Q. Now that my children are all settled at school I find that I have started desperately wanting a dog. Would getting one be a mistake?

Carol Smillie

TV presenter and lifelong animal lover Carol Smillie lives in Glasgow with her husband and three children, Christie, 13, Robbie, 10, and Jodie, 8. They bought Jess, a female black labrador, last November. Carol and Robbie attended a puppy-training course this year. Carol supports the University of Glasgow's Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and in particular its efforts to raise funds for a Small Animal Hospital

“Meg, our previous dog, was 12 when she died last year, but I only really enjoyed the companionship she offered when my children were at school and I was home on my own. It wasn't just the companionship I enjoyed - having a dog, or a puppy as I do now, offers you the chance to meet other mums for a walk after the morning school run. You make friends and, if you walk at a brisk pace, it's really good for helping you keep fit. Walking Jess keeps me toned and healthy.

“If you're getting a puppy, I'd suggest you go to classes or read up on training. A puppy also means that you're going to have to take it for walk a few times a day, so at some point you will have to go out on your own, which can be lonely. And when winter arrives and the darker nights draw in, you'll need to make sure that you have somewhere safe to walk.

“Getting a dog shouldn't be a spur of the moment, emotional decision because you feel that the house is empty. If all you're looking for is a way to fill a few hours, why not chum up with someone who has a dog and go for walks with him or her, or volunteer to walk a dog while its owner is out to work? Then you get to give the dog back at the end of the day and find out if you really want one around all the time.”

Carol Smillie was talking to Laura Deeley

Emma Magnus

Emma Magnus is a clinical animal behaviourist and a member of the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors. She has a degree in zoology and a masters degree in applied animal behaviour and animal welfare. She worked with veterinary practices in East Anglia for 15 years and now runs puppy parties at a local veterinary practice to help to teach the basics of good behaviour. Emma is also the co-founder of the Rabbit Behaviour Advisory Group (www.rabbitbehaviour.co.uk). Her books include How to Have a Relaxed Rabbit (Pet Behaviour Centre, £3.50) and Teach Yourself: Keeping a Rabbit (Hodder Education, £9.99).

“Many people get a pet in an attempt to fill the gap their children leave and there can be enormous benefits. Any pet will provide children with a sense of responsibility and companionship, while helping them to develop trust, patience and self-control, and a dog will make sure that you get regular exercise.

“However, a dog can mean different things to different members of the family, so make sure that it is something that you all really want. All too often, families get a puppy in the belief that they will all enjoy it, but it can soon become a point of tension, particularly if there are any teething problems, such as the mess it can create or who will do the regular walking that it needs.

“If you do go ahead, think carefully about the kind of dog you buy. Though no single breed comes guaranteed as the perfect family pet, there are a few things you should be aware of when deciding what to get. First, I would advise strongly against an adult or rescue dog as they are more likely to display unwanted behaviours. It is vital that your dog is comfortable with people, particularly if there are young children in the house.

“I'd also suggest that you avoid large breeds; they are not suitable for younger children who may find a big dog intimidating. They are also more likely accidentally to knock over a child. ‘Working' breeds, such as collies and beagles, are also best avoided for families, as they often need more stimulation than a busy mother can provide in her daily life.

“A puppy is ideal as it can be trained and your children will bond with it quickly. But before you buy, bear in mind that its early environment - and the age at which you get it - can have a profound effect on its later response to social situations, such as meeting people and other dogs, as well as environmental stimuli, such as traffic and loud noises.

“My recommendation would be to get your puppy when it's about seven to eight weeks old from a breeder who is rearing the litter within a busy family home. This will mean that the puppy is used to children and the type of handling and noise that can mean.

“Once your puppy's vaccinations are complete at ten weeks, you can take it out for walks. But, before that, try to carry it with you when you visit public places, and invite people and their children to your home so that your new dog gets used to a busy environment. It is also wise to enrol on some puppy training classes, so that you can start working towards having control over your dog.”

For more information, log on to www.emmamagnus.co.uk

CHECK IT It's essential that you find a trainer. Try the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, www.apdt.co.uk

BUY IT A puppy crate can be helpful with training, gives a puppy its own space and prepares it for future travelling, www.ukdogcrate.co.uk , from £19.99

READ IT From training to chew toys, learn everything you need to know about your puppy. The Perfect Puppy, by Gwen Bailey (Hamlyn, £12.99), www.amazon.co.uk

NEXT WEEK

“I would like a dog, but one of my sons has asthma and the other has hay fever. Are there any pets we could keep without affecting them?”

Click here to read the column and watch the video for advice on pets and allergies.