Bringing Home a Puppy 

All puppies are cute and it is very tempting to acquire one almost by accident. Owning a puppy can be a real joy but it's also quite a serious responsibility. Puppies are lovely but can be a lot of really hard work. Be prepared for months of disruption, chaos and mess - puppies really aren't for the seriously house proud!

Where should I get a puppy from?

it is essential for you to choose a breed which will best suit your circumstances. Research the different breeds by reading books and gain as much information as possible before making your choice.Think about your lifestyle, size of home, facilities for exercise and time available. Why not consider adopting a rescue dog or puppy? Or if you would like a pedigree dog where to find a good breeder? Dog breeding is a very specialised area. This is why it is so important for you to go to a reputable breeder when choosing a puppy. Avoid buying from a pet shop/other retail outlet or through a newspaper advertisement offering a wide range of breeds. It is possible that these puppies may have come from puppy farms; they may have been bred indiscriminately, putting profit before the dogs' welfare. When you have made your choice of breed, contact either your local rescue centre or the breed club secretary of the breed you have chosen. Always be wary of adult dogs in rescue centres if their previous history is unclear - ask yourself 'why did someone else get rid of this dog?'

How do I tell if a puppy is healthy?

Choose a puppy that is interested in you, not the one that cowers in the corner. Be aware, that the most outgoing puppy may develop a more independent character. Check the puppy has no discharge from its eyes or nose and that there are no sores, bald patches or scabs on the skin. Avoid taking on a puppy with a large pot-belly. Make sure that the puppy is alert and responsive to sounds and is showing no obvious signs of illness, such as coughing. If a puppy appears unwell on collection, DO NOT take it! If you get a puppy which is already carrying a disease it may never recover to full health. Take the puppy to your vet for a check as soon as possible. Your vet can tell you if the puppy looks healthy and may be able to detect some congenital defects which might cause problems in later life.

What are the signs of a good nature?

A normal puppy should be active, interested and playful. It is a bad sign if the puppy is very nervous or appears sleepy all the time. However, normal puppies do sleep for long periods, so it is worth watching the puppy for a while or visiting on several occasions before making a final decision. Early experiences are important to produce a happy and well adjusted dog, so ideally choose a puppy from a household which is similar to your own. If you have children or a cat it is better that your puppy has grown up with these from an early age.

What questions do I need to ask ?

If you have bought a puppy from a breeder, make sure that you get all the relevant paperwork - such as the Kennel Club registration forms, pedigree certificate, dietary advice sheet, worming and vaccination details - at the time of collection. If your puppy has come from a Rehoming Centre, ensure that you listen carefully to any instructions given by the staff. If your puppy has already been vaccinated you should receive a certificate, as well as details relating to any medical treatment that he may have received. You should also receive literature relating to feeding, basic training techniques and advice regarding future health care. Most Rehoming Centres will be happy to give follow up advice and support, should you require it. Puppies normally leave their mothers between 8 and 12 weeks. Feed the same type of food for at least a few days and introduce any new diet gradually.All puppies have worms ! Regular worm treatment will be needed on a montly basis.

What do I need to prepare?

When you collect the puppy, it is best for two people to make the journey so that someone can hold the puppy in the car. It may be a good idea to take some newspaper in case he is travel sick. For the children in the family, this will be a very exciting time. It should be explained that the puppy is not a toy and that he needs to sleep undisturbed. This is a good opportunity to teach your children about responsible dog ownership. Have all the equipment ready before you bring the puppy home. Introduce him to the areas of the house where he is allowed to go and show him where his bed and bowls are located. Toys are also a good idea. Play is essential and can be used to reward good behaviour. It will also give you the opportunity to build a good relationship with your dog. You may need to take your puppy outside hourly unless a paper training area is provided. Puppies have very weak bladder control and will need to relieve themselves regularly throughout the day. There is a fairly set pattern to this: immediately after waking, after exercise or play and after each meal. Always choose the same place in the garden. Remain with the puppy until he has performed and then give him plenty of generous praise. It is essential that he links the chosen area with reward. Remember accidents will happen.

What else do I need to do?

Register your puppy as soon as possible and ask for a health check unless you are due to start vaccinations straight away. Puppies can be vaccinated from 6 to 8 weeks old with a final injection at 10 to 12 weeks. Ask us if we will have your puppy vaccinated early, so that you can safely start your socialisation as soon as possible after collecting your puppy.

What if I have other pets?

Your puppy should only be allowed to mix with other fully vaccinated animals until he has completed his course of vaccinations (around 12 to 14 weeks). If you have other pets introduce them gradually to the puppy and always when you are present at first. It is important for a puppy to meet a variety of other animals and people as soon as possible. - let your puppy experience something new and praise good, calm behaviour. Here are some examples: Stand with your puppy beside the road and let him watch and listen as cars go by. If he sits with you calmly, tell him he's a good boy and give him a treat. Ask a friendly person to speak to and stroke your puppy under the chin gently. If your puppy is quite happy, doesn't nip at the stranger's fingers or bark then praise him and ask the stranger to give your puppy a treat. Let your puppy meet a friend's well behaved adult dog in his garden that you know has been fully vaccinated. Supervise them closely and watch how your puppy learns his doggy social skills. Praise your puppy for gentle play and friendliness towards the other dog. Teach your puppy to be gentle, calm and obedient, even in exciting circumstances - especially around children.

Conclusion

A well trained dog is an asset to his owner. Whilst owning a dog is a long term commitment it will bring you many rewards.