'I'm a dog trainer and many people don't realise harsh reality of getting puppy'

A professional dog trainer has shared the "harsh reality" of getting a puppy, urging people to consider an important, life-changing factor before adopting one. Getting a dog can bring people great joy, with their deep love, affection and loyalty to their owners making them a positive force in many people's lives.

Dogs are a firm favourite choice of pet across the globe, with millions of people eager to welcome a four-legged companion into their home and family. However, owning a dog is a significant commitment and not a decision to be taken lightly. This is a cause of concern for canine behaviourist Will Atherton who, on an almost daily basis, has to work with young dogs who've been sent to rescue centres or shelters because their owners underestimated the seriousness of their decision to get a puppy - particularly given the brief nature of the puppy phase.

The expert often shares training tips and advice on social media, drawing from his years of professional experience working with a wide variety of dog breeds.

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Recently, he posted a video on Instagram discussing the reality of getting a puppy and the broader implications of bringing a puppy into your home.

He explained: "If you're thinking about getting a puppy, you're probably really excited about getting a puppy but the reality is, is that you're not getting a puppy.

"Even if you're getting an eight week old puppy, what you're actually getting is a fully grown dog for, most likely, 10 plus years.

"That puppy stage is just a stage - a very small stage, and it goes by incredibly quickly and what you're left with is a full grown, adult dog.

"If that idea doesn't excite you as much as the idea of having a puppy excites you, I guarantee you're setting both you and them up for failure."

He added: "I work with dogs every single day who've been stuck in a rescue centre and they started in the rescue centre once that cuteness of a puppy wore off."

Will stated in many cases, once the "novelty of a puppy wore off" and owners were left with a dog in the "teenage stage" who's typically the "size of an adult dog" but may display "problem behaviours", they're often surrendered to a rescue centre.

The expert emphasised: "If you're not excited about owning a fully grown dog, you shouldn't be getting a puppy in the first place."

Dogs bring about a major lifestyle change so before getting one, it's important to do your research.

It's also worth bearing in mind that training is essential, and not all dogs are suitable for first time owners.

If you're looking to welcome a dog into your home, consider the benefits of adopting a puppy or dog from a charity or local shelter instead of shopping from a breeder.