Collins Complete Dog Manual

It must be emphasized that these puppies do not have a good future, and it is most unlikely that the vendors will offer a ‘back-up’ in case of trouble. The puppy may become ill and his papers may be false. Therefore it is always wise to buy direct from a breeder, who should be recognized by the Kennel Club, or from a registered charity. Lastly, do not buy a puppy unless you see the mother!

Rescue Dogs

Not everyone wants the problems associated with rearing a puppy and you may decide on a rescue or an adult dog. A network of breed rescue organisations exists to help you – a call to the Kennel Club will provide the relevant phone numbers. There are many reasons why dogs end up in rescue: broken marriages, deaths or simply an owner going overseas.

A large number of these dogs come from a happy home, are well trained and can become a fully accepted older dog in any household. However, some have been ill treated and require tender, loving care before they have confidence in their new home. Because of the difficulties, potential owners should be prepared for some searching questions before the dog is handed over. You may have to pay a small fee to cover expenses. It is also unusual for the Kennel Club documents to be made available; this is to stop the possibility of further abuse to the dog.

Of pedigree dogs, greyhounds pose the biggest problem. Many racing greyhounds are bred in Britain and Ireland – far too many dogs for the market to absorb. As a result, numerous greyhounds are abandoned by their owners if they don’t make the grade. Contrary to some opinions, they can be easily trained not to chase small furry animals and can make extremely gentle and loving companions. There are specialist rescue organizations for the breed, which not only rehome ex-racers but actually go to the race tracks in Spain (where greyhounds are frequently ill treated) and buy them back. These dogs are then re-homed in Britain or in Europe.

National charities

There are national charities that never put down any dog unless he is very old and infirm and, no matter what is done to help him, can never have any quality of life. Both Battersea Dogs’ Home and the National Canine Defence League (NCDL) give dogs of all breeds, including abandoned mongrels, a chance by re-training them, treating their ailments and matching them very carefully with potential owners. Owners are at liberty to return any dog that fails to fit into the new home, and further efforts will be made to re-home the dog, no matter how long it takes.

Choosing a rescue dog

The problem when looking for a rescue dog is their beguiling eyes. Every one will touch the heart but you must be practical. You will have decided on the most suitable size and how much time you are prepared to spend on grooming the coat. It is in the interests of the rescue centre to match you with a suitable dog so listen carefully to their advice, speak to the person who normally walks the dog you are interested in, and ask them questions.

A surplus of greyhounds bred for the circuit means that many are abandoned by their owners – but they can make wonderful, gentle pets. (© Jean-Michel Labat)

The dog may be suspicious at the start but don’t worry, this is natural. He should come to you after about five minutes. However, if he shows any aggression, then beware. If he lies on his back urinating slightly, he is being submissive, which is acceptable in puppies but not in adult dogs. There is always a gamble with a rescue dog because his history is usually unknown, and great patience from all the family will be needed.

• Sit quietly without making direct eye contact with the dog but keep observing him and his reactions to you.

• Offer him a small treat or piece of food and watch his reaction. Does he snatch it or refuse it?

• Ask the staff whether you can observe the dog’s behaviour when he is placed with other dogs.

• Put a lead on the dog and take him for a short walk. Note how he reacts to you. Then put him back in the kennel and invite him out again.

Selecting the Right Dog (#ulink_cd3801e5-6c30-5d64-9caf-ef82506ac764)

There is no magic formula for selecting the right dog from either a rescue centre or from a litter of puppies at the breeder’s kennels. It is best that the entire family go together to make a choice, as everybody, including the children, should be there to express their opinion.

Dogs From Rescue Centres

Staff at rescue centres are deeply concerned that the right dog goes to the right family, and they will ask you about your house and garden, whether there will be anybody at home during the day to look after the dog and also whether you have any other pets. You will be shown dogs that have been carefully assessed and will be told candidly if, in the opinion of the kennel staff, there are likely to be any problems.

Before the dog is allowed to leave the kennels there will almost certainly be a home visit as the centre staff will wish to satisfy themselves that your home is suitable for the dog. For instance, they have to ensure that your garden is escape-proof if you want a terrier-type dog and that there are no steep stairs if you wish to adopt a big, elderly dog.

One of the most difficult tasks facing any dog lover is to walk along a corridor that is lined with kennels, each containing one or more dogs – their eyes will touch all hearts and in fact it is often better to let the dog make the choice. Families looking for a pet will be allowed to stay in a room with the dog and this is the moment to find out if he likes the family. Re-homing staff often report how a dog, may be indifferent to one family and yet go for another in a big way.

There are disadvantages to getting a dog from one of the charities, the main one being that the dog is likely to have been a stray, either lost or abandoned by the previous owners, and nobody will have any idea of his previous life, how much training he has received, any illness he may have suffered or whether he has been abused or ill treated in any way. The staff will have gone to considerable trouble to find and correct any behaviour problems but in the privacy of a home the dog may lack confidence and be troubled by the alien atmosphere. New owners will require a lot of patience until the dog understands his place and what is expected of him. It is, however, quite remarkable how quickly a rescue dog will attach himself to a new family if he is shown kindness.

The agency should supply you with the dog’s veterinary record so that in the event of illness or accident your vet will know what treatment has been administered. There will also be a record of your pet’s vaccinations, which you will want to keep up to date. A dog’s digestive system cannot cope with sudden changes of diet, and you should receive a small quantity of his regular food. If you want to change his food, you should do it gradually over several days by increasing the amount of new food each day while reducing the old food.

Settling into a new home

When you collect your rescue dog or puppy, there is a possibility that he may be travel sick as he might never have travelled in a car before. Although this can often be controlled, it is always advisable to consult your vet on the subject. Do not be tempted to try out home remedies; you must be sure that any medicine used contains nothing that will harm the dog. In his new home the dog must not be pressurized; he should be allowed to find his own level. Put a basket or bed in a draught-free corner with something soft and comfortable for him to lie on. This bed must be inviolable and once he goes to it for a rest he must not be disturbed.

Let your children handle the new dog under your supervision. They will soon accept him. (Vanessa Nel)

The children must not smother him with love to start with – a tickle under the chin, a pat on the head and a few soothing words will be sufficient. He will let you know when he wants more. Be patient, take your time and before you know it the dog will be your faithful companion.

Dogs like routine. Your dog will like to know that he is fed at the same time each day and taken out at the same time. He will have preferences for food but he should not be spoilt; otherwise you may train him only to eat chicken! Try to persuade the children not to feed him titbits at meal times as some dogs tend to get fat.

The dog may have had some training or he may never have experienced it at all so it would be an excellent idea to take him to a local training class. It can be a fun evening for your children, especially if your dog is to be trained into the Kennel Club’s Good Citizens Scheme, which, when he passes simple tests, will award the children a certificate.

Pedigree Puppies

You may opt to start from scratch and buy a pedigree puppy. If you have done your research you will have probably got down to a shortlist of two or three breeds you like. You should now try to find a suitable breeder. You can do this by contacting them at a dog show, but bear in mind that many of the minority breeds have only a few breeders in the country and you may have to go on a waiting list for a puppy. The choice of the breeder is really important so if you don’t like him or her do not buy a puppy from them. The ideal breeder has a policy of breeding sound dogs, both mentally and physically, will take advantage of all the modern veterinary technology as far as genetic tests are concerned, and will be interested in the puppy’s future life. In fact, the purchase of a puppy can often be the start of a lifelong friendship.

You must be prepared for some searching questions about your lifestyle, and, in return, the good breeder will not be offended if you ask leading questions about their breeding history.

Which Sex?

The choice between a dog and bitch is not easy. Bitches are presumed to be gentler and more biddable but the supporters of male animals claim they are more sensitive to their owner’s feelings. Bitches of the larger breeds are probably better with small children, and dogs with teenagers. The main problem with bitches is that they come into season roughly every six to nine months and during this period they must be kept away from the males or otherwise puppies will ensue. Dogs will scent a bitch in season, travel miles and wait for an opportunity to mate with her. Spaying the bitch and castrating the male prevents the problem and does not affect the character of either.

Genetic tests

From your research you will know which, if any, genetic anomalies are prevalent among your favourite breeds. One of the most frequent in the larger dogs is hip dysplasia. The best breeders, however, have been working on this problem for many years and are succeeding in reducing the incidence in most breeds. You should have found out the average score for the breed and the breeder will show you either the parents’ scores or the mother’s British Veterinary Association/Kennel Club score sheet. If the score is very much higher than the norm, you would be well advised not to buy one of the puppies, however cute. There are other genetic tests, particularly for eye conditions that affect some breeds. The Kennel Club will be happy to advise you about any genetic abnormalities that may be present in various breeds.

Choosing a Puppy

Take your family to see the puppies, which should be over eight weeks old, but make sure the children are under control. There is a possibility that the puppies have never encountered children before and might be disturbed, as will the breeder.

Always ask to see the puppies’ mother. This will enable you not only to see the fully grown size of an adult dog but also, and more importantly, to make a quick judgement of her temperament.

Never buy a puppy without seeing the mother first. This will help you to assess a pup’s eventual size, appearance and temperament. (© Jean-Michel Labat)

Whichever sex you have decided upon, ask the breeder to remove the others and then examine the puppies individually. Look for any sort of discharge from the eyes, the mouth, the anus or the vulva; if there is any present, don’t take that puppy. Any runt of the litter should also be discounted. On no account should you be persuaded to buy a puppy at a lower price because ‘there is something minor wrong with it’. Therein lies trouble. If everything looks good, watch for the most extrovert puppy, the one that approaches you full of curiosity and happiness, and ignore any that creep about apprehensively.

Checking a puppy

When choosing a puppy, ensure you examine him thoroughly before committing to a sale. Watch the puppy carefully for reassurance that he is contented and well cared for. Stroke him, play with him and ask to see the mother.

• Gently examine the puppy’s anal regions for any tell-tale signs of discharge.

• Fold back the ear flap and check for any wax or discharge. The ears should not smell unpleasant.

• Check the eyes for signs of discharge. They should be clear; bright and alert.

• Examine the mouth and teeth. They should be white and smooth with a correct bite.

Taking your puppy home

The children will be very excited when you finally bring your new puppy home but you must try to keep them calm during the journey. The puppy is most unlikely to have been in a car before so have a soft blanket available, sit him on a lap and stroke him gently. He may be car sick so you should have a plentiful supply of tissues. Don’t be cross with your puppy if he is sick; he doesn’t know that he is doing anything wrong and should be comforted to make him think that travelling in a car is a pleasurable experience.

At first reading, all this may seem to be an awful lot of trouble but owning the right breed of dog can really create enormous interest and give your family a closer understanding of nature.