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Advice On Obtaining And Keeping A Dog
by Neil Ewart FBIPDT
I am often asked for advice about obtaining and keeping a dog. Below is my ‘Top Ten’ readers might find useful. Most are very obvious but its amazing just how often people ignore the obvious.
I am often asked for advice about obtaining and keeping a dog. Below is my ‘Top Ten’ readers might find useful. Most are very obvious but its amazing just how often people ignore the obvious.
1) ENSURE YOU BUY A PUPPY FROM A REPUTABLE SOURCE.
If it is a pure bred puppy then ask to see a pedigree before making any decision and ensure you receive it when you collect your puppy.
Check sires and dams hip scores
Ask if they have any relevant eye checks
Ask for a recommended diet.
Make sure you see the mother and look for a kind, tolerant temperament.
Ask for advice!!
If in doubt take someone along who has some sound knowledge of dogs.
Ensure you have a bill of sale clearly stating you are the buyer of the puppy.
Keep ALL paperwork together in a safe place.
2) ENSURE YOUR PUPPY HAS ITS FULL COURSE OF INOCULATIONS
This should be done as early as possible. It is my experience over the last few decades that it is perfectly acceptable to give the first at six weeks although 7-8 is perfectly acceptable.
Check with your vet re their opinion on booster jabs. This might vary depending on the area you live in.
3) ENSURE YOUR DOG IS REGULARLY WORMED AND GIVEN APPROPRIATE TREATMENT FOR FLEA INFESTATION.
Although the risks to humans of disease from worms are not as great as is often quoted, they certainly should not be dismissed. Also, fleas appear to be increasing as the weather pattern changes.
4) ENSURE YOU KEEP YOUR DOG ON A LEAD IN URBAN AREAS AND ANYWHERE WHERE THERE IS LIVESTOCK
Dogs will often behave unpredictably. Even the most steady and well behaved dog can suddenly give chase, run into the path of a vehicle, or pursue stock. Oh, and another point.. If walking your dog using a flexi-lead keep it retracted when alongside a road. Failure to keep your dog on a lead, where there is stock, could easily mean he receives both barrels of an irate farmers shot gun.
5) ENSURE YOU ALWAYS CARRY SOMETHING TO COLLECT ANY FAECES DEPOSITED BY YOUR DOG
This is the acceptable face of dog ownership! I believe that things have certainly improved over the last few years but the pressure to clean up after your dog will increase- and, rightly so! Apart from the anti-social aspect of leaving mess everywhere it also gives the anti-dog people more ammunition.
6) ENSURE YOUR DOG ALWAYS WEARS IDENTIFICATION.
It is illegal for a dog to be out without a collar with an ID Disc on it. This should have an address/phone number although one tip is not to put your dog’s name. It’s surprising how many people are more tempted to keep a dog when they know its name.
You are very strongly advised to tattoo or micro-chip your puppy as soon as possible.
Be aware of the possibility of Dog Theft and treat your dog like any other valuable object in your possession. Do not leave it outside shops or, where possible, not in cars even if locked.
7) ENSURE YOUR DOG IS SOCIABLE WITH HUMANS.
This is usually achieved by buying a puppy which is genetically sound for temperament and then socialising it as soon as possible. If the dog has a doubtful temperament then do not allow him, or her to get into situations where he can cause distress could be caused to others. After all, he is your dog and you are totally responsible. (Pity this does not seem to apply to the two- legged offspring of certain individuals)
8) ENSURE YOUR DOG IS SOCIABLE WITH OTHER DOGS.
As above! If your dog does happen to enjoy the odd punch-up then it is a simple matter to keep it on a lead where there is a possibility of an altercation. In extreme situations, simply put a muzzle on your dog. Why should you inflict him, or her on other innocent parties?
9) ENSURE THAT YOUR DOG, IRRESPECTIVE OF ITS AGE, IS NEVER LEFT ALONE WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
In cases of dogs ‘attacking’’ children in the home, the common factor in virtually every instance is that no adult was present. We invariably do not know what prompted the incident and I would strongly advise that a child and dog is NEVER left unsupervised by an adult no matter how much you trust your dog.
Finally.............
10) ENSURE YOU HAVE THIRD PARTY INSURANCE
I am afraid this is an absolute must in this day and age. You should be insured for damage or injury that your dog may be accused of perpetrating. We all know how readily people sue. DO NOT ASSUME that you are covered by your house insurance for all cases!! Also, seriously consider covering your dog for possible veterinary treatment.
In cases of dogs ‘attacking’’ children in the home, the common factor in virtually every instance is that no adult was present. We invariably do not know what prompted the incident and I would strongly advise that a child and dog is NEVER left unsupervised by an adult no matter how much you trust your dog.
Finally.............
10) ENSURE YOU HAVE THIRD PARTY INSURANCE
I am afraid this is an absolute must in this day and age. You should be insured for damage or injury that your dog may be accused of perpetrating. We all know how readily people sue. DO NOT ASSUME that you are covered by your house insurance for all cases!! Also, seriously consider covering your dog for possible veterinary treatment.
And what if every reader were to vote for their number one?
I suspect the last would stand a chance of becoming Top of The Pops but I am convinced that never leaving young children alone with dogs must rank as one of the most important rules to adhere to.!!
I suspect the last would stand a chance of becoming Top of The Pops but I am convinced that never leaving young children alone with dogs must rank as one of the most important rules to adhere to.!!
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