Where is the safest place to buy a puppy in the UK?

From a responsible breeder who lets you meet the puppy with its mother, shows health tests and gives you a written contract, or from a rescue. Lucy’s Law bans third-party sales of puppies under six months in England.

What is Lucy’s Law?

In England, it requires anyone buying a puppy or kitten under six months to deal directly with the breeder or a rescue centre, not a third-party dealer.

How much does a dog cost in the UK?

PDSA estimates the basic minimum cost at about £69 to £116 a month depending on size, before the purchase price and vet bills. See our cost guide.

How can I tell if a puppy advert is a scam?

Warning signs include a low price for a popular breed, refusing to let you see the puppy with its mother, and pressure to pay a deposit. Never pay for a puppy you have not seen.

Should I buy or adopt?

Neither is always better. Adoption can save a life and costs less. A good breeder gives predictability and health-tested parents. See breeder or rescue.

Does K9PN sell or train protection dogs?

No. K9PN is a referral service and does not breed, sell or train dogs. We pass your request to a professional who covers your area, if we can match you. It costs nothing to send a request. We are still building our UK network.

Dog training

Recall and Lead Training: A Practical Guide

A reliable recall and a relaxed lead walk are built, not hoped for. The steps and the common mistakes.

14 October 2026 · 5 min read · By K9PN

Walking nicely on the lead and coming back when called are two of the most useful skills you can teach. Both are usually built too fast, which is why so many dogs ignore us outdoors.

Recall: build the habit first

Pick a short cue and use it only for coming back to you.
Start indoors with no distractions and reward generously with something your dog loves.
Make coming back the best thing that happens all day.

Add distance and distractions slowly

Move to the garden, then to quiet, enclosed outdoor spaces. Use a long line so your dog can practise without the chance to ignore you. Increase only one difficulty at a time.

Mistakes that ruin a recall

Calling your dog to end the fun, clipping on the lead and going home every time
Calling your dog to something unpleasant, such as a bath or nail trim
Repeating the cue over and over, which teaches your dog it is optional
Telling off a dog who finally comes back

Walking on the lead

Reward your dog for staying close, stop when the lead goes tight and move on only when it loosens. Short, regular practice beats long, frustrating walks. Equipment can help, but it does not replace teaching.

Keep within the law

Keep your dog under close control, use the lead near roads and livestock and follow any local rules on leads. Our guide to UK dog laws has the basics.

See our local pages such as recall and lead training in Leeds.