The decision to bring a new dog into your life is a hugely significant one that requires careful thought and consideration. It’s not just about the cuddles and playtime; it’s about understanding the responsibilities and commitments involved. Here’s a friendly guide to help you navigate the journey of dog ownership, covering where to buy a dog, the costs involved, and essential checklists to get you ready.
Where to Buy a Dog
Reputable Breeders
Looking to buy a purebred puppy or adult dog? Reputable Dogs Australia and Dogs New Zealand registered breeders are your go-to. These breeders follow a code of ethics and conduct, and provide top-notch care for their dogs. Make sure they’re registered with a recognised Dogs Australia state body (like Dogs NSW or Dogs QLD) to avoid scammers. You can verify breeders on the Dogs Australia website using their name (prefix) and registration number. These breeders are experts in their breeds, and will give you all the details you need on health checks, DNA testing, and care tips.
Rescue Organisations and Groups
Rescue organisations or groups are fantastic for adopting a dog in need of a loving home. Many dogs in rescue groups and shelters are looking for a second chance and can make wonderful companions. Plus, some breed-specific rescues let you foster an adult dog or puppy before adopting. Just make sure the rescue is properly registered and try to research them and potentially visit them before committing.
Pet Stores
Buying a dog from pet shops can be convenient, offering immediate availability and interaction with the puppy. However, ethical concerns arise as many stores source from puppy farms, leading to potential health issues and lack of background information. Research the store, ask questions, and visit multiple times to ensure a healthy puppy. Also, be aware that it may be illegal in some states (like Victoria and Western Australia) to buy a dog from a pet store.
Online Platforms
Online platforms can be super convenient but come with risks. Stick to platforms that support legitimate, registered Dogs Australia and Dogs New Zealand breeders. Dogz Online is a trusted community of registered, reputable breeders. Be wary of other sites that might support backyard breeders, puppy farms or scams. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is!
If you decide to use another platform to find your dog, be aware that you have specific rights when it comes to buying a pet, and also consider the state requirements for a responsible breeder, rescue, or shelter when it comes to their requirements - like in South Australia with the DACO requirements.
How to Choose the Right Dog
Lifestyle
Think about your lifestyle, work, and living situation. How big is your home? How much time can you spend on training and exercise? Are you ready for the chaos of a puppy, or would a calm, older adult dog suit you better? These questions will help you find the perfect match.
Research different breeds
Got your heart set on a specific breed? Do your homework! Different breeds have different temperaments, energy levels, and care needs. Chat with breeders to find the best fit for your lifestyle and living arrangements.
You can also use Dogz Online's Filter's and Tools to narrow down your search with categories like Breed Group, Size, Coat Type, Breed Origin and more characteristics.
Meet the dog before buying
Meeting the dog before buying is ideal, if it’s possible. It helps you assess its temperament and compatibility with your family. It’s not always a red flag if a breeder isn’t able to meet you, as many good breeders often work with puppy buyers that are further away or interstate where it’s not feasible to meet up. However, most would be open to virtual meetings via video call to show you around, answer all your questions, and introduce you to your pup. Don’t be shy—ask lots of questions! Breeders love talking about their dogs.
Dog Shows & Groups
Most states and towns will host agricultural or dog shows where breeders get together to compete to win titles at a national level. This can be a fantastic way to have a fun day out, see the dogs in action and meet some breeders. There are also agility and scent shows that are open to the public too. Many breeds will have Facebook groups where you can see the dogs in action and chat with other owners and breeders.
Cost of owning a Dog
Initial Purchase Price
The initial purchase price is just the start. Purebred dogs range from $1500-$5000+, while rescues typically charge an adoption fee of $200-$1000+. These fees help rescues continue their work.
But remember, price isn't always a reflection of quality of a dog, you need to ensure that you're doing your research, asking your breeder the right questions, and get to know them. If you are paying for a dog, we encourage you to use Dogz Pay when submitting payments to your breeder - our safe and secure payment option on Dogz Online.
Ongoing Costs
You will find the main ongoing costs of new dog ownership you will need to budget for are:
- Food: usually a combination of good quality kibble and fresh food will range depending on the size of your dog. Small dogs would start at $100 per month and larger dogs up to $200-$300 per month on average.
- Vet: your dog will need second vaccinations, desexing and then an ongoing yearly check up to ensure it is healthy. A standard vet visit will average around the $100 mark not including vaccines and medications.
- Parasite control: all dogs require monthly treatment for fleas, ticks, intestinal worms and heartworm. Usually about $30 per month and heartworm can be a yearly cost as a vaccination at about $150.
- Bedding, toys etc: puppies love to chew so you may go through a few beds! Ensuring you buy good quality bedding and toys that will endure through the puppy stage is key and you can expect your initial outlay to be about $200-$300+ for this.
- Pet Insurance: always expect the unexpected! Your dog could become ill or have an accident at any time so pet insurance is key. Especially if you own a dog that might be predisposed to genetic conditions during their life that could involve animal hospital visits running into thousands of dollars. Good pet insurance that covers your pet will range in costs from $60 per month early in their life and go up incrementally as they age.
- Grooming: are you looking at purchasing a dog that needs to be groomed? Small dog grooming will start at about $80-$100 per groom with larger dogs getting up to over $150 per groom. Some dogs only require grooming a couple of times a year whilst others might need more regular grooming that you can’t do at home.
- Desexing: Desexing your dog is also important and will cost from $300-$600 depending on the sex of your dog and the type of desexing you opt for. Desexing your dog can help protect it from a range of diseases and unwanted pregnancies.
Unexpected Costs
Owning a dog can come with several unexpected costs. These can include emergency vet bills for accidents or sudden illnesses, which can be quite expensive if your pet is uninsured. Other unexpected expenses might be dental care, which is often overlooked but essential for your dog’s health. Additionally, costs for behavioural training, especially if your dog develops issues like anxiety or aggression, can add up. Lastly, travel-related expenses, such as boarding or pet-sitting, can be significant if you frequently travel. It’s important to budget for these potential costs to ensure your dog remains healthy and happy.
Puppy Checklist
Essential Items
Prepare for your new puppy by gathering essential items appropriate for their size, age and temperament such as:
- Bedding
- Food (Kibble And Wet Food)
- Training Treats
- Enrichment Toys
- Clothing (If Applicable)
- Food & Water Bowls
- Parasite Protection
- Grooming Tools (If Applicable)
- Dog/Puppy Shampoo
- Lead, Collar And Harness
- Name Tag With Your Contact Details
- Puppy Pads For Toilet Training
- Odour Neutraliser (For Those Inevitable Accidents!)
- Poop Bags
- Pet Insurance
By using Dogz Pay to pay for your dog on our platform, you also receive a free puppy pack with exclusive offers from our partners.
What you should receive from your breeder (health checks and documentation):
Your breeder should supply you with the following:
- Current Vaccination Certificate
- Record Of Parasite Protection
- Microchip Registry Details
- Information Booklet Inc Dietary Guide
- Pedigree Papers (Limited Or Mains Where Applicable)
Health Checks
Once you have taken delivery of your new puppy or adult dog, it is important to conduct your own health checks. Find a good local vet who can reassure you that your dog is the right size and weight for its age, has no visible health concerns (eyes, teeth, legs, snout etc), is up to date with vaccinations and they can scan the microchip to ensure it is valid. Meeting with your vet for the first time is also a great opportunity to ask any questions you have about the ongoing care and training of your dog.
Training and Socialisation needs
Before bringing a puppy or mature dog into your life, it’s crucial to consider how much time you have for training and socialisation. Training and socialisation are crucial for dogs at every stage of their life, whether they’re a puppy, mature dog or a rescue. Devoting time to this is vital for a well-behaved and happy dog. Here’s a breakdown of their needs:
Puppies
Training Needs:
- Toilet Training: Start as soon as you bring your puppy home. Consistency is key.
- Basic Commands: Teach commands like sit, stay, come, and down.
- Lead Training: Get them used to walking on a lead without pulling.
- Crate Training: Helps with house training and provides a safe space.
Socialisation Needs:
- Exposure to Different Environments: Introduce them to various places like parks, streets, and beaches.
- Meeting People: Introduce them to different people, including children and adults.
- Interacting with Other Dogs: Arrange safe interactions with well-behaved dogs to build confidence.
- Handling: Get them used to being touched and handled, which is important for vet visits and grooming.
Adult Dogs
Training Needs:
- Reinforce Basic Commands: Continue practising commands to ensure they remain well-behaved.
- Advanced Training: Teach more complex commands or tricks.
- Behavioural Training: Address any specific behavioural issues like jumping or barking.
Socialisation Needs:
- Regular Social Interaction: Keep them social by meeting other dogs and people regularly.
- New Experiences: Introduce them to new environments and activities to keep them mentally stimulated.
Rescue Dogs
Training Needs:
- Basic Commands: Start with basic commands if they haven’t been trained before.
- Behavioural Issues: Address any existing behavioural problems with patience and consistency.
- Trust Building: Focus on building trust and a strong bond with your rescue dog.
Socialisation Needs:
- Gradual Introduction: Introduce them to new environments and people slowly to avoid overwhelming them.
- Positive Reinforcement: Use positive reinforcement to encourage good behaviour and build confidence.
- Routine and Consistency: Establish a routine to help them feel secure and comfortable.
General Tips
- Patience and Consistency: Training and socialisation take time, so be patient and consistent.
- Positive Reinforcement: Reward good behaviour with treats, praise, and affection.
- Professional Help: Consider enrolling in training classes or seeking help from a professional trainer if needed.
By focusing on these training and socialisation needs, you can ensure your dog grows up to be a well-behaved and happy companion, whether they’re a puppy, adult dog or a rescue.
Healthy Dog Checklist
Regular Vet Visits
Regular vet visits are essential for your dog’s overall health. Vets will administer yearly vaccinations, provide health and training advice, and be there for your dog’s lifetime. Finding a good vet nearby for emergencies is also critical. An annual check-up ensures your dog is hitting all the milestones for a long, happy life.
Balanced Diet
Provide a balanced diet tailored to your dog’s age, size, and activity level. Your breeder can give you information on the right food and often a sample to take home. Never change your dog’s diet suddenly and consult your breeder or vet for dietary recommendations.
Exercise and Mental Stimulation
A regularly exercised dog with age-appropriate mental stimulation is a happy dog. Walks and runs in different environments like streets, parks, or beaches provide variety. Devote time to lead training and off-lead training to ensure you can recall your dog and prevent behavioural issues like fear, aggression, or anxiety. At home, lick mats, puzzle toys, and chew toys will keep them occupied for hours. Always supervise their time with such toys, especially when they’re young.
Preventative Care
Preventative parasite care, including flea and tick treatment and dental care, is crucial for your dog’s well-being. Monthly flea, tick, and intestinal worm treatment, heartworm treatment, and dental chews are a must.
Buying a Dog Without Pedigree Papers
Buying a dog without pedigree papers can come with risks like health issues and unknown breed history. Be cautious and do thorough research. Ensure you understand the importance of pedigree papers and mitigate your risk by buying from a registered Dogs Australia breeder and asking for health clearances and background information on the dog and its pedigree lines.
Conclusion
Buying a dog is a significant commitment that requires careful consideration and preparation. By making informed decisions and following these guidelines, you can ensure a happy and healthy life for your new pet. Trust Dogz Online, Australia and New Zealand's largest purebred dog community, when buying a puppy or adult dog.
You can also read some FAQs below that we often get asked from new puppy searchers!
FAQs for prospective dog parents
Where to Buy a Dog in Australia and New Zealand
You can find dogs from reputable breeders and rescue shelters in both countries. Here are some options:
Dogz Online: A trusted community of registered breeders in Australia and New Zealand. They offer a variety of pedigree, purebred puppies and older dogs.
Dogs Australia: formerly known as the Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC), is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to the preservation of purebred dogs through ethical breeding practices.
Dogs NZ: formerly known as the New Zealand Kennel Club, and has all NZ pedigree dog breeder information.
How Much Does It Cost to Own a Pet in Australia?
Owning a pet in Australia can be a significant financial commitment. Here's a breakdown:
- First Year Costs: Between $3,000 and $6,000
- Annual Costs: Around $3,218 for a dog and $1,715 for a cat
- Ongoing Expenses: Include food, vet visits, grooming, pet insurance, and more
Considerations When Buying a Dog Without Papers in Australia
Buying a dog without pedigree papers can be risky. Here are some things to consider:
- Health Issues: Without papers, you can't trace the dog's lineage, which may hide health issues
- Verification: Ensure the dog is healthy and has been screened for common breed diseases when applicable.
- Intentions: If you plan to show or compete with your dog, papers are required
Puppy Checklist
Here's a handy checklist for bringing a new puppy home:
- Bedding
- Food (Kibble And Wet Food)
- Training Treats
- Enrichment Toys
- Clothing (If Applicable)
- Food & Water Bowls
- Parasite Protection
- Grooming Tools (If Applicable)
- Dog/Puppy Shampoo
- Lead, Collar And Harness
- Name Tag With Your Contact Details
- Puppy Pads For Toilet Training
- Odour Neutraliser (For Those Inevitable Accidents!)
- Poop Bags
Ensuring Your Pet Stays Healthy
To keep your pet healthy, follow these tips:
- Regular Vet Visits: Ensure your pet is up to date with vaccinations and check-ups.
- Balanced Diet: Provide a diet tailored to your pet's age, size, and activity level
- Exercise and Mental Stimulation: Regular walks, playtime, and mental challenges are essential
- Preventative Care: Use monthly treatments for fleas, ticks, and worms
- Monitor Health: Keep an eye on any changes in behaviour or health and consult your vet when needed
