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OWNERS TUTORIAL
The commitment
A dog's life span is approximately between 10 and 16 years. Therefore that is the possible time you must be prepared to look after another living being. Such a commitment must be made with the knowledge that at times it will be inconvenient, just as it can be when we have our young children to look after.
Intermittent faults
If at times your dog seems to malfunction do not blame him or throw him away as you might do with a domestic appliance, but try and seek the answer to how you could do more to help the dog understand your requirements.
Do not make the decision of dog ownership lightly but, having done so, you may come to realise that you have enriched your life beyond your wildest expectations. The friendship offered to us by our dogs is often more faithful than that of people.
Babies, Children and dogs
Babies and children should never be left alone with one or more dogs. This rule applies no matter how soft and gentle the owners believe the dog to be. Just like some humans dogs can be unpredictable. Never take a chance. It is better to be safe than sorry.
A dog will need
Daily grooming
At least one good walk a day
A dry bed
Training
To be readily identified if lost
Feeding and clean water available at all times
To be vaccinated against disease
Sufficient room in the house according to his likely size.
To be properly looked after if you do not take him on holiday with you.
Company
Give your dog company but understand that, with some, excessive company can cause a behavioural problem known as Separation Anxiety. This problem is often misunderstood even by those regarded as experts. Read about Separation Anxiety on my Problem Dog Behaviour page. For complete information and cures for this problem read my book:-
How to change … Dog Behaviour. It is available from this site.
The cost of dog ownership
Purchase price can be from nothing to £1000 pounds or even greater.
An average cost of a pedigree dog with all paper work complete varies from breed to breed, but allow for at least £500
Daily feeding costs vary according to size but must be taken into account. Up to £10 a week dependant upon size and dietary requirements.
Annual veterinary vaccination fees.
Veterinary services for health.
Possible veterinary bill insurance schemes.
Training club fees – Often inexpensive.
Your time with the dog.
In return most dogs will give:
Affection.
Faithfulness.
Someone to talk to.
Dependency upon us like a child.
Their presence and touch which can release our stresses.
Pleasure to other lovers of this animal.
Because we must exercise them they in turn exercise us.
Our enhanced fitness by walking them.
Discovery of our possible ailments through exercise with the dog.
Many dogs are also trained to give a specific service to man.
Your duty to your dog and the public
An I.D.Tag
In a public place a dog must be wearing an identification tag. This is law.
That tag must contain your name and address. A phone number is also helpful.
Your dog’s name on the tag only helps dog thieves so do not include it on the tag.
Do not allow your dog to be noisy.
Do not take your dog into food shops.
Do not allow the dog out without a person supervising him.
Do not exercise your dog in farming fields without permission to do so.
Where there is livestock ensure your dog is on lead.
Even if well trained, on a road, keep your dog on a lead.
Never leave your dog unattended in a vehicle for any period of time.
Ensure your dog has adequate ventilation if left in a car.
Training your dog
Find out how to train your dog. There are many classes available in most areas. Also check the notice boards of veterinary practices, but realise that because they advertise them they do not necessarily endorse the quality of the training advice given.
Contact the Kennel Club for details of clubs that are part of their Good Citizen Dog Scheme.
Keep your dog under control at all times.
Train your dog to use the kerb correctly.
Keep your dog close to you when walking on a lead.
Respect the Country Code and always shut gates.
Food, Water and Waste
A consistent good quality diet is better for a dog than scraps left by us.
Give your dog a suitable amount of exercise and play.
Feed once or twice a day.
Do not leave food down all day
Always ensure there is fresh water available for your dog.
Always clean up after your dog.
Health and safety
Groom your dog regularly.
Neutering can prevent unwanted puppies.
Worm your dog every six months.
Vaccination or adequate protection against canine diseases is essential.
Decide whether to have dog insurance or to take the risk yourself.
Check whether you household insurance policy covers third party claims against your dog.
Boarding kennels require all vaccination certificates to be up to date.
Do not inflict your dog on other people. They make not like dogs.
Adopting a dog
An adopted dog may be from a friend, an advert or an animal rescue society.
They might be house clean but it is never guaranteed.
They might seem to be sociable but soon display problem behaviour.
They might be the ideal dog.
In other words there is no perfect answer
A Puppy
Buying from a reputable breeder allows the owner who has taken the time to study basic dog behaviour and training to mould the puppy to become a well trained and socially accepted dog. However, they have to be taught to be clean and understand all the other requirements of the owners. Many will only want to please you. Others, if not taught to behave will take control. My strong advice is to understand these subjects first and buy afterwards. Not the other way round.
Buying a puppy
Decide upon a suitable breed and not for fashionable reasons.
Buy from a reputable breeder.
Visit the breeder to view the whole litter after they are three weeks old.
Be sure to see and observe the behaviour of the puppy’s mother.
If possible arrange to see the puppy’s father or find out about his nature.
Acquaint yourself with any likely hereditary defects that may sometimes appear in your chosen breed and check whether the dam and sire have been screened for them.
Do not make the mistake of buying two as company for each other. Firstly you need the puppy to bond to people not the other dog. Secondly it may be not just double the trouble but more likely quadruple.
Train one first and when perhaps over 18 months of age then consider getting him a friend.
What should come with the puppy
Instructions for care of the youngster.
Feeding information.
The puppy’s pedigree.
A Kennel Club registration certificate or, if not available, a written and signed note to the effect that it will be forwarded to you.
Also that the breeder will complete the change of ownership section.
Whether adult or puppy is the choice, observe the following
Do not immediately descend upon one or more puppies or dogs. You may frighten them.
Remember that you would not like strange people to act in that way with you.
Allow the animals a little time to make friends with you on their terms.
Decide whether the dog is shy and retiring and reticent to go to anyone.
Such a puppy or dog may appear to need mothering but may also be showing signs of fear which can later become an anti-social behavioural problem.
Is he the boldest acting in a manner of a bully? Such a dog might be naturally very highly ranked and may wish to dominate the people he goes to live with. This is the opposite of the first possible type but just as big a problem.
Try and find a puppy or dog between these two extremes but do remember that the temperament displayed at a very young age can change, but do not rely on that occurring. Do not take a risk.
Remember your commitment is to a living being. It is the same commitment parents should have for their children.
