DH agreed to a pup after christmas - talk me through the basics, please!

[EddieVeddersfoxymop]

DH has agreed that after christmas we can get a whippet puppy! It's taken us over a year to discuss it, think about it, think about it some more and now we have a plan I cant help by being overwhelmed at what we need to know.

We have 2 cats that are elderly, so on the advice of our vet and local greyhound rescue we have decided a pup would be easier to intergrate and not such a threat to the cats. Anyone done this and could pass on any tips?

We have never had a dog before (as a couple, although both of us had dogs as children) so we need someone to talk us through the basics - what do we need, when can they go for a walk, feeding etc. We know that neutering/vaccinations/worming and de fleaing will all be along the lines of our cats ie all necessary and done regularly - we plan to take out a monthly policy with our fantastic vet for all these in addition to insuring said pup with the same company as we use for our cats.

So, where do we start planning all this? Any advice would be just grand!! DH wants us to come up with a plan of action so we are ready and prepared to puppy hunt in the new year

When you've picked your pup from the litter you can start getting your lead's, collars and beds
For a whippet you will need a Lurcher type collar as they put less strain on their necks
Same with most things really you cant stock up on food until you know what the breeder will be starting them on as a sudden change can cause health problems so change it gradually if you don't want them on that make
If your going to get a puppy plan from your vet they should provide you with all you flea and worming treatment as well as vaccinations wich i sa great saver

With Puppy hunting in the new year depending on whether you want a specific dog eg fawn male and Kennel Club registered or will pick one from the first litter you see you may want to contact breeding kennels (if going KC Reg) as they may have long waiting list's or no litters planned

most importantly meet the parents if mum isn't present when you view the litter for any reason the breeder thinks up don't risk it she could pass on bad behavioral traits to the pups, eg aggressive, be part of a puppy farm or be neglected and in bad condition

and enjoy the dog xxxx

Thank you! We've had a look at the Kennel club website and did the "my kennel club" thingy - what's the benefit of the pup being KC reg?

My DD is so excited, we want to start a little box of pup things to make it real for her just now...thinking of getting a bed, toys, bowls etc over the next few months.

What's the general consensus on crate training? Think we'd like to do that so that cats can sleep in the kitchen (they're indoors at night) and pup can sleep elsewhere........

And there's the small matter of my car. Not sure a Mini will be big enough!

You'll get mixed opinions on crate training on here but for me, as a first time dog owner, I found it helped enormously. My pup did come already crate trained though so I was lucky, and she settled down from the first night without any difficulties. She loved her crate for a long time but one day decided she didn't want to use it any more. And I put it away.

As someone who had two 17 year old cats when I got my puppy, I would just say be very aware that your new puppy will try to chase and play with (hunt) them, especially if your pup has a high prey drive. It's vital the cats' space is respected and they aren't made miserable. It's not unknown for cats to leave home when a new puppy moves in. Having said that my male cat and the puppy became best of friends and would sleep curled up together (unfortunately male cat had to be put to sleep a year ago) but I still have the female, and although she's not keen on the dog, we manage to accommodate both happily.

Leave it until the spring! You'll be going outside every 15mins in the beginning for toilet training, much nicer to do it in the warm(ish) weather rather than January/February.

Also, look on sites like Lurcher Link and Evesham Rescue as they may have whippet or whippet x puppies coming into rescue for all kinds of reasons.

I also think a crate is a must with a puppy. I'm using it with my year old foster dog, just so I know she's not creating mayhem by chewing, jumping and damaging things or herself, so I can't see how you'd cope with a puppy not in a crate!