet in order to ensure a fit and happy member of your household. First and foremost, your vet must vaccinate puppy at 6 weeks, and again at 12 weeks to protect against diseases such as distemper, parvo and rabies. Booster vaccinations should be administered yearly. Please sterilise your pet to prevent unwanted litters and to avoid adding to the huge pet over-population problem. You should have adequate space and a secure fence/wall surrounding your property. Be prepared for your new companion's arrival at home: some essential dog-care equipment that you should have ready:

For optimum health, it is essential that you exercise your dog for about 30 minutes daily. Most dogs get far less exercise than they need which often leads to destructive behaviour. Research suggests that many dog owners suffer less heart disease as a result of exercising their pets than those who do not have dogs - this daily routine can be great fun for both of you! Grooming is necessary and should be introduced as a pleasant and relaxing regular experience. Apart from brushing, grooming may also entail nail clipping, ear, eye and teeth-cleaning, bathing, cutting and stripping the coat. Be sure to use a dog shampoo when bathing your dog as human shampoos may contain irritants. It is recommended that a microchip be inserted, as ID tags may fall off or be removed, in which case the electronic identification is an effective back-up if your dog is lost or stolen. Microchips are inserted by your vet or the SPCA.