5 minute read
Get puppywise
Get Thinking of getting a puppy? Then make sure you get off to the right start. PUPPYWISE!
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Buying and owning a dog is a big responsibility, yet
research by The Kennel Club has found that more than one in 10 puppy buyers wish they had spent more time researching their decision.
Expectations and reality don’t always align when getting a puppy, but by doing thorough research, you’ll know more about what to expect and avoid unwelcome surprises, which could lead to devastating consequences.
The Kennel Club’s #BePuppywise campaign is all about encouraging responsible puppy ownership, and its step-by-step guide to fi nding and caring for a happy and healthy canine companion is a good place to start if you’re thinking of welcoming a puppy into your home. Let’s take a look at some of the fi rst things you should consider before taking the plunge…
Are you ready?
The fi rst step is deciding whether you’re genuinely ready for a four-legged friend. Make a start by asking yourself: ● Do you have the time and lifestyle to give a dog all the care and attention he needs? Think about both the short and the long term responsibilities, considering work and life commitments, and how these might change over time. ● Will you have the time to exercise, bath, groom, feed, train, and care for your dog? Dogs are time intensive, especially while they’re young. ● Have you considered all the costs of having a dog, across his whole life, covering any eventualities?
Meeting your match
The secret to fi nding the right dog for you is to realistically match what you can give to what each breed needs. For example, city dwellers in a smaller fl at, looking for a dog with moderate exercise needs, could consider a Yorkshire Terrier, while those after a bundle of energy who will give exercise fanatics an excuse to get lots of fresh air, may prefer a Springer Spaniel. Learn as much as you can about any breeds you’re interested in — both their good traits and the possible downsides. Do your research and speak to experts or people you know who own the breed you’re interested in.
Make sure your puppy is happy and healthy.
The best start
Choosing the right breeder is absolutely vital. A great place to start is by asking friends, family, breed clubs, training clubs, or your local vet to see if they have any recommendations.
The Kennel Club Assured Breeder Scheme is another way to fi nd a well-bred puppy. Breeders on the scheme healthtest their dogs, are regularly inspected to ensure they adhere to certain high standards, and it’s the only organisation accredited by UKAS to certify dog breeders across the UK.
All good breeders will be able to answer your questions thoroughly and informatively, and you should expect to be asked lots of questions too — it shows the breeder cares that their puppy is going to a good home. Responsible breeders will also perform relevant health-testing and screening before breeding to increase the chances of producing healthy, happy puppies.
Ensure you:
● See the puppy with his mum… ● …and in his home environment, more than once. ● Are provided with paperwork, including relevant health
test results for the puppy’s parents, a contract of sale, vaccinations, and microchip details.
● Are prepared to be put on a waiting list because a
healthy, happy puppy is worth waiting for!
Rogue breeding
Puppy farmers are clever and via the guise of the internet can disguise horrifi c breeding conditions, often selling poorly puppies to unsuspecting new owners who go on to pay the price in vet bills and heartache.
It’s vital to know the tricks of the trade. Look out for:
● Breeders who won’t let you see or meet the puppy, his
mum, and littermates.
● Sellers who won’t show you where the puppy has been
bred and raised, or ask to meet at a neutral location.
● Adverts on multiple sites or signs that the breeder is
trying to make a quick sale.
● The breeder not being interested in you, or asking
questions about your own knowledge or situation — and, equally, if the seller has limited or superfi cial knowledge themselves.
You should be able to see your puppy with his mother and with littermates .
THE ASSURED BREEDER SCHEME
If you’re thinking of breeding, you can help thousands of puppy buyers who are at risk of inadvertently fuelling puppy farms, by joining The Kennel Club’s Assured Breeder Scheme. By becoming an Assured Breeder, you’re making it easier for owners to fi nd a well-bred puppy, rather than being duped by rogue traders who churn out large volumes of puppies for money, with no concern for their health, welfare, or future.
Any committed and responsible breeder is eligible to join the scheme and help to protect dog welfare, as well as benefi ting from Kennel Club endorsements, rewards, and discounts. ● Find out more at thekennelclub.org.uk/abs
Your puppy plan
From doing your research and fi nding the right breeder, you are well on the way to providing your puppy with the best start. So what next?
When you come to bringing your new best friend home, make sure you are well prepared and remember that these formative months, when a puppy learns and absorbs his or her surroundings, are crucial. You’ll also need to think about puppy training. The Kennel Club Good Citizen Scheme is a good place to start — you can fi nd a local club on The Kennel Club website. SOME OTHER POINTERS TO MAP INTO A PUPPY PLAN MIGHT INCLUDE: ● Establishing a routine with feeding, walking, sleeping, and training. ● Creating positive socialisation opportunities, including introducing your puppy to new sounds, experiences, and environments. ● Managing doggy life admin, like booking vaccinations, arranging insurance, and updating microchip details.
Dog ownership brings much happiness, and by being puppywise, you can make sure your new four-legged friend is a happy, healthy family member. More info:
● For further information and advice on responsible puppy ownership, and how to ensure the reality of puppyhood lives up to expectations, visit thekennelclub.org.uk/bepuppywise
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