Dog Training, Dog Health & Dog Care

Either a dog or a bitch can make a fine companion and pet Females are often easier to train and make house-clean and are usually more even-tempered and friendly with all the family. Male can be just as good in these respects as bitches but some may tend to be more independent and are more liable to roam and quarrel with other dogs. They are also inclinedto become attached to one person rather than to all the household. Bitches do, of course, present special problems and need special care. This is dealt with later.

The actual purchase
It is best to buy direct from a reputable breeder, or from a private owner whose bitch has had puppies. Sometimes, those obtained from dealers and pet shops have seen taken from their mothers too young  and before they were weaned. Also, through mixingwith others they may have been exposed to distemper and other infections, which are common where a lot of puppies are collected together from various sources. The expression’ sold a pup’ can be only too true. Never buy from a  street vendor, or order without havingseen the animal.

When selecting a puppy, pick it up to see that a fluffy coat is not hiding a skinny body. The eyes should be bright and the nose free from discharge, and the puppy should be playful and full of life. There should be no signs of diarrhoea or evidence of fleas or lice, or of bald patches and pimples which might indicate skin disease. The puppy should be not less than 6 weeks old and, to be sure he is weaned, see him eat before taking him home. It is advisable not to complete the purchase until you have had the puppy examined by a vaterinary surgeon, at which time you can discuss the need for vaccination and worming.His fee will be a worthwhile safeguard in many cases.

Since each breed has its own characteristics of nature and disposition as well as of size and shape, everyone should choose the type of dog best suited to his own circumstances

If you live in a town flat or small house with little or no garden, then you should decide to have a small dog which can be cheerful in the confined space available. If, on the other hand, you have a house with large grounds, then you may prefer to have one of the larger breeds– perhaps even a Great Dane or St. Barnard–but first, consider the cost of the quantity of food necessary for a really large dog, and whether you can afford it. Also, are you willing and able to give the time necessary every day for exercise? If you prefer a sporting type of dog or one of the lively terrier types, it too will need plenty of exercise.

However, as some of the fashionable pure-bred dogs are highly-strung, a mongrel may trun out to be the best family dog. But if size is of importance. it should not be chosen while still a young puppy, unless the parentage is known, in case it grows too large for the amount of food and exercise the new owner can provide. Too many dogs become unwanted because they grow to be much larger than expected. Puppies with large paws usually grow into larger than expected. Puppies with large paws usually grow into large dogs. If you are able to see the mother, this will give you some idea of how the puppy is likely to grow up.

If you buy a pedigree puppy, make sure that it is registered with the Kennel Club whose authority and certificate of registration are a guarantee of any recognised breed’s pedigree.

Should you get a puppy or an older dog? If there are small children in the family, the chances are that you have not the time to devote to a young puppy, which needs extra care. Young children can be hard on a puppy not strong enough to take pushing, pulling and pummelling

On the other hand, if you get a puppy, you will enjoy the fun of his puppyhood and bringing him up.

The best time to get a puppy is when he is about 8 weeks old. At that age he will probably adapt himself better, and his loyalty will usually become unquestioned.

The responsibilities of the owner Anyone thinking of keeping a dog should consider whether he can reasonably supply the basic requirements and so give the dog the happiness he deserves in return for the lifetime of devotion he will give his owner. The chief needs of a dog are:

Good food
Clean water
Plenty of exercise and freedom
A warm, dry bed
Grooming
Human companionship
Veterinary care in case of illness or injury

The amount of food and exercise needed vary greatly according to the size and type of dog, but the one thing essential for any dog is that some member of the household should normally be at home with him. It is wrong to leave a dog alone for many hours at a time. Also, at holiday times, unless the dog can come too, arrangements must be made for him to be taken in by friends or boarded in kennels

To abandon any animal is now a legal offence. There are other laws relating to dogs. The most important one of course is that when a puppy gets to 6 months of age, the owner must buy a licence from the Post Office. The licence is valid for 1 year, and is then renewable.