Are you ready to buy a puppy?

Find out with this simple test!

Before you buy a puppy, take a moment to think about the reasons you want a dog and whether now is the right time to invite a dog into your life.

It's really a big step. That little pup will be relying on you for its health, happiness and care - that could be as long as 15 years or more. People sometimes find it hard when they buy dogs to think about what really owning a dog means.

So find out whether you are ready for that big step and take our quick and easy test! It's free, it's simple and it's quick.

Answer these 8 simple questions to help you decide whether you're ready to buy a puppy.

Just select one answer under each of the questions below, then see what your score is!

If you get a high score, congratulations! You're ready to purchase a pup and become a responsible pet owner.

1. Why do you want to buy a puppy?

To guard the house.

For company and to share walks, games and cuddles, or to go jogging with me.

To breed (I love puppies! I might even make a little money!).

2. Who will look after your puppy?

I will. It will be my dog and my responsibility.

My parents. I'm a bit young to look after a dog.

The children. I'm buying a puppy so they learn how to look after an animal.

3. How is your house owned?

I own it (or I'm paying it off), or I rent on a long-term lease.

I rent on a short-term lease at the moment.

I live in a block with body corporate arrangements.

4. How long will your puppy be left alone?

I don't spend a lot of time at home. I work long hours and I go away at weekends a lot too.

He will be alone all day while I'm at work but I'm usually home in the evenings and on weekends.

I'm not home much myself but my housekeeper/neighbour/handyman is usually around.

5. What does it take to keep a dog healthy?

Food and water.

Food, water, exercise, training and basic vet care (vaccinations and worming).

Food, water, exercise, training, basic vet care, desexing and any emergency care, such as surgery.

6. What will you do with your dog when you want to go on holiday?

Leave him in the yard with food and water. He'll be fine for a few days.

Find a good boarding kennel or a minder.

One of my friends/family members will probably look after him.

7. How much grooming do you have time to do?

None really. But I'll get a short-haired dog so I don't have to do any.

Not much. I'll get a poodle or poodle-cross - they're easy to groom.

As much as it takes! It's one of the things I'll consider carefully when choosing the breed of dog.

8. How much training will you give your puppy?

I think I'll take him to obedience classes. I'd like a well-behaved dog.

Not much. I'll get a quiet sort of dog that doesn't need much training.

The basics: to sit and come when he's called. I think I can train him myself.

Score = out of 8 correct.

If you scored 8 out of 8, congratulations! You're ready to find out where you should go to buy puppies.

If you scored 6 or 7 out of 8, you're probably ready to buy that pup. Just check out the answers to make sure you feel comfortable about taking the next step.

If you scored 5 or less out of 8, you might need to do some thinking about whether you're ready to commit to owning a puppy. Check out the answers and think about what you might need to change about your lifestyle or attitudes before you buy a puppy.

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