As you prepare your gifts for Christmas we bring you a note from our charity sponsor, Dogs Trust: 

"If you're thinking of getting a dog for a loved one this Christmas, think again. Please consider exactly what the responsibility entails. Many dogs are given to shelters after the festive season because their owners claim they don't have the time to take care of them. If you're not sure, it's best to wait until after Christmas. That way, you'll be taking some of the emotion out of your decision. Rather give yourself time to think about whether a dog is the right fit for your family."

READ MORE>>>We’re excited to announce that  Dogs Trust is our Official Charity Partner for 2024. 

We’ve prepared the top 5 points for you to ponder before taking the plunge and getting a dog. We trust you’ll make the right decision for you and your family!  

The DogFest Top 5 Points to Consider when getting a Dog  

1. Lifestyle and Living Situation

• Activity level: All puppies are challenging. Maybe consider adopting an adult shelter dog?  
• Are you able to walk your dog. Some dogs like Dalmations require two long walks a day. Research the breed you are interested in and make sure you understand their needs.  
• Living space: Will a dog have their own space in your home? 
• Family dynamics: If you have young children, choose a breed that is known to be gentle and patient. 

READ MORE>>>New DogFest 2024 Tiered Ticket System 

2. Breed Research: 

• Don't just fall for the cute face! Research different breeds to find one that matches your lifestyle and personality.  
• Consider factors like size, temperament and health. Understand the importance of being able to handle their grooming needs. Some dogs shed twice a year but for the entire time your house is full of their hair!  
• Remember, mixed-breed dogs often have fewer health problems than purebreds. 

3. Financial Commitment: 

• Owning a dog is expensive! They don’t only need to be fed, but they need to be trained from puppyhood. You need to be sure you’d be able to cope financially in an emergency.  
• You may need to hire a dog walker or doggie day care if you work long hours.  
• Can you afford pet insurance? This will help you cover some of the costs. 

READ MORE>>>Unleash the Joy of Giving this Christmas with a DogFest ticket! 

4. Time Commitment: 

• Are there enough people at home? Dogs are social creatures and love company. It’s cruel to leave a puppy alone for longer than an hour and adult dogs can find it hard to cope for longer than 4 – 6 hours.  
• Can you commit to daily walks, playtime, and training sessions? 

5. Training and Socialisation: 

• Socialisation is vital for puppies. You'll need to expose your dog to different people, animals, and environments for them to grow up happy.  
• All dogs need training. You’ll need to invest in obedience classes to teach your dog basic good manners. If you're a patient person you could search for kind doggie professionals online and train your dog yourself.  

Bonus Tip: Consider adopting a dog from a shelter or rescue organisation. Dogs Trust rehoming is the place to give a deserving animal a second chance. 

If you invite a dog into your family, bring them to DogFest where hundreds of doggies get to meet and greet each other.  Your new dog will have their best day out ever.  It’s also great place for you to get advice on how to be the best doggie paw-rent you can be.  

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