Dog Warden Service - General Dog Advice

 

General Dog Advice

New Puppy Advice

Choice of Breed

It is important to see both parents of your new puppy. This will give you a rough idea of the eventual size of the dog. It is important to assess at this point if it is socialising well with its litter mates.

Things to Consider

  • Size of home and garden
  • The amount of exercise needed
  • Who will be responsible to looking after it during the day or during holidays
  • Food
  • Grooming
  • Equipment, leads, collar with tag, bowls, bedding, toys, brush
  • Vet - vaccinations, worming, flea treatment, insurance, microchipping


Taking your puppy home

  1. When you take your puppy home he will need lots of rest, but do not leave him unattended for long periods of time.
  2. Give your puppy a name and call him by it regularly, give rewards when he responds to his name.
  3. Place your puppy's bed away from draughts and encourage it to use it whenever resting.
  4. Seek advise from pet shop or vet on feeding arrangements. Puppies need fed more often than adult dogs.
  5. Begin house training. Each time your puppy wakes up, after meals, and at bed time, take your puppy to a quiet corner of the garden. Wait with them. and praise them when they are finished. It is best to place newspapers indoors by the door at the beginning in the case of accidents.
  6. You must groom your dog regularly. Start this at a young age so the dog becomes used to it.
  7. Your puppy should be taken to the vet for inoculations and speak with your vet regarding worming and flea control.
  8. Your dog will require daily exercise. Be prepared to clean up after your dog while out walks.
  9. Your dog must wear a collar and tag when in public.
  10. Provide your puppy with toys to play with.

BONFIRE NIGHT

Consideration must be given to pets on and around Guy Fawkes night. Special care needs to be taken to ensure that your pets are protected from the stress and anxiety that is caused by fireworks. The Dog Wardens receive an increase in lost dog complaints during this time each year with family pets found miles from their homes.

The message is to enjoy festivities, but make sure your pets do too. Simple precautions can be taken to ensure that every member of your family has a safe and enjoyable time.

  • Keep your pets indoors when fireworks are around.
  • Close the curtains and turn on the radio or TV to help drown out the noise.
  • If you have a very nervous dog speak to your vet, he may be able to prescribe a sedative to help it relax.
  • Ensure your dog is wearing appropriate identification to allow prompt return to its home, should it be found by a member of the public or dog warden.

Updated 01/12/11

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