A Different Dog offers an innovative selection of services to support you
in choosing your perfect puppy. Mix and Match from the options shown below.
in choosing your perfect puppy. Mix and Match from the options shown below.
Thinking of getting a new puppy? How exciting! You’d think it would be easy to choose a pet dog but there are so many different factors to consider and such a lot of conflicting advice out there that it can be a bit of a minefield.
Should I just go for the breed that my friend has? Does it matter how big my house or garden is? Are some dogs happier than others to be left alone for periods of time? How do I choose a good breeder? What does the breed description really mean (and it is true/ typical)? How can I possibly pick one puppy from the gorgeous bundles of fluff in front of me? How do I check for health issues? How much exercise will a dog need and how much can I realistically offer? What dog would be best to have living alongside my young children? What sort of dog would be happy living in the city with me?
Unfortunately, getting it wrong can result in much bigger issues than a bit of puppy-envy! Every day, dogs are given up to shelters to be re-homed, not because they are ‘bad’ dogs but just because they were simply not a good 'fit' for their well-meaning owners. Whilst there is no such thing as a ‘perfect’ dog (just as with humans!) and there can be no cast-iron guarantees as to how your puppy will turn out, you can significantly increase the probability of a really successful dog-human partnership by ensuring that both ‘nature’ and ‘nurture’ are taken care of in both the selection and upbringing of your puppy.
As a degree-level qualified Behaviourist, A Different Dog can help. We will take our time to work out what you really want from your dog and what you are realistically able to offer in terms of meeting a dog's needs. We then use our knowledge and understanding of dog breeds and types, genetic character traits, health considerations, lineage/ parentage, grooming and exercise requirements, early environmental influences, and specific puppy personality differences to help find the right puppy for you.
Should I just go for the breed that my friend has? Does it matter how big my house or garden is? Are some dogs happier than others to be left alone for periods of time? How do I choose a good breeder? What does the breed description really mean (and it is true/ typical)? How can I possibly pick one puppy from the gorgeous bundles of fluff in front of me? How do I check for health issues? How much exercise will a dog need and how much can I realistically offer? What dog would be best to have living alongside my young children? What sort of dog would be happy living in the city with me?
Unfortunately, getting it wrong can result in much bigger issues than a bit of puppy-envy! Every day, dogs are given up to shelters to be re-homed, not because they are ‘bad’ dogs but just because they were simply not a good 'fit' for their well-meaning owners. Whilst there is no such thing as a ‘perfect’ dog (just as with humans!) and there can be no cast-iron guarantees as to how your puppy will turn out, you can significantly increase the probability of a really successful dog-human partnership by ensuring that both ‘nature’ and ‘nurture’ are taken care of in both the selection and upbringing of your puppy.
As a degree-level qualified Behaviourist, A Different Dog can help. We will take our time to work out what you really want from your dog and what you are realistically able to offer in terms of meeting a dog's needs. We then use our knowledge and understanding of dog breeds and types, genetic character traits, health considerations, lineage/ parentage, grooming and exercise requirements, early environmental influences, and specific puppy personality differences to help find the right puppy for you.
Puppy PairingWe get to know you and what you want from your new companion in order to suggest the right breed of puppy to suit your personality and lifestyle.
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Puppy PinpointWe search for suitable breeders, ensuring that those shortlisted are responsible and ethical for the best possible start in your pup's life.
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Puppy PickerWe can help you work with the breeder to choose a puppy from the litter and we will check everything else is in order while we are there.
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Full PackageTake advantage of our special offer: get all of the Puppy Match services together for only £500* (this is a saving of £50).
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PRAISE FOR OUR PUPPY MATCH SERVICE
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Gretta’s advice with Puppy Match was insightful, thorough and absolutely invaluable.
She undoubtedly helped us choose the right puppy for our lifestyle and personalities.
The result is Albert: our well-trained, confident, relaxed, friendly, lovable puppy.
We unreservedly support this fantastic service and
will always be grateful for Gretta's tremendous support!
She undoubtedly helped us choose the right puppy for our lifestyle and personalities.
The result is Albert: our well-trained, confident, relaxed, friendly, lovable puppy.
We unreservedly support this fantastic service and
will always be grateful for Gretta's tremendous support!
Jennifer and Caroline
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I can't thank Gretta enough for the excellent service I have received from Day 1 with Puppy Match. My request wasn't just to help me find a puppy for my family at home, but also to find a puppy that would be suitable to become our School Dog! We are very excited to introduce our puppy Milo to our family (and over 250 children at Westfield Primary School and Nursery)! I would not hesitate to recommend Puppy Match.
Suzanne
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This is how people should be selecting puppies!
It gives me a certain comfort in the knowledge that the new owner has sought professional guidance to choose a suitable breed and reputable breeder; anything that can be done to prevent indiscriminate breeding is a good thing.
It gives me a certain comfort in the knowledge that the new owner has sought professional guidance to choose a suitable breed and reputable breeder; anything that can be done to prevent indiscriminate breeding is a good thing.
Breeder
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I just wanted to let you know that the breeder you recommended to us was wonderful.
Our new puppy, Teddy, has been with us for a week now and is lovely. Thank you for all your help.
Our new puppy, Teddy, has been with us for a week now and is lovely. Thank you for all your help.
Maggie
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I just wanted to say a most heartfelt thank you for guiding us through this journey.
We have so valued your knowledge, expertise and consummate professionalism in choosing a breed, litter and pup... it just feels so right having arrived at this point.
We next look forward to embracing the training with A Different Dog!
We have so valued your knowledge, expertise and consummate professionalism in choosing a breed, litter and pup... it just feels so right having arrived at this point.
We next look forward to embracing the training with A Different Dog!
Emma
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I've chosen my puppy.... what next?
Of course, choosing the ‘perfect’ puppy for you is just the first step!
Your responsibility when you bring your new puppy home is to ensure that you build on these
good foundations through socialisation, positive training, mental stimulation, clear communication,
boundaries and guidance so that your relationship with your dog is a happy one for many years to come.
Why not combine Puppy Match with A Different Dog’s great value ‘New Puppy Package’ of three home visits
(one before bringing puppy home, the second within a week of collecting your puppy
and the third a few weeks after that) to really set yourself up for success?
Your responsibility when you bring your new puppy home is to ensure that you build on these
good foundations through socialisation, positive training, mental stimulation, clear communication,
boundaries and guidance so that your relationship with your dog is a happy one for many years to come.
Why not combine Puppy Match with A Different Dog’s great value ‘New Puppy Package’ of three home visits
(one before bringing puppy home, the second within a week of collecting your puppy
and the third a few weeks after that) to really set yourself up for success?
GOOD TO KNOW
Travel expenses are payable for visits further than 5 miles (each way) from our base in St Albans:
miles 1 - 5 of journey (each way) = no charge
miles 6 - 20 of journey (each way) = £1/ mile
miles 21 + of journey (each way) = by negotiation
miles 1 - 5 of journey (each way) = no charge
miles 6 - 20 of journey (each way) = £1/ mile
miles 21 + of journey (each way) = by negotiation