Diet
Complete dog food with measured portions and careful treat control
Dogs
Dogs care
Dogs thrive on routine, social contact, training, suitable exercise and food matched to their life stage.
Change pet
Dogs selected. Switch group or choose a specific pet.
Lifespan
10-14 years, depending on breed and health
Typical costs
GBP 80-GBP 180 per month before insurance or unexpected veterinary care
Space
A secure home base, safe sleeping area and regular outdoor access
Care basics
What to get right first.
Housing
Comfortable bed away from draughts with access to water
Social needs
High. Most dogs need daily companionship and positive training
Exercise
Daily walks, play and mental enrichment matched to age and breed
Cleaning
Regular bedding washes, grooming and dental care
Handling
Use reward-led handling and build comfort with grooming from an early stage.
Common health concerns
- Dental disease
- Obesity
- Joint strain
- Skin irritation
Often misunderstood
- Choosing equipment by looks only
- Overfeeding treats
- Skipping training foundations
Related information
Care guides
Expert reviewed
Your first month with a new dog
A calm, structured plan for food transitions, walks, training and settling in.
9 min readReviewed 5 July 2026
Read guide