The true cost of a part-trained puppy

As more owners seek to buy a dog with the basics already in place, Ellena Swift investigates the work that goes in behind the scenes

- Ellena Swift

As always, puppy prices continue to fluctuate massively. Currently, prices are on the slide, with even rare breeds selling for much less than they did during lockdown. The harsh reality is that during and after Covid, the dog market was saturated and everyone seemed to breed. What this meant was there were a lot of ‘average’ dogs bred. Dogs with no particular thought going into temperament, health checks or working ability. I am seeing a lot of clients with young dogs that are unsuitable for the home and lifestyle they are providing and for the job they want them to do.

Many people will certainly stick with these young dogs and persist. However, I believe a lot will sadly end up in rescue or being moved on. I have written before how I find it strange that every single person assumes they would make a good dog trainer and suitable dog owner. If I asked a group of people if they think they would be good at riding to hounds or waterskiing, most would say “I don’t know” or “probably not” — and that would be the reality. They would undoubtedly make mistakes, fall a lot and take years to get any good. There would be an extremely small number that would be naturally skilled.

But, for some reason, this is not how people look at dog training. Most look at it as something they can be an expert in by doing an online course or watching a few videos online. As most of us know and see, a lot struggle.

A different approach