I have decided that now is the right time to buy a puppy. I want to get a medium-large size pedigree but have no idea which will best suit my lifestyle. This will be my first dog so I would like him to be fairly easy to train. I work through the day, but was planning on having a dog-sitter to come round and feed him/walk him at lunchtimes. I am at home all weekend and would like a dog who could go for a real scramble on the moors with me!
Any ideas pls?!? Also, dog or bitch? Or doesn't it matter, I'm not planning to breed just want a companion and friend!

As you work full time I'm afraid to say I don't think that now is the right time to get a puppy. Puppies need someone with them all the time and having someone come in at lunchtime to walk/feed your puppy will not be enough. I have a 15wk old puppy and she has to go out to the toilet virtually every hour during the day and she gets very distressed when I leave her to take the children to school.

You may want a puppy at this stage in your life, but it would be a selfish decision. Puppies need time and love and commitment and in my opinion you're not able to provide the time adn commitment at this stage in your life.

Fiona

Where will the puppy live ?. and have you thought where it will be housed when you are not there .
The majority of young puppies are destructive . they will tear clothes and chew furniture and cause unlimited amount of damage when home alone and bored . If you have the right situation like an outdoor kennel and run while you are gone, it should work. You can leave the pups toys and pigs ears and other such stuff to amuse it. A nice springer spanial sounds a good dog for the moors or a labrador, strong faithful types or a setter .I wish you would arrange more company for the pup during the day untill he gets more independant
All you need to do is work it out what is best for puppy while growing up best wishes Mari

You might be better to get a rescue dog that is about 1 or 2 years old
you might find one that is semi-trained
it could also be used to being left during the day
you would still have to satisfy them the dog is going to a suitable inviroment

karl

That sounds a good idea Karl cut out the puppy stage and still have a young enough dog that will accept training . Makes sense