Owning a Wheaten

The positive side of sharing your home and life with a dog will depend largely upon your attitude. If you treat a dog firmly, but with kindness and respect, he will give you a lifetime of devotion. He will introduce you to many new friends as you go on your walks together. He will make getting up in the morning bearable because of the greeting he gives you and you will never come home to an empty house. Even grooming him can be therapeutic at the end of a tiresome day. The love and companionship of a well trained
dog is priceless.

However, having a dog is a lot of extra     work and responsibility. It isn't easy. You                   must be prepared to put time and effort into                   training from the day you get  him. Whenever                  someone comes to the house he will bark, and, if you have a Wheaten, engage in lots of loony leaps and other antics - not all visitors will like it. Whatever the weather, no matter how tired you feel, you must take him for walks at least twice a day and be able to turn a blind eye to the dirt he brings in. The doors and walls will get dirty at dog level where he rubs against them and he will need regular grooming.

Remember you can't do things on impulse which don't include the dog, such as staying overnight with friends after a dinner party because you've had one over the odds to drink. Also, unless you can overcome feelings of guilt and put him in kennels; an additional expense, you must get used to holidays within the UK so that he can go with you.

Vet's fees can be a nightmare although insurance schemes are available and, as you are taking on a responsibility which will last anything between 10 and 15 years, you need to be prepared for both the emotional and financial commitment.