Not just for Xmas...

That's the message of Bexhill's animal behaviourist Natalie Lagstrom, of Naturally Pets.

She has come up with some pointers to think about before deciding on a new pet which will share your home.

Natalie said: "A pet is not a designer accessory to be chosen to compliment your current fancy, or a Christmas whim, but is more like a partner or friend - personality is important, and character clashes can lead the way to heartache. An unhappy pet can make your life a misery.

"Dogs are a common and natural choice. Social animals, they make perfect companions. But their individual personalities need to be taken into account. Do you want an active, outdoor type who's going to encourage you to keep to that fitness regime, or are you interested in relaxed cuddles on the sofa? Remember, its often hard to have both. You certainly couldn't have a boisterous collie for your morning run, then expect him to sleep all day while you're at the office! So be realistic - it's not about what you want, but what you have the time and experience for."

She believes puppies left on their own are more prone to separation anxiety and are much harder to toilet train, and suggests beginning positive training with a puppy from day one - "don't wait until he is a boisterous six-month old dog before you start.

"What about an adult rescue dog? You can clearly see the personality of an adult dog, and can often find a perfect match easier than if your run the 'puppy lottery'."

Cats are becoming a more common choice, in her view: " Cats love attention all day, but don't need it as much as dogs. This makes them ideal companions for the busier person. If possible, give your cat access outside to play and hunt - if you have a housecat, it is important to provide lots of toys for her to hunt, or she may start pouncing on you! Some cats are naturally more cautious and sensitive - if your new cats starts urinating indoors, then it is probably a sign that she is stressed, and you should seek the help of a behaviourist to find the cause.

"Birds are not an 'easy option'. Many birds such as parrots mate for life, and research has shown they are highly intelligent - as such they require almost constant attention and affection. It can also be difficult to keep them exercised - many readily-available bird cages are woefully small. Birds can become stressed easily, and can then resort to self-mutilation such as feather plucking.

"Hutch animals such as rabbits are becoming more popular as house pets. They can be let out under supervision, and popped away in a hutch when you go out to work. But this does not make them a 'designer pet'. House rabbits can have toileting problems indoors, and aggression can occur if they are misunderstood or inappropriately handled.