Episode 1 Choose the Right Puppy for You

Every year, across the length and breadth of Britain,

more than 700,000 puppies are welcomed home

by their excited new owners.

With over 200 breeds to choose from,

how do you know which one is the right one for you?

Big, small, hairy, energetic - which breed would you choose?

Ruby!

Every year, over 120,000 dogs need to be re-homed,

so choosing the right one couldn't be more important

for you or the dog...

Sam, no!

Oh, no, no. I couldn't walk out with that one.

..so we're following five very different families as they set out

on this extraordinary journey.

Going to get stuck!

-Stinky! Blurgh!

-LAUGHTER

-Dog behaviourist Louise Glazebrook...

-Archie!

..is on hand to guide our families through this difficult decision.

I probably wouldn't have suggested a Maltese for you, as a family.

-You don't want to be doing that work.

-No.

He's not necessarily equipped for it. Where do we end up?

In a unique trial,

they'll experience different breeds before they commit.

I think I've been poodle-ised.

I would like something that's a bit more manly.

'Drawing on the latest scientific research from around the world,

'and teaming up with the UK's leading dog experts,

'tonight, we'll find out which breeds are the most energetic...'

-So, little legs equate to needing less exercise?

-No.

Oh!

'..which shed the most...'

You've got a slightly hairy chest, to be sure, if I may.

'..and how much do they cost?'

Just over £3,700. DOG WHINES

'Our families will face tough choices...'

And I'm not just buying something just because it looks cute.

I just desperately want to get a puppy.

'..before they finally bring the puppy home.'

I feel like I'm in a dream.

But will they get it right?

Have we bitten off more than we can chew?

This is the ultimate guide to choosing the right puppy for you.

Over a third of dog owners made their choice based on

previous experience,

according to the PDSA's Animal Wellbeing Report.

But what if you've never owned a dog before?

The Hope family from High Wycombe are about to embark on

puppy ownership for the very first time.

We've seen other people with dogs, but we've...

I've never owned a dog in my life

and Katie's never owned a dog in her life.

I wouldn't say we're completely clueless.

We're quite green to the whole thing.

Novices.

They want a puppy to fit into family life...

Our house is certainly a madhouse.

GIRL SQUEALS

..but when it comes to breed, they all have very different ideas.

I want a Dalmatian.

Daddy wants a Chihuahua.

Daddy does not want a Chihuahua.

I think we're quite impulsive as people.

We generally make a decision and then go with it,

which usually works out OK.

But before they jump in feet-first, they're seeking some advice.

Can we sit? Sit.

Behaviourist and trainer Louise Glazebrook has worked with

thousands of dogs and their owners.

-Archie! Come on.

-SHE WHISTLES

Good lad!

For the last seven years, she's been successfully matching

families with the right puppy for them.

For me, it's about choosing the right dog for the right lifestyle.

I want to find out what they want from a dog,

because that's what's really important

and that's what enables me to match them with the right breed.

Louise has a tried-and-tested strategy,

and it starts with getting to know the family.

What I want to find out is, what is the purpose of the dog

that you're going to bring into your family situation at this time?

If we've had a bad day, we can...

It can help us calm down and things like that,

and if the girls are jumping off the walls, actually,

-them just calming and sitting and stroking it for a while...

-OK.

..and actually calm them.

I think about muddy walking boots

and being in a pub with an open fire

-and a knackered dog at your feet.

-OK. OK.

I'm happy to meet him at the pub.

But that's good to know.

So, in your mind,

do you have particular breeds that you would really like?

I personally want a dog that's just a tail at one end

and a mouth at the other end.

Like most first-time dog owners, they've got a little bit

of a romantic view about what this could be, but I think they

now need to spend some time thinking and understanding what they really

want from a dog, because this is going to be a 10-15 year commitment.

It has to be right. They have to do this properly.

So, my next stage is that I'm going to arrange for

three young dogs to come round and meet you,

that are quite different in terms of size, energy levels,

the way that they feel, the way that they look,

and you're going to hang out with them for a little bit.

-KATIE GIGGLES

-Great.

Tristan doesn't sound too convinced,

but Louise is giving them a unique opportunity.

For me, it's now about them actually handling dogs, so what do they like?

What do they dislike?

And what are the traits of dogs that they really like?

I am very excited. I don't know what we're going to get.

-It's going to be great.

-SHE GIGGLES

The Hopes will spend a couple of hours with three different breeds.

The first one is a cockapoo.

They're energetic. They can be bouncy but lots of fun.

Half poodle, half cocker spaniel,

these dogs can vary in size and colour.

As they're generally willing to learn,

Louise believes they're a good choice for young families.

-PUPPY SQUEAKS

-Sam!

-Eight-month-old Sam seems to be

making a good first impression...

-Isn't he gorgeous? Sam!

-Sam!

-Sam!

No!

..on some of the family, at least.

Oh, I think he likes that, doesn't he?

The cockapoo is one of the oldest so-called "designer crossbreeds",

dating back to the 1950s in the US.

-Oh, he's ready to go, isn't he?

-He is ready to go. This way.

Just let him off. Sam!

-Sam! Sam!

-Sam!

-TRISTAN WHISTLES

-He's going in the wrong direction.

-Sam!

-Grab the lead, please, Katie.

Oh, crikey.

Sam!

Do you think he's had enough exercise for today?

-I think I have.

-Right.

But before they get home,

Sam has one final lesson in dog ownership for the Hope family.

Right, girls, who's doing this?

-Me! Me!

-Oh, no...

-TRISTAN LAUGHS

-What's this dog been eating?

-GIRL SHRIEKS

-It stinks!

The second one is a whippet, who are brilliant family dogs.

They're quite calm.

They like to do some exercise and they like to chill out,

but what they won't want is lots of kids jumping everywhere.

So, what will the Hopes make of 13-month-old Coco?

She's very pretty, isn't she?

See, that scared her, didn't it?

So, do you see how careful and slow you've got to be, yeah?

Although whippets are affectionate with their owners,

they can be shy with strangers.

They also have a high chase drive, which can be challenging

if you have a cat or any other small, furry pet.

-Coco.

-Coco.

-Yeah.

-Coco!

No, not me.

-Coco's off.

-Coco!

Looks like the Hopes are not for her,

but Louise has one final dog for them to try.

I've lined up a shih-tzu, which is on the smaller side,

a brilliant family pet, and actually they're a breed that really

love training and they really love being taught things to do.

Bred as companion dogs,

shih-tzus thrive on human company.

They require daily grooming and because of their shortened muzzle,

some have a tendency to snore.

But what will the Hopes think of five-month-old Luna?

-Sit.

-Sit!

Can you give me a paw? Good girl.

She likes that, doesn't she?

THEY GIGGLE

Come on. Come on.

Come on, Luna.

-TRISTAN LAUGHS

-Have you had enough already?

We've not gone far enough.

-Come on.

-Come on. Come on, Luna.

I think I would like something that's a bit more...

manly.

Louise's plan was to make the Hopes think about what

they really want from a dog.

Has it worked?

-It is an eye-opener for me for how different each breed is.

-Mm-hmm.

Out of the three of them, the cockapoo, like, Sam...

-Bouncier.

-Bouncier. He was more active.

A more friendlier one.

But I still think that I'd quite like something a bit, like,

a slightly bigger dog.

To me, it does really feel like a family decision

and I think that a dog in their household could be

a brilliant addition if we get it right.

As first-time owners, there's a lot the Hopes need to consider,

not least how much it's all going to cost them.

According to Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, one of the most common

reasons for giving up a dog is no longer being able to afford it,

so, before making your choice, how much do the different breeds cost?

Now, your new dog is going to need a collar and a lead and a bed,

and that's just for starters.

It's then going to need food.

You might want toys and treats to help with training.

Add in pet insurance, medical bills and medicines,

and the costs soon mount up.

But how much do they vary from breed to breed?

Sit tight - you're about to find out.

I'm setting a challenge for three dog owners.

Chloe and her pug Floyd are representing the toy breeds group.

Dave and his Great Dane Danny are flying the flag

for the giant breeds.

Finally, Kiefan and his golden retriever Flash

are here for the large breeds -

a group that also includes some of Britain's most popular dogs,

like the Labrador and German shepherd.

They're about to undertake a mammoth shopping trip,

to find out exactly how much their dogs cost them.

DOG GROWLS

First of all, Dave, how much do you think it costs to keep Danny a year?

With insurance, £2,000-£2,500.

OK, that's quite a... quite a hefty amount.

And what about our lovely Floydie?

I'd have absolutely no idea.

-Really? None at all, Chloe?

-No, none at all.

-None at all?

Kiefan, what about Flash?

It can't be any more than a grand at most.

OK, well, what I'm going to do is give you each an envelope,

and in here is your shopping list for a year.

The PDSA has conducted extensive research into the cost

of owning different breeds of dog.

Our shopping lists cover everything these three dogs would need

in the first year of their lives.

Oh, treats.

96 packs of treats.

It says I need 12 toothbrushes.

Insurance is a hefty whack,

at over £140 a year for a toy breed like Floyd,

£220 for large Flash,

and a whopping £532 for Danny the giant.

And don't forget the dog food.

I can't believe quite how much there is already

and we haven't even finished.

12.

24.

In fact, a large dog like Flash needs 164 kilos altogether

and for Danny, I think we're going to need a bigger trolley.

230 kilos.

The PDSA has correlated the average cost of all these items

for each dog.

So, time to find out what it really all adds up to.

Well, how are you all feeling?

That was quite a shopping trip, wasn't it?

So, Chloe, let's start with you,

-cos you had no idea what it cost to feed Floyd...

-No.

-..or look after Floyd for a year, did you?

-No. No, not at all.

-Now that you've got your two trolleys full here...

-Yes.

..any guesses you'd like to make?

Way over £1,000, definitely.

It is over £1,000.

-It's actually over £1,600 a year.

-Oh, my God.

-Does that shock you?

-Yeah, definitely.

I'm sure he's worth every penny.

-Oh, every single one.

-Of course he is.

-And, Kiefan, you guessed about £1,000.

-Yeah.

Are you thinking that you were fairly spot on with that guess?

Erm, not any more.

-Well, I'm going to tell you that you were wrong by £1,500.

-Oh, no.

It costs you £2,500.

In fact, just a little bit over £2,500,

to look after Flash properly, a year.

Yeah, that's quite a lot.

It is quite a lot.

-So, Dave, there's nothing left in the store.

-No.

-Is there?

-No, there's not.

-You've emptied the whole thing.

You guessed around £2,000 for Danny.

Again, now that you've got everything here in front of you,

how accurate do you think your guess is?

Probably a fair bit out.

You're looking at just over £3,700.

OK.

So that's for one year.

Can you imagine what it is over a lifetime?

A pug like Floyd could live to around 15 years

and will cost £20,000.

A retriever like Flash will live for around 11 years,

costing £27,000 in total.

A Great Dane like Danny will live for around eight years,

but he'll set his owner back a staggering

£30,000 in his lifetime.

-I still love you.

-KATE LAUGHS

It's a jolly good job you do.

DANNY GROWLS

While they may not be easy on the pocket,

the benefits of owning a dog are many.

PUPPIES SQUEAK In fact, over the last 20 years,

research from around the world has consistently shown that

dogs make us more active, healthier and more sociable.

95% of dog owners say their pet makes them happy,

so perhaps it's no wonder that, once you've had a dog,

it's almost impossible to live without one.

Karen and Kim Corfield live just a stone's throw from the beach

in Lytham St Annes.

Well, you couldn't ask for better than that for puppies, could you?

Absolutely gorgeous.

We've been married, what?

-We just had our seventh anniversary...

-Seven years.

..about two weeks ago, was it?

Yeah, and we're 60 going on 16.

Yeah, both of us. Both of us.

A few months ago, Karen and Kim's beloved dog,

a cavachon called Eddie, died.

-SHE SOBS

-Look at this one!

-He was a part of us...

-Yeah.

..and there's such a space now

and, well, you couldn't replace that, could you?

No. No.

Because I have never had children,

all the mothering instincts that I have go into my pets.

You probably think that I'm a little bit over the top,

but I think you've got to kind of walk a mile in my shoes

to get it fully.

And now Karen and Kim simply can't live without a four-legged friend.

Oh, how old is he?

-13 months.

-Oh, he's only a baby, then.

Aw...

I'm sure that, over the last couple of months,

-I've been a real nuisance to the dog owners of St Annes.

-The local...

-Oh, boy, you are so like my baby. It's untrue!

-Yeah.

I'm all over them. "Do you mind if I stroke your dog?

"Can I just pick it up for a minute or two?"

-I'm just hijacking everybody with a dog, aren't I?

-Mmm.

Especially if they've got the cute factor.

So, to save the dogs of St Annes,

it's time for Karen and Kim to get one of their own -

at least one.

I came home one day with a bright idea that we should have two dogs.

It'll be fun - two puppies, running, jumping, playing and...

-Whatever you think.

-Yeah.

-HE CHUCKLES

Dog behaviourist Louise Glazebrook has been advising potential owners

for years, so what will she make of the Corfields' plan

to get two puppies?

So, I'm aware that recently you've obviously had some sad news

in the loss of your dog a few months ago

and it is a really difficult thing,

because you don't want to be replacing that dog.

I'm glad you picked up on the fact that we're not trying to

-replace Eddie in any way, shape or form.

-Yeah.

-That would be impossible to do.

-Yeah.

And do you have in your mind any types of dogs?

-Fun-loving, mischievous...

-Fun-loving.

Affectionate has to be top of the list.

The big thing, for both of us, I think, is we really...

No matter what breed or anything we go for, we're firm believers

-that the right puppy, or puppies, will find us - will choose us.

-OK.

So why do you feel, for you, that having more than one dog

would be a good idea?

-Companionship, really, for us.

-OK.

Plus, I don't like separating dogs from a litter.

You know, I think, to bring a brother or sister

-with the pup that we, you know... Is a good idea.

-Mmm.

Having two puppies at the same time is a really bad idea for me.

It doubles the amount of work that you have to do.

I don't think Kim and Karen are prepared for it.

I see why they think it's great,

but actually, for me, it's probably the worst idea

that they could think of doing at this moment.

Uh-uh-uh...

To make her point, Louise has recruited two puppies.

Under my feet!

So, I've got Ruby, the Lhasa apso,

and I have Barney the Westie cross bichon frise.

They're both approximately the same age,

so, basically, they're 20 weeks.

They've got a lot of energy.

Believe it or not, the Lhasa apso was originally bred

to guard monasteries in Tibet.

They're loyal and have a long, dense coat

to protect them from the elements.

Pup number two is a cross between a West Highland terrier

and a bichon frise -

both small dogs with extrovert personalities.

These puppies won't to grow more than 28cm tall,

but should Karen and Kim really be getting two of them?

Oh, you're... Come on, now, little sausage.

-Good luck to them.

-SHE SIGHS

So, what are your sort of first impressions?

-First impressions - they're not going home.

-Oh, wow!

Ah, look at this!

KIM CHUCKLES

-KAREN LAUGHS

-Oh, look.

-No, this...

They're mad. Boisterous.

Play allows puppies to communicate with one another

and develop friendships...

-And would this sort of fun be 24/7 or...?

-Yeah.

-Yeah?

..and while this is good for a puppy's socialisation,

too much rough-and-tumble can lead to problem behaviour.

-So I want you to think about this.

-Yes.

-Yeah.

-They're only allowed to do this for ten minutes a day...

-Right.

-Yeah.

-..so I want you guys to try and separate them...

-Right.

-..without picking them up.

-Without picking them up?

-Yeah.

Ruby!

Stop. Now. Hey, hey!

-Barney!

-KAREN LAUGHS

-There's the three of us here...

-Yeah.

-They're not at all interested.

-That's true.

-No.

-Yeah.

So, you now imagine you're going to take them out onto the beach

and how are you going to get them to come back to you?

Barney! Barney!

-Barney!

-Ruby!

-Barney!

-Ruby!

-Ruby!

-Barney!

-KAREN CLICKS

-Ruby!

-Barney!

-Ruby!

You've got to think about, in this situation, they're at a rave,

and what you're offering them is the library.

Good point, well made, actually.

We were thinking companionship for each other, fun, play,

you know, the dream.

You just do not think and it's so easy for people to go into things

blind and then they end up, bang.

-To the detriment of the dogs.

-Yes.

Absolutely, and we would never want to do that.

So it looks like Louise has successfully talked Karen and Kim

out of getting two dogs.

Where will their search for the perfect puppy take them next?

One in five people chose their puppy based on its looks, according

to a Kennel Club survey of over 2,000 dog owners,

but it's worth thinking about one aspect of a dog's appearance

in more detail, because dog hair is an often overlooked issue

that can become a big problem.

How much a dog sheds depends on the time of year and the breed of dog.

To find out which breeds shed the most, we've come to

one of the top grooming schools in the country, Hadlow College in Kent.

'Julie Harris is the head of the grooming school.

'What she doesn't know about dog hair isn't worth knowing.'

The dreaded shedding of hair,

is that something that people assume one type of dog is going to

shed more than another type of dog and often get it wrong?

Absolutely, get it totally wrong.

The heaviest shedding breeds are the ones that people think

don't shed at all.

So, with the help of Julie and her students, we've set up a contest.

We've taken nine breeds of dog,

the long,

the short

and the curly,

and we're going to see which of these canine contestants

can produce the most hair in just one hour of grooming.

-We've got our wonderful range of dogs.

-Mmm.

-We've got your top students...

-Mmm.

..so this could be a fierce competition.

-Everybody ready? Everybody happy? ALL:

-Yes.

Get grooming!

'Jess, the German Shepherd,

'and Bailey, the golden retriever, are off to a great start.'

-Oh, my goodness, you look like you've got your work cut out.

-Yeah.

'And at Coco the Labrador's table, the fur is really flying.'

-If you don't like shedding...

-Not the breed for you.

The lighter the colour, the more shedding that they get,

-so the yellows shed the most.

-Right.

Blacks shed the least, so chocolate are kind of in the middle.

'Bess, a Cavalier poodle cross,

'is struggling to produce much hair at all.'

-She's not going to win the competition, I don't think.

-No.

'Poodles are used in a lot of cross breeds

'because of their reputation as low-shedders.

'But having only one poodle parent is no guarantee that

'the puppies will inherit that trait.

'Our other curly-haired contender is Douglas, the bichon frise.'

The coat does mat and it does break.

You have to do it at least every day.

-Low shedding but relatively high maintenance?

-Yes, yeah.

But worth it, aren't you? With an afro like that you look perfect.

'Our long-coated contestants, Rory, the briard,

'and Wilma, the Yorkshire terrier,

'have produced hardly any hair at all.'

Have you got anything else to do

or are you just going to play with ribbons now?

Yeah, seems about it.

THEY LAUGH

'Meanwhile, Jess, the German shepherd,

'is the dog that just keeps giving.'

-What we term as a true double-coat...

-Right.

..which these are.

You can see the hair that's coming out is very light

and where these are her guard hairs,

they've got a lovely tip of colour to them.

'Many breeds of dog have a double coat, from German shepherds

'and huskies, to Labradors and even some toy breeds like shih-tzus.

'It consists of a coarser top coat for protection

'and a soft undercoat for warmth.'

That's kind of like her continental quilt and this is like her rain mac.

'Pug cross Belle is producing a lot of hair for such a small dog.'

I am quite surprised that you get any hair out of a pug,

but there's a growing pile there.

-Yeah, pale-coloured coat, a very dense coat.

-Right.

Do you spend your whole life covered in dog hair?

A lint roller is used a lot.

'Jess, the Jack Russell, another double-coated breed,

'is very much in the running too.'

She is only little, but she has got a lot coming off.

-You've got a slightly hairy chest, if I may say so.

-Exactly.

'So who has shed the most hair in just one hour of grooming?

'In last place is Wilma, the Yorkshire terrier.

'Her fine, long hair barely sheds at all.

'Next to last is Douglas, the bichon frise,

'closely followed by our Cavapoo Bess.

'Then it's Rory, the briard, with just a handful of hair.'

'Belle, the pug cross, has shed a lot for such a little dog,

'as has the Jack Russell, Jess.

'But Labrador Coco is in a different league altogether

'with this huge heap of hair.

'Bailey, the golden retriever is a serious contender too.

'Imagine those golden locks all over your sofa.

'But the dog that shed the most hair after just one hour of grooming,

'it's Jess, the German shepherd.'

We've got a German shepherd hair mountain here.

Is this absolutely standard for a German shepherd?

Yeah, it's very, very typical. Jess is groomed quite regularly.

-I think she was only in about three, four weeks ago.

-Yes.

This is normal and I still think there's more to come out.

I'm really surprised.

I didn't think a German shepherd shed like that at all.

Oh, you may be hairy, but you're gorgeous, aren't you? Yes.

'Almost a third of owners relied on the internet to research their

'chosen dog, while nearly a fifth did no research at all,

'according to the PDSA, but not on Louise Glazebrook's watch!'

She's advised the Hope family from High Wycombe to have as much

hands-on experience of dogs as possible.

So, since we borrowed the puppies,

we've borrowed two of our friend's dogs.

We've borrowed Barley, a Labrador,

and we've borrowed Alfie, a schnauzer.

Never thought about a schnauzer before we borrowed one,

to be honest with you,

and that breed seems to be

quite protective of their family unit.

And then the Labrador that we borrowed, she was just lovely.

So lovely that they're taking Barley the Labrador out again today.

Barley. Barley, sit.

Sit. Barley, sit. Good girl.

What I like about them is they are trainable.

They're a good size. They seem reasonably intelligent.

Seem to be making our children run around after her anyway, so, yeah.

-Barley!

-Come on, then. Come on, then.

-Come on, girl.

-Yeah.

-Good girl, good girl.

Hello.

Once we've made a decision, it's got to have been done yesterday,

but I think with this, we have gone through a lot of process.

We've spent the whole summer pretty much thinking about it

and questioning ourselves each time and seeing...

So I think this is probably the least impulsive thing

-we've done for a while.

-Done for ages.

Labrador.

-I want to get a dog, like, kind of soon.

-OK.

I'm being patient!

So the Hopes have made their decision.

-Does Louise approve?

-I really think it's the right breed for them.

What they've done brilliantly is they've made this decision

based on reality, the experience with the other dogs,

rather than the romantic notion that I think they possibly had before.

Now Katie and Tristan are on their way to see a litter of puppies

and Louise is meeting them there.

She knows that finding the right breeder is

just as important as choosing the right breed.

I know that they're now going to be really desperate to get a puppy,

but this next stage is crucial, because if they rush this

and they choose the wrong puppy from the wrong breeder,

we have a really bad situation further down the line.

But Katie's in no mood to wait.

Hopefully we'll be able to choose one, put a deposit down,

and get our family pet in a couple of weeks when they're old enough.

Then, about halfway there, the breeder gets in touch.

Hello, sorry, I can't hear you very well.

Um, have they all been reserved?

We're nearly... We're literally about...

We've been driving for an hour to get here.

That's a real shame. I'm really upset about that, really.

OK, bye-bye.

SHE SNIFFS

Desperately want to get a puppy.

Very disappointing.

But Katie isn't giving up easily and trawls the internet for any

Labrador breeders with litters available.

Hi, there. I'm just ringing regarding your Labrador puppies.

Do you still have chocolate pups left?

Two girls and one boy.

They're only two weeks old or something, aren't they?

Oh, these are ready to go next week. Oh, cool.

Kennel Club research suggests that one in four puppies in the UK

are bought unknowingly from puppy farms -

high-volume breeders with little or no concern for animal welfare,

so Katie and Tristan need to know how to avoid falling into that trap.

Luckily, they have to update Louise before they go any further.

Unfortunately, whilst we were on our way,

the breeder rang and said they'd sold them all.

Oh.

So, found another one, bit further north,

-so now we're going to go and see those ones.

-OK.

When you are looking for a breeder, this should not be something

which you are planning is going to happen very quickly.

If you're going to do this, do it properly.

I know that you're ready for a puppy now,

but it doesn't necessarily mean that you're going to get it now.

Don't get upset.

Why are you getting upset?

-I wish we'd started the process ages ago now.

-Oh, no, why?

Why? Just cos you feel like you're ready now?

-And with the girls?

-Absolutely. They're ready.

I don't want to make you cry.

KATIE LAUGHS

Don't make me be the one that makes you cry!

'I'm not surprised that Katie's got emotional,

'but it's going to get harder.'

They're going to visit breeders.

They're going to have bundles of fluff that they could take home.

I need to be showing them that at this next stage, the things

that they're looking out for and how to make the right decision moving forward.

By all means, use things like the websites

and the apps that are out there, but use them with caution.

Puppy farmers have become really clever

where they are still puppy farm dogs,

but they're now put into somebody's home

to make it look like it's a home environment.

So they won't have the mother. They'll say things like,

"Oh, you know, the mum's out on a walk at the moment,"

or, "The mum's at a show," or whatever.

-There's no excuse. The mum has to be there.

-Yeah.

You HAVE to see the mother of that litter.

Louise also wants them to look for a breeder who matches their needs.

Your situation is a family environment with two children

-as a companion...

-Yeah.

-.and as part of your family.

-Yes.

If you find someone who is breeding them for working and they're kept

out in kennels, but they've got no idea what the washing machine

sounds like, that's not a good starting point.

I feel like I know nothing.

I don't want you to be scared by it.

I want you to be excited by it,

because this is finding the next family member, all right?

You can do this. Team Lab!

With Louise's advice about what

they should be looking for ringing in their ears, Katie and Tristan

drive two hours north to see their first litter of Labrador puppies.

They're very cute.

They are very, very cute and they have got really good temperaments.

You're really contented, but you're getting tired now, aren't you?

-Go to bed time soon.

-Mmm.

Could you just tell us which were the mums

and which is the dad of the pups?

Yeah, this is Vince. He's the dad. He's three.

And that's mum Misty.

I'm very much in love.

As ever, Katie wants to rush in, but Louise may think otherwise

and on the way home, Katie and Tristan give her a call.

The dogs were absolutely beautiful.

The temperament of all of them were just lovely.

-'OK.'

-I would have got one today.

-'But?'

-Well, there's no but for me.

-Tristan, on the other hand...

-They're on a beautiful plot of land.

They've got pigs, they've got horses,

they've got chickens running around.

They're all kind of like jumping on each other and things like that

and we're going to take that puppy out of that environment

and put it inside a house.

From what you were saying earlier, dogs that are bred

for a family environment, I can now understand what you mean by that.

'If you've got dogs that are essentially farm dogs,

'then, yes, it is a different lifestyle

'and it's looking at energy levels and what they're used to,

'and is the puppy that you're wanting to get used to that type of thing

'which you're not able to offer it.'

Yeah, that makes sense.

'I agree with Tristan.

'I know it's annoying, Katie. I know I'm annoying.'

TRISTAN LAUGHS

-'Take care.'

-And you.

-Thanks, Louise. Bye.

It's been weeks since they started this whole process

and still no sign of a puppy.

What's that look for?

Following a few simple rules will help you find a responsible breeder

and a happy, healthy puppy like Steve.

The Kennel Club's Assured Breeder Scheme is a good place to start.

Always make sure you see the puppy in the environment it was

bred in and with its mother.

The mother's temperament is crucial, as is her health.

Different breeds are prone to different health problems.

Always do your research and ask to see health certificates

for the mother and the father of the litter.

Most importantly of all, however adorable they are,

don't act on impulse.

In Lytham St Annes, Karen and Kim Caulfield are as keen

as ever to find the perfect puppy for them

and they have a new bright idea.

Seeing as we are not now getting two small dogs,

-we're open to the thought of...

-Slightly bigger?

Yes, a medium to larger dog.

We love the idea of a big, lolloping, slobbery dog

-to jump on us on the sofa...

-And just be part of...

-Yeah.

-We're strange people, aren't we?

-Yeah.

SHE LAUGHS

I think, speak for yourself a little bit. Yeah...

Today, they're going to the Westmorland County Agricultural

Show, where 30 different breeds of dog will be shown.

It's a great opportunity to meet dogs

and speak to owners about the pros and cons of different breeds.

Hello, poppet. Oh, a little shake.

-She's beautiful.

-It's the closest you get to human hair.

-Is it?

-Yeah.

And for Karen and Kim,

it's also a chance to catch up with Louise about their progress.

So have you had any thoughts on breeds that you might want to

-think about?

-Well, we have had one or two, yes.

We've sort of come up with a little bit of a change of plan.

When we decided against the two puppies,

-we thought why not go for a bigger breed?

-OK.

So I was looking on the internet and I put in my favourite

-characteristics, the top of which being affection and loyalty.

-Yeah.

Of the dogs that came up,

we've both absolutely fallen in love with a Newfoundland.

-OK.

-Oh, wow!

I expected you to fall down and go like...that.

What I would just...

I mean...

I'm obviously surprised.

And no wonder, because this is the Newfoundland.

60kg of dog, 70cm high.

Like many giant breeds which are placid by nature,

Newfoundlands only need an hour of exercise a day,

but these dogs are shedding, drooling machines.

Quite a leap from the little Lhasa Apso

and Westie cross that Karen and Kim originally tried.

-Do you think we're mad?

-I don't think... I don't think you're mad.

I think you're obviously up for a challenge.

Being honest, from being at your house, things like going,

you know, going in through your door, going into the living

room, that type of stuff, a Newfoundland is massive.

Well, that's the practicalities we're still looking into.

It's just whether realistically you feel like you are going to be able

to cope with all of the things that come with having a dog that size.

Karen and Kim have only ever seen a Newfoundland in the flesh once

and that was several years ago.

So before they get too carried away, Louise wants them to get up,

close and personal with one.

-Oh, just stunning.

-Just stunning.

Oh, look. Oh, look! Oh...

-Imagine when you're on the beach with that.

-Yeah.

Well, walking very quickly.

Look on his trousers, all the slobber. That's going to be you.

-Yeah.

-Kim, I was just saying,

you'll always have to carry around a flannel.

-I'm used to doing that with you.

-Yeah.

All dogs produce drool, but some more than others.

The Newfoundland and other breeds like the Great Dane, or Mastiff,

have loose skin around their mouths, which cause them to drool more.

That brings out all my mothering instincts, you see.

My mum used to do that with me. Spit on a tissue and wipe my mouth.

-Yeah.

-We're not going to have children now and you do get selfish.

This is like, well, for me,

it's about making my life about something else except me.

-OK.

-Yeah.

-So it's really something that I want to transform my life.

-OK.

-Yeah.

You've hit the nail on the head when you said it yourself.

I think there is an element of mothering to it.

You want a dog that needs...

..a bit more input from you in terms of that taking care thing.

-Hello, there.

-Hi.

It's not that I think a Newfoundland is a bad idea.

I think it would potentially be a great dog for Kim and Karen.

It's more about the things that go alongside that breed of dog.

They're big, they're droolly, they're slobbery

and in comparison to their previous dog, they're worlds apart.

I just want to make sure they're really prepared

and they totally understand what they're getting themselves in for.

I feel confident that we would be ideal, really.

-I'm in love, totally.

-Sold.

Experts recommend that no dog is left alone for more than four hours.

And as one common reason for giving up a dog

is not having enough time for it,

if you work, make sure you plan your dog care

before choosing your puppy.

29-year-old David Welsh is single and works as cabin crew.

I think a dog's got, like, unconditional love for their owner.

It's nice to think of coming back after a trip

and coming through the door and the dog's just, like, elated to see you.

I think that's a nice welcome.

One more throw.

He grew up with dogs as his dad, Terry, is a police dog handler.

-You'll have to get it now because she didn't see it.

-Sadie.

Now David wants a dog of his own and as he's often

away for days at a time, he's roped in his dad to help out.

But what will Louise Glazebrook think?

-Hello.

-Hi.

-Nice to meet you.

-I'm Louise.

-Nice to meet you, come on through.

Why do you feel like now is the right time to get a dog

and why do you want a dog?

-I feel a little empty, not having a dog around.

-OK.

Like something is missing.

What dog springs to mind when you think about owning a dog?

-Definitely German shepherds.

-OK.

-It would need to be a big dog.

-OK.

-I don't do small dogs.

-So...

can you give me a little tour and show me where you think

the dog might sleep and go and where it can be allowed access to?

I originally planned, but I don't know whether I'll stick with it...

-It wouldn't sleep in here.

-No, but it's allowed in here?

-Yeah, definitely have the run of the living room.

-Fine.

The kitchen was where I thought might work.

Where are you thinking you'll put the dog bed for it to sleep?

-Almost right behind you.

-OK.

OK, you hold on one minute. I'm just going to get something.

I'm going to try something, OK?

I've dismantled your sofa.

That is a big...

That's actually... You potentially...

That's a big dog bed.

-..need a bit bigger.

-You think?

I think David has made his mind up on the breeds that he wants

when I don't necessarily think that they are the breeds that he needs.

-Your job, what is that?

-I'm airline cabin crew.

-OK.

Like an average week, I'd say I'm away for three to four days.

So what are you planning is going to happen with

the dog on the other days?

Yeah, my mum and dad live really, really close.

So I'd just pop it down with them when I'm going away.

-And they're happy with this?

-Yeah.

-They're onboard?

-Yeah.

-OK.

I've got reservations about shared ownership.

It's something that I see and I'm...

It can be tricky to make work.

-So where are we off to now?

-My dad's just finished work,

-so we're going to go for a little walk with him.

-OK, great.

-So this is me dad, this is Sadie his dog.

-Hi, nice to meet you.

-I'm Louise.

-Hi, Louise.

-And this is Sadie.

What do you feel like would be the amount of exercise that you

would want to do on a daily basis?

I'm 53 now.

This dog is going to be ten, 15,

17, 18 years we're going on for.

I'm not going to get any fitter, I'm going to get older

and I'm going to start slowing down myself.

-So we've got to plan for that, as well.

-Yeah.

So in your heart of hearts, is this the dog that you want,

or is this a dog that you are kind of being pushed into?

-I've had dogs right through my life.

-Yeah.

And I love dogs, I really do love dogs.

It's just that I want to do other things now.

If David is going to get a breed that is one of those dogs,

-you don't want to be doing that work.

-No.

-He's not necessarily equipped for it.

-Yeah.

-Where do we end up?

I have concerns that David is desperate for a dog

and has kind of pushed Terry into agreeing to go along with it.

I thought it was similar to what I was expecting her to say, but

I was hopeful they would be like, here's how you get around that.

She's made me consider a lot of other different things.

I think she's just making you see that I'm considering it.

I suppose my fear is that David actually isn't ready.

My other fear is that I don't know how much David is really listening.

So to try to get through to him,

Louise sends in the dog David thinks he wants.

Savvy is a five-year-old German shepherd.

These dogs are highly intelligent, need an experienced owner

and upwards of two hours exercise a day.

I just love how playful they are and then they can switch it off

and switch it on - they know when it's playtime

and when it's just time to relax.

David is familiar with this breed as his dad worked with them in the police.

One of the most common things is people will want to replicate

what they had as a child, which is fine if that dog fits into your lifestyle.

But, generally, if you've had it as a child,

your parents did the work and, in this case, with a German shepherd,

they are what I would classify as a high maintenance dog.

Naturally loyal and protective,

the German shepherd needs a lot of training and socialisation

at an early age to stop them being wary of strangers and other dogs.

Me dad thought that there was too much energy in them

for me or him while he's retired.

But I do think he could easily give an hour a day.

Louise is going to hate everything I'm saying,

but he fits in this little space perfect.

Some breeds, like the German shepherd,

have particularly high exercise needs, while others

like Karen and Kim's favourite, the Newfoundland,

have a reputation for being the couch potatoes of the dog world,

so a crucial question if you want to find your perfect puppy match,

how much exercise do YOU want to do?

Exercise is vital, not only for a dog's health

but also for its mental wellbeing.

So to illustrate the exercise needs of different breeds,

we've rigged three dogs with a GPS device to record

the distance they cover when all three go on the same 20-minute walk.

Off the lead, how far will each dog travel

and how fast and energetic will they be?

'Dog behaviourist Gwen Bailey is on hand

'to interpret each dog's activity.

'First to be unleashed is Floyd the pug from the toy breeds group.'

Instantly, the minute that he was let off the lead,

you see him really sticking with his owner.

-He's a true companion, isn't he?

-Yeah.

He's interested in her and not doing all the things

that other dogs might do.

Floyd travels 0.7 miles

and his maximum speed is just 8mph.

Flat-nosed breeds can suffer with respiratory problems

and care should be taken not to over-exercise

or get them overheated.

One 20-minute walk per day, together with some indoor play,

is enough for a pug and for many other toy breeds,

such as the bichon frise and shih-tzu.

'Next, it's Chester the Labrador from the gundog group.'

-His whole body language seems to be that he's enjoying it.

-Yeah.

And he's getting lots of mental activity as well,

so it's all good for him.

Chester's maximum is 16mph

and he covers 1.2 miles on his walk.

Labradors have one of the highest exercise needs,

upwards of two hours a day.

Other dogs in this category include boxers, collies

and, of course, German shepherds.

'Finally, off goes Fern,

'a Jack Russell Patterdale cross from the terrier group.'

She's set off very eager, very perky.

Obviously she has only got little legs.

-Do little legs equate to needing less exercise?

-No.

They'll be pushing along quite fast on those little legs.

In fact, little Fern reaches a maximum speed of 15mph

and she covers 0.8 miles,

proving that the size of the dog doesn't necessarily equate

to the amount of exercise it needs.

For a Jack Russell terrier,

that's one to two hours of very vigorous exercise a day,

spread out over two or three walks.

Many dogs need upwards of an hour of exercise a day,

according to the PDSA.

Walking at the average speed of 3mph,

you'd cover around 21 miles per week.

Almost a third of dog owners say having a dog is harder work

than they expected.

And a fifth think that choosing the wrong dog for your lifestyle

is the single most important animal welfare issue.

In Liverpool, David Welsh is still obsessed with getting

a German shepherd.

This is the dog that I see having.

They are, for me, what naturally feels like a dog.

German shepherds are an amazing breed, but they're a working breed.

So Louise thinks David should consider a dog

that's not so high maintenance.

With a miniature schnauzer, my experience with them

is that they're really adaptable, friendly, part of the family,

love doing exercise, but will also chill out with you on the sofa,

which is why I feel like it's a much better option.

The miniature schnauzer needs around an hour of exercise a day.

They don't shed much hair

and standing at around 35 centimetres high,

they're a good fit for smaller homes.

I just feel like for the lifestyle that he wants,

a miniature schnauzer would be perfect.

But what will David make of six month old Ziva?

I've always thought that they are lovely.

But I never would've thought of getting one.

They've really soared in popularity, the mini ones.

I think because of their size,

the fact that they're a utility dog,

-so they're kind of good all-rounders.

-Yep.

With her, you're getting that kind of bigger dog,

-but in a smaller size.

-Yeah.

She is just a lovely dog and there would been no real compromises

with getting her and I think actually I can't ignore that.

Because I like her, I do. I...

I still like German shepherds, it's just, is it the right time

for a German shepherd, or would it now be suitable to get one of these?

So, who knows?

-A shepherd needs a lot of exercise.

-But I'd be taking it out.

Yeah, I know, but you're not here to do it all the time,

so you've got to lean on me.

You've got to think that you've got responsibilities to the dog.

-Yeah.

-But you've got to think,

-"I've got to make an arrangements for the dog."

-I'm aware.

-That's all I'm saying.

-The whole thing I've been planning

is to make arrangements for the dog. That's what I've been doing

by making sure that you'd be willing to watch the dog

on the days I'm working.

But as I'm getting older, the next kind of 15 years,

I won't have the energy, cos I'm not as fit as I once was.

For weeks, David has been grappling with this life-changing decision.

Now Louise is back to find out what he's going to do.

So I'm quite nervous about seeing David today.

Erm, I left him with a bit of thinking to do and...

he's been set on the breed that he wants

and it's that moment where...

I guess, we kind of find out whether he's thinking with his heart

or his head.

-Ziva coming to visit...

-Uh-huh.

-..how do you feel like

that experience has changed your perceptions?

I'm really conflicted now.

Because she was lovely and she did, like you said, she came in and,

without having to change anything or unsettle anything, fit.

I still feel like the overarching reason

-why I'm here hasn't necessarily changed.

-Uh-huh.

Which is the fact that you are still going out to work

-on an aeroplane...

-Yeah.

..and your dad is going to have to fill in time.

-If we were to look at, say, your diary...

-Uh-huh.

..for the next...month,

how many days would you be away for

and how many days would you be around for?

This month, I'm away quite a lot. About 15, 16 days, this month.

Do you feel like 15, 16 days is quite a long time for you

-to have a dog for?

-Yeah. It's not fair on the dog.

-No.

I think... I can see that.

Where do you feel like we are at?

I'm thinking...

-..hold off on the dog until I know where I'm going to be.

-OK.

Because I don't want to choose a certain dog

because of a certain lifestyle.

I feel like I'm walking away and I'm quite happy with that.

-I still want a dog...

-That's fair enough.

..but I'm not going to run out and get one just cos I want one.

I think you've made the right decision though.

-And dad's pleased too.

-Isn't he just?

-Yeah.

-Hold back.

-Yeah.

There is a dog in the future and who knows when it will come.

-Yeah.

-Yeah.

I feel like he's a success story, because he's going to wait

and I think that when he does get a dog,

it'll be the right dog at the right moment

and that dog won't leave his side,

and I think they'll have a brilliant bond.

-It's shown that it's just not now...

-Yeah.

-..the right time.

I think Louise was right.

A quarter of the British population owns a dog.

And it's fair to say, they're obsessed

with their four-legged friends.

Research found that 77% of dog owners have bought

their pooch a birthday or Christmas present.

29% have taken them to work

and 13% have Skyped or FaceTimed them.

A dog is truly part of the family.

The Hopes from High Wycombe have been searching for their

new family member for months.

We were a bit despondent,

but started looking again at different breeders.

Most of them had two-year waiting lists,

so initially I was just like,

"Well, we're not actually going to be able to get a dog."

I think I thought the hardest part was kind of working out

if you wanted a dog or not,

but it's not. The hardest part is finding the right breeder

for you and it's been a bit emotional for Katie.

But they kept looking and finally the Hopes have done it.

They've found the one.

Look at them all.

Aren't they cute?

Today, they're travelling over 70 miles to pick up their puppy

and bring him home.

I think it's one of those strange things, isn't it,

where you're about to commit to something for the next...

15 years?

Here he is.

Is that our boy?

Yes. Yeah, you're gorgeous, aren't you?

The breeder has been referring to the pups

by the colour of their collars.

And the Hopes have decided that the name "Red" rather suits him.

Yes.

Hello.

You look like you're half asleep.

That's good. Nice, calm dog.

That'd be nice, won't it? You stay calm like this.

Red has cost the Hopes £450

and it's taken them months to find him.

But it looks like he's worth it.

Oh! See, lots of love.

Let's go.

Once and for all.

RED CRIES

After two and a half hours,

and two toilet breaks,

they're finally home.

Hello, this is your new house.

This is where you now live.

One of the first things the Hopes will have to do is house-train Red,

so having a routine and sticking to it is crucial.

How long until we have to take him outside again

-for another little wee?

-Erm...

-30 minutes, every 30 minutes.

-How long has it been?

-How long's it been?

He's been reading the book.

Daddy can take him out.

Sorry?

Are you not going to take him out? Or I'll take him out.

-I'm cooking their dinner.

-All right.

-You can take him out.

-I'll take him out.

-Red! Red!

You've got to have a wee-wee, young man.

Or a poop.

Or both would be good.

Are you going to do one there? Are you going to do one there?

Nope.

And just four minutes later...

That's it, that's the training ruined for a start.

It's been 30 minutes since last time he...

But it hasn't because I took him out.

-He obviously didn't do one.

-No.

Goodnight, Red.

As it's their first night ever with a puppy,

Katie and Tristan call Louise for some advice.

If he just, like, wakes up in the middle of the night

-and he howls, do we just leave him?

-LOUISE:

-'Yep.

'He's not missing anything as in,

'there's nothing physically wrong with him.

'It's that you've removed him from a situation

'which is familiar to him.'

What we were going to do is set an alarm to get,

-like, in the middle of the night...

-'Get up to go to the toilet.'

...take him to the toilet.

'I wouldn't set the alarm to wake him up to go to the toilet.

'The key to everything that you're going to do

'is that it's consistent and that he can maintain it.

'Whatever does happen, we can improve on it.

'We can improve on it for tomorrow.'

-Thank you, take care.

-'Bye-bye, take care.'

-Bye. Bye!

A pen provides a safe environment for the puppy to sleep.

It's normal for puppies to cry on their first night home.

Tristan has a webcam set up to keep an eye on Red.

Doesn't look very happy. He's kind of pushing his cage around him.

RED HOWLS

But leaving their new puppy is proving far from easy.

RED WHINES

RED BARKS

If we're going to let them cry,

can we let him cry from the comfort of our own bedroom?

Yeah.

RED HOWLS

Red woke Katie and Tristan three times during the night.

-Hello!

-Oh, he did one poo.

-That's OK.

-One poo.

Do the Hopes think they chose the right puppy for them?

For us, this is probably one of the most informed decisions

that we've made since we've been together. It just feels right.

Next time...

-BOTH:

-It's a poodle!

..just when you think you know everything

there is to know about dogs...

think again,

because we're finding out which breeds are noisiest...

BARKING

..which cause the most destruction...

GROWLING

..and which are the most obedient.

-Sit.

-Sit. Sit.

Sit.

We join the Corfields on their latest Newfoundland adventures...

This might be fun, getting round the door.

I don't how this is going to work!

I would never have thought that they would've taken up so much room.

..meet a family looking for more than just a pet...

We've heard a lot about the benefits of autistic children

and having dogs and the benefits they can bring for them.

..and a father of three faces a losing battle.

We'll just keep on putting posters of dogs on the wall...

until he gets us one.

I think I'd rather have a nice 911 Porsche or something.