How to Pick a Puppy : An Ethical Guide to Choosing the Perfect Pet

From animal welfare campaigner Vanessa Holburn and with a foreword by dog lover and presenter of 'A Place in the Sun' Danni Menzies, this book has everything you need to know to help you pick the perfect pooch for your home and lifestyle.

How To Pick a Puppy is the essential handbook to finding a 'furever' dog and ensuring that you have many happy and healthy years together. It contains practical advice on how to research the types and breeds of dog available. It considers the pros and cons of puppies, senior, pedigree and rescue dogs, and explains why one might suit an individual more than another.

The book equips the reader with all the right questions they need to ask before they choose a dog and shows them how to find a responsible breeder or rescue centre. It teaches how to avoid the pitfalls of getting the wrong dog from the wrong place, and shows you how to spot and avoid a puppy farmer. It also explains the legal responsibilities of dog ownership and covers the range of hobbies and activities owners and dogs can enjoy together.

At each stage of the book, Vanessa's advice is complemented by comment from canine experts such as trainers, behaviourists, breeders and those involved in rescue. Happy dog owners and foster carers also add their experience.
In the final section the book guides you through the settling in period, discussing early training, socialisation and vet care, so your first month together can be as smooth as possible.

Journalist and author Vanessa Holburn spent two years campaigning for a ban on third party pet sales in a bid to end the cruel practice of puppy farming. In 2018 she was invited to Downing Street to hear Michael Gove announce plans to change the law to support such a ban. The campaign is proof that ordinary people together can achieve extraordinary change.

Her current focus is 'greening' her small Berkshire village - advising business and community groups how to use and waste less and move towards becoming plastic-free, while sharing skills and resources.

Vanessa's publishing experience stretches over 24 years and her work has appeared in magazines, newspapers and digital outlets. Her consumer press credits include Private Eye, The Mirror, The Sun, Vegan Living, Woman's Own, Yours, Dogs Today, Ask The Doctor and The Independent on Sunday.