Dogs are a huge commitment

Too many people are buying a dog on a whim or because their lifestyle fits to have one right now and they are not thinking long-term.

Taking on a dog is a huge commitment – this is a living breathing animal who has a lot of the same feelings as us and is needing stability. They are not like the latest mobile or a new sofa that you want at the time and then just disregard once the novelty has worn off.

They may well have a lifespan of 14 years which is a big commitment. Rescues shouldn't be here to pick up the pieces when you just can't be bothered anymore.

A huge number of dogs come in because ‘I don't have the time to give it what it deserves’, so then why did you get the dog in the first place?

Was it because you fell in love with a cute fluffy puppy? Guess what, they grow up and have needs that involve more than being carried around and cuddling them and this is what you should be thinking of before you take on any dog. They also aren't playthings to occupy your children.

Unsupervised dog and child play is a good way to get your child bitten. Children need training to interact with a dog safely, leaving it alone while it is eating or sleeping, and not hugging it round the neck – they may tolerate it but they certainly don't enjoy it.

We get applications for young dogs where the adult is out at work all day and they are relying on their teenagers to care for the dog while they are out. This is fine for now but in a couple of years time when they go off to uni, where does that leave the dog, home alone all day.

If you are a young couple, are you going to want to have children at some point? If so, are you looking at a breed of dog who is good with children or a rescue who has a good history with children. Are you prepared to train your dog for the arrival of a baby when up until that moment they have been your baby?

Also, couples split up all the time. Do you have something in place to work if this happens? If you have children and split up, you don't just drop them off at the local children's home, you put plans in place so they are looked after when you are at work so why is your dog, who is also a family member, given up straight away.

Dogs are not second-hand clothes to be passed around. If you are making a decision to take on a dog and be responsible for that dog you need to ask yourself a lot of 'what if' questions about different scenarios and if you can't work something out for the rest of that dog’s life then maybe you shouldn't get one.

Rescue Dog of the Week

Teddy is an eight-year-old shihtzu x Jack Russell. He arrived with two other dogs and so far, he seems really friendly and very loving.

He would make an ideal companion dog for someone who enjoyed nice sniffy walks and cuddles in front of the fire. Although Teddy has lived with other dogs before, we think it would be nice if he could be an only dog where he can have all the attention. He has plenty of energy and likes to play.

Teddy is neutered and we have restarted his vaccinations. He has been checked by our vets and has a clean bill of health.

Our rehoming area as always is between Berwick and Newcastle, a homecheck and rehoming fee will apply.

Take a look at our facebook page to see all the dogs we have available. You can contact us at [email protected]