Your Dog April 2022

Meeting the breeder Finding the right breeder and a healthy puppy can seem like a daunting task — we’re on hand to help. THE INITIAL CHAT WITH… THE BREEDER Once you have decided on the type or breed of puppy you want, it’s time to start looking! You can contact a good breeder through the relevant breed club or the Kennel Club, and the next step is to ring them for a chat to discuss what you are looking for. A good breeder will be happy to answer your questions about whether they have any litters planned, whether there will be a waiting list, and when you can come and see some puppies. During this initial chat, they should also have some questions of their own, and want to get…

Puppy-proof your house As the day your new puppy arrives draws nearer, it’s time to get your home ready for his grand entrance. After a lot of careful consideration, you’ve chosen the perfect puppy which means that now the preparation can begin! Once you’ve agreed with the breeder or rescue centre the time and date that you would like to bring him home, it’s time to ‘puppify’ your home and prepare for the whirlwind of fun and chaos that is about to ensue — this can never be underestimated! From looking at your home with a pup’s eye view, to making sure you have everything in place for his arrival, there’s plenty to think about before the big day. It’s best to get organised as soon as you can so…

10 your pup ways to help settle in Hip hip hooray, today is the day! Ensure your pup settles into his new home with our essential advice. 1 Last-minute check You should have spent the weeks between choosing your puppy and the collection date making sure that your home and garden are puppy-proof and you have all the equipment you need for his precious first few months. But, before you leave to pick him up, make sure you give the house one final check to ensure that nothing has been left lying around that shouldn’t; the bins have been emptied, there are no plates with scraps of food left on them within his reach, and that the house and garden are generally tidy. It’s a good idea to also put his…

Social services Do you know the difference between socialisation and habituation? Here are some frequently asked questions. Pre-second vaccination When you first get your puppy, he will probably not have had his second vaccination. However, even though he won’t have finished his course of vaccinations, it’s important to work on socialisation and habituation. You can still take your puppy to a variety of places, such as the school gates, local market, a dog-friendly pub, or a summer fete, so he can experience new sights and sounds and meet new people. Importantly though, when out and about, you should always carry your puppy until after his second vaccination so that he isn’t exposed to any nasty diseases in areas where unvaccinated dogs may have visited. If you visit a friend with a…

Starting school Tips and advice to help your puppy learn the basics of training. Even if you don’t have ambitions to compete, or continue with training classes, it’s still important to ensure that your puppy learns the basics, as this will help him to develop into a confident, happy dog, who is a pleasure to take into different situations. Image: Dogs Trust. Teaching recall It’s easy to teach your puppy to come back to you when called, and the more he learns that he gets a great reward whenever he does so, the more he will make the connection that you are much more fun to be with than anything else he might be doing. Begin by making sure your puppy knows his name. Keep him close, and say his…

Welcome to the world It’s time for your puppy to explore the big wide world. Follow our advice to keep him safe and happy. As your puppy continues to grow, and his second vaccinations are finally complete, you can look forward to planning lots of adventures, and enjoy exploring the world together. Follow our tips and advice to help ensure that your puppy can cope with his new experiences, and understands the training skills that will make him a pleasure to take out. Unvaccinated puppies are very vulnerable to nasty canine diseases, some of which can be fatal. Vaccines contain weak or commercially manufactured versions of a disease, which trigger the body to produce antibodies that will fight the disease. If your puppy encounters any of these diseases in the future,…