Loe raamatut: «Collins Complete Dog Manual»

(It’s Me Or the Dog © HarperCollins/ © Mark Read)

Choosing Your Dog

Finding a Dog

Selecting the Right Dog

The Perfect Puppy

Good Social Skills

If you want a puppy, impulse buying is your worst enemy: every puppy is small, pretty and vulnerable, and it is so easy to fall for a little bundle of mischief without any consideration for the future – the puppy’s future or your own. Buying a puppy or an adult dog is one of the most important purchases of a lifetime. You will be assuming control of another creature’s life and he will be dependent on you for upwards of twelve years, so you are, in effect, buying a new member of the family.

Because of the importance of the decision, it is a good idea to consult with all the members of your family from the youngest to the eldest, for each one will bear some responsibility in different areas of the dog’s life. Children should be closely involved as the lessons they can learn from caring for a dog will stand them in good stead for the rest of their lives. Owning a dog now is likely to help them to be more caring to both animals and humans later on in their adult life.

Which Breed?

There is a breed of dog that is suitable for every family. The UK Kennel Club registers 173 breeds of dog and obviously it will take a little research in order to discover which one is ideal for you but all the effort is well worthwhile. Probably the first consideration is where you live and the size and style of the accommodation. All dogs love freedom and are suitable for country living, with the exception of only some very small heavy-coated breeds, but not all dogs are suitable for city or town life. It would not be right to condemn a large dog such as a St Bernard or any of the larger hound breeds to life in a small flat in a tower block, but dogs, being what they are, would adapt to the life. However, the fact remains that it would not be fair and would almost certainly lead to problems, particularly concerning behaviour and temperament.

(It’s Me Or the Dog © HarperCollins/ © Mark Read)

If you live in an estate where the houses are quite close together, the neighbours must be respected. They have the legal right to peace and quiet and thus a breed that is inclined to yap or bark for long periods is not suitable; neither would you want a breed that has the reputation for being aggressive to other dogs and too defensive of you and your family. Remember that unfortunately not everyone likes dogs, and therefore you would not want to willingly introduce an element into your life which will bring aggravation.

Next, consider your own attitudes; if you are super tidy, a dog with a thick double coat that tends to moult heavily would be a source of irritation. He would require daily grooming but would you have the time to do this? There are other considerations, such as is the house left empty for long periods? Is there a member of the family willing and able to walk the dog at least twice a day? Who will be responsible for feeding him and making sure that fresh water is always available? (see Chapter 2: Dog Breed Guide.)

(It’s Me Or the Dog © HarperCollins/ © Mark Read)

Finding a Dog

It has never been easier to find out about dogs, and the latest most convenient and complete way to do this is by using the Internet.

(© Jean Michel Labat)

It is simplicity itself to click on to the Kennel Club’s own website, or one of the others that relate to pets, and link into the breed history, breed clubs and the breeders themselves. It is possible to communicate with breeders and owners around the world and to download photographs and articles. The Kennel Club will also provide you with the telephone numbers of any breeders close to where you live. However, if you are looking for one of the rarer dog breeds, you will have to be prepared to travel further afield.

There are literally thousands of books on breeds of dogs and there are many specialist bookshops dealing in the subject. Public libraries are also an excellent source of information, and if they haven’t got a particular book they will order it specially for you.

There are weekly newspapers devoted to pedigree dogs, their care, exhibition and breeding as well as some monthly magazines publishing information on every aspect of owning pet dogs. One UK magazine even has a section on finding dogs, with a list of consultants for every breed. A phone call can put you in touch with a friendly expert who is not there to sell you a dog but to provide unbiased information so you can make an informed decision.

Pedigree or Mongrel?

At about this juncture you will have to decide whether you want to own a pedigree dog or a mongrel. Some authorities claim that pedigree dogs are less healthy than mongrels or cross breeds. Although this may be so with a few breeds, there is no scientific evidence that will prove the case generally. There are two reasons why a dog is classed as a pedigree:

• The first is that his ancestry is known and recorded.

• Secondly, he breeds true; that is to say that if you mate a dog and a bitch of one breed the resultant puppies will be replicas of their parents (colour excepted).

One of the main advantages of a pedigree dog is that within close parameters you will know how big he will grow. You will also know the sort of temperament he is likely to develop. However, buying a mongrel is a bit like a lottery – unless you have some specialized knowledge, the little creature at eight weeks might be a giant at eighteen months; he may have inherited some nasty genes from one of his parents that may not manifest themselves until he is two years old or even older.

The Kennel Club, the Internet, canine newspapers and magazines can all help you to find the right pedigree dog or puppy for you. Many prospective owners go to dog shows to seek out breeders but with today’s All Breed Championship Shows, which are held over three days, it is as well to find out in advance on which day your favourite breed is being exhibited. A telephone call to the Kennel Club or a study of the canine newspapers will reveal the most convenient day; the smaller open shows that take place over one day may not schedule your particular breed.

Pet shops and puppy farms

There are traps into which the unwary can fall: the selling of puppies and young dogs is now a multi-million pound business, and unfortunately there are a few unscrupulous breeders, dealers and retailers waiting for the gullible. Most people have seen on television and read in the national newspapers of ‘puppy farms’. However, these are not farms in the true sense of the word but places where puppies are bred with no thought to their welfare, physically or mentally, and fed on cheap and inferior foods with no veterinary attention. Their breeders are not concerned where they go or what happens to them after they leave their premises. The puppies can either be sold direct to the public via misrepresented newspaper advertisements or they can go to dealers who will sell them by any method. Alternatively, they may be sold on through pet shops.

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

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.