Dogs

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The New puppy

Once you have decided on the type of dog you want, and where you are going to obtain it, then there are some questions you should ask before you take it home. If you are purchasing a pup from the breeder ask to see the dam and the sire. This will give you an appreciation of the temperament of the parents. Temperament is partly genetic and partly environmental. Purchasing a pup from parents with the temperament you desire increases the likelihood the pup will be the same. Obviously when purchasing a pup from a pet shop or welfare society this is not possible.

Also ask questions like has the pup been wormed or vaccinated? What has it eaten and how often? If you have a group of pups to choose from take the time to sit with the pups. Choose a pup that is outgoing and happy; the pup should approach you readily and not be frightened. Usually the best pup to purchase is not the first to approach but the second or third. The shy one at the back may be fine in the long run but might turn out to be a shy adult. The pup should be in good body condition, playful and bright and have a shiny coat. Puppies should not be removed from their mother until they are 6 weeks of age however most pups benefit by staying till at least 8 weeks.

Pups are very prone to upset tummies when they are first taken to their new home. Some are due to viruses but some are due to stress and changing food, it is always best to seek medical advice if your pup is unwell as they can deteriorate very quickly. It is extremely important to minimize any stresses as sometimes the vomiting and diarrhea can progress to be fatal.

Keep the puppy away from small children as much as possible and ensure the children are aware the pup may be frightened. Make the pup a warm bed in a secure room (make sure the pup can't get trapped). A covered hot water bottle can be added for comfort, however make sure the puppy can move away from it if too hot. A ticking clock or softly playing radio may also help the puppy settle. Place newspaper on a tiled floor, preferably at the door that leads to the area where the pup will be expected to use for toileting in the future.

For the first week feed the puppy the same food it had previously (even if it's not that wonderful) then slowly change it onto the diet of your choice. If this information is not available feed a bland diet such as chicken and rice. Sudden dietary changes can result in gastro-enteritis (vomiting and diarrhea) and are sometimes fatal. Do not feed milk initially unless you know it has had it before, pet milks obtained from the supermarket are usually fine, however these are not balanced foods and can not be used as a replacement for a solid food. Always use a commercially prepared puppy food as a permanent diet for dogs under four months of age.

If the puppy needs to go to the vet for vaccination or you want to get it checked it is usually best to wait 24 hours or more to allow it to settle in first, unless it appears unwell. However some pet stores require you to have the puppy vet checked within 24 hours and if you do not you will void their warranty.

SOCIALISATION

As a puppy is developing it must learn to walk, to run, to climb and to play and it also needs to learn how to interact with other animals in the household and the humans. This is called socialization. Puppies need to learn social skills that will allow them to respond appropriately to situations as adults.

Socialization is extremely important in dogs as inappropriate learned behaviour may lead to attacks on other animals or humans. We are all aware how serious dog attacks can be and socializing a puppy correctly gives it a good start to grow into the dog we desire.

The socialization period begins in puppies at approximately four weeks of age. The puppy has its eyes open, is beginning to explore its environment and play. The pup will interact with its mother and litter mates and learn about humans. It may interact with another pet (say a cat). At this age the pup has no caution. It is very willing to approach a new object. It will try to play with it. The pup learns how to bark. Through trial and error the pup learns caution (the cat will scratch him, falling down the stairs hurts) and what is and isn't acceptable social behaviour. For example the pup will learn that humans like a puppy to be friendly but if it bites too hard it will be ignored or reprimanded. The critical socialization period ends at 12 weeks of age. After 12 weeks its basic behavioural pattern are ingrained and may be impossible to change.

During this period it is important to spend time handling and interacting with your new puppy so it grows into a confident and friendly adult. A puppy should be introduced to the other animals in the household in as non-threatening a way as possible. Introduce the puppy to humans of different age groups as well. The puppy can be introduced to dogs from other households however we strongly recommend that these dogs are fully vaccinated. Puppies of this age should not be walked on suburban streets or parks as the risk of catching parvovirus is too high.

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