Purchasing a puppy
There are many things to consider as a dog owner. Your
responsibility to your dog and to the community is very important
so that man and dog can live in harmony. Here are the essential
questions you should ask yourself first and the Dos and Don'ts of
dog ownership.
Ask yourself
- Can I afford to buy the dog I want?
- Can I make a lifelong commitment to a dog?
(A dog's average life span is 12 years)
- Can I afford £4.50 - £8.00 per week to feed a dog?
- Can I afford veterinary fees?
- Can I afford canine insurance?
- Is my home big enough to house a dog?
- Do I really want to exercise a dog every day?
- Will there be someone at home with a dog?
(Dogs get lonely just like humans)
- Will I find time to train, groom and generally care for a
dog?
- Will I be able to answer YES to these questions every day of
the year?
- If you have answered 'no' to any of the questions above think
again before buying a dog.
- If you have answered 'yes' to all of the questions, consider
the responsibilities of dog ownership listed below.
Do
- Make sure your dog wears an identification collar and tag with
your current contact details. The Control of Dogs Order 1992
advises that any dog in a public place must wear a collar tag with
the name and address of the owner written on it. The phone number
is optional.
- Attend dog training classes such as the Good Citizen Dog Scheme
- a trained dog is a happy dog.
- Keep your dog under control at all times.
- Train your dog to use the kerb correctly.
- Always clean up after your dog.
- Keep your dog close to you when walking on a lead.
- Respect the Country Code.
- Give your dog the correct amount of exercise and play.
- Feed your dog a balanced, nutritious diet with adequate food
and water.
- Worm your dog routinely.
- Register your dog with your local vet and attend annual health
checks and ensure your dog is adequately immunised/vaccinated.
- Take out veterinary insurance to cover any unforeseen injuries
or illnesses.
- Groom your dog regularly.
- When booking holidays make suitable arrangements for your dog,
don't leave it too late and ensure all vaccination certificates are
up to date before booking your dog into kennels.
- Consider that adult dogs of either sex may be neutered to
prevent unwanted puppies.
- Consider either third party legal liability insurance or take
out specific canine insurance in case your dog causes damage or an
accident.
- REMEMBER not everybody loves dogs, only a
minority of the population are dog owners - respect the views of
others.
Don't
- Allow your dog to foul footpaths, parks or public places. Local
authorities have the power to make it an offence punishable by a
fine. Dogs (Fouling of Land) Act 1996
- Allow your dog to interfere with passers-by in the street.
- Allow your dog to make unnecessary noise.
- Take your dog into food shops or places where dogs are not
allowed.
- Allow your dog to roam freely in grazing fields or through
crops.
- Allow your dog to chase livestock or wildlife.
- Leave your dog alone for long periods of time - dogs feel
lonely just like humans.
- Allow your dog to roam the streets or countryside
unsupervised.
- Spoil your dog - spoilt dogs are as bad as spoilt
children.
- Leave you dog unattended in a vehicle for any period of
time.