Register your dog with you local vet - Don't wait for an emergency. Details will be in the Yellow Pages. For additional information or advice on the following consult your vet or pharmacist.
Click on the links below for advice about:Vaccinations and Worming - Every dog should be protected against potentially fatal diseases.
First vaccinations are given at about eight weeks. Puppies should not be allowed on the street or mix with other animals until your vet advises.
Grooming
It is important to keep your dog clean by grooming at least once a week and bathing sporadically. Start at puppy stage so it becomes a pleasure not a chore.
Fleas
If your dog gets fleas treat him with a reliable spray, dusting powder or wash. Also clean the areas your dog uses and sleeps in.
Neutering
Unless you are sure you want your bitch to have puppies and you can find good homes for them you should have her spayed. Your vet will also be able to give you details on hormonal control of seasons. Ask your vet about whether your dog should be neutered.
Dogs and the Law
Dog owners and non-dog owners have the right to live side-by-side. There are, however, several rules which should be followed. Most are straightforward and many are concerned with safeguarding the environment - for the benefit of everybody.
All dogs must wear a collar and clearly displayed tag
The tag must bear the name and address of the dog's owner, while it is present in a public space.
Local Dog Control Measures
Local authorities are empowered to make local rules known as bye-laws. Bye-laws have the force of the law and create criminal offences. Dog control bye-laws can require dogs to be held on leads in certain areas and indeed ban dogs altogether from other more sensitive areas. In England and Wales bye-laws can also require you clean up after your dog. In Scotland it is already an offence to allow your dog to foul in a public place. This offence is punishable by a fine.
Countryside Code
The main countryside rule is - DOGS MUST NEVER WORRY LIVESTOCK.
Even letting your dog walk in the same field as farm animals may be considered as "worrying". Remember the farmer is entitled to shoot your dog if it is worrying livestock.
Dangerous Dogs
Banned dogs (such as ones included under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1990), such as pit bull terriers, must be kept on a lead by someone who is sixteen or over and must be muzzled in a public place. The dog also has to be neutered and no-one may keep these breeds without registering them with the police.
Stray Dogs
You must keep your dog under control at all times. Make sure you know the telephone number for your local authority so that you can contact the dog warden if your dog goes missing. The local authority has the responsibility to collect strays and will charge you for kenneling a dog, so act quickly to ensure that you aren't put to unnecessary expense. If a dog is not claimed within seven days the authority has the right to find him a new home or destroy him.
Going on Holiday
When you give your dog to the person who will be caring for him while you are away, make sure you also give them the number of your local authority in case he strays.
Penalties
Penalties for breaking dog rules can be tough and in extreme cases may allow for the destruction of the dog. The courts have a range of powers to deal with offenders. For example, owners who allow their dogs to get dangerously out of control - can be imprisoned for up to two years and/or fined.
What All Dog Owners Should Know
Owning a dog brings great happiness but is also a life long responsibility to the dog. You will need to care for him properly and responsibly including staying within the law. This leaflet gives some essential tips to current and prospective dog owners.
Deciding to get a dog
Before getting a dog, consider the following:
| Lifestyle | Do you have the time, suitable accommodation and willingness to care properly for a dog? |
| Environment | Are there suitable facilities near you to exercise a dog ? |
| Budget | Dogs need a nutritionally balanced diet and will have to visit the vet for vaccinations and possible emergencies. Do you need additional insurance to cover bet bills or in case your pet causes an accident or damage to property ? Can your budget cope with these costs ? |
Training
A well trained dog is a happy dog and, he will not be a nuisance to others if he's under control. You must never allow your dog to be dangerously out of control - he must not injure anyone or frighten anyone into thinking that they might be injured, it is an offence to let your dog behave in this way
When do I start ?
Preferably while he's still a puppy. It's never too late to train but an older dog may need professional help from a dog training class. The Kennel Club can supply a list of clubs or look in your local newspaper or ask at your vet or library.
How do I start ?
The basic first lessons are:
Corrections and Rewards
Dogs learn by linking actions and results so if you praise your dog immediately after he does something well, he'll learn to repeat it to get the same result.
Toilet Training
Dog owners should not allow their pets to foul in public areas. Toilet training at puppy stage is therefore vital. If, however, your dog should foul in a public place, be prepared to use a "poop-scoop" to clean up the mess.
| How to start: | A puppy goes to the toilet very frequently so begin by putting him outside in a suitable spot as soon as he seems to want to go. Keep repeating this and praise him when he finishes his business in the right place. |
| Regular times: | Build up regular times to take him out - in the morning, after a meal and at night. |
| Going on Command: | Once your puppy can use the garden, you need to train him to go on command there so he won't foul in undesirable places. |
Use a command word such as "clean" or "busy" just as he is about to go to the toilet. Always use the same tone of voice and praise him when he has finished.
·Ideally your dog should be trained to "go at home", but when out in public places, remember to take a "poop-scoop" and clean up after your dog. Many local authorities make these available and provide disposal bins in special dog walking areas.
Your council is responsible for keeping public places clean, which means that any mess not cleared by dog owners becomes a cost to the community.
12 Basic tips for responsible dog ownershipPet Advisory Committee www.petadvisory.org.uk
1 Dean's Yard
London SW1P 3NP