Hi all I'm after a bit of advice if you would be so kind

I'm thinking of getting a puppy, I've never had any kind of dog or pet in fact (apart from goldfish) before and I don't really know where to begin. Obviously I would need to check out the breeder etc but I mean when we get it home. How do you begin to train them?

Also I work and the house is empty for about 5 hours a day during the week is this not fair for the pup?

Were thinking of a maltese or a bijon frese, I'm not the most confident person with animals hence never having had a pet before! But my son is particularly nervous around dogs and I thought this would do him good as I don't want him going through life being scared of them.

I feel stupid asking the most basic of questions so please be gentle with me!

If I were you, I wouldn't get a puppy. You're right to think it might not be happy while you're out, but also, a puppy can do a lot of damage to your home in five hours - they love to chew. Also, if you're not confident about training, it might be better to get an adult dog, who already knows how to behave

I found this, which offers advice on choosing a dog - maybe you'll find it helpful

http://www.allaboutpets.org.uk/getdo...Right-Dog.aspx

When we got our first dog it was because I was scared of them and hubby thought it would help me, well it did sort of but not in the way he imagined - when you walk a dog all and sundry other dogs come up to say hello, I would be out at 4am to avoid the other dogs which affected my dog by making him nervous too.
I did eventually manage to get over my fear but I will say my first dog whilst loved to bits did not help.
Also dogs like a confident owner so even if you have no idea what you are doing don't them him/her know

Thanks for the tips, really helpful.

Do older dogs generally settle ok with a new family? It would be great if we got one that was already house trained.

If you get the right dog, an older one is much easier than a puppy, especially if you are not an experienced dog owner.

I suggest that you talk to your local rescue centres, other dog owners, & read lots before you make up your mind. There are huge pleasures & joys in owning a dog but they also need a huge commitment from you so it is not something you should do lightly. You need to find out about all the expenses, (insurance, vet fees, vaccinations, feeding, leads & colars etc). What will you do when you go on holiday?

Some dogs will cope with being left alone for 5 hours a day but some won't so you need to get the right dog. As others have said, a puppy is far less able to cope with being left alone than most older dogs.

If you have local dog training classes near you, ask if you can go & watch them, speak to other owners & I'm sure they'll be able to give you some good tips.

Good luck.

Thanks again! We have been talking about it for about 2 years now, kids are really keen obviously it's just the time when I am at work that is bothering me, I'd hate to think of it being lonely while we were out during the day. My mum would come and stay when we are on holidays etc so I've got that covered.

It is a huge commitment, I didn't agonise this long about having children!

I felt exactly the same re the children bit too!

We got our puppy over 2 months ago now we all work full time but my son does shifts. He is left on his own during the week but he is crate trained, the most time he is left in his crate is 3 hours. I work near by and can pop home to take him for a walk lunchtimes.

I do find it hard leaving him on his own but hes getting used to it now. When we are home he is the centre of attention so I like to think it balances out.

Good luck with your search