The puppy Programme - Factsheet

GETTING GOOD ADVICE

Having a new pup in the house is a great experience, and there are lots of things to consider if it is to become the start of a long and happy friendship. Getting it right and obtaining impartial advice is important, particularly today with more reliable information on medical and dietary matters, and with a better understanding of training methods. What you decide today may have a bearing on events many years later, and could make the difference between having a great new member of your family, or becoming governed by his or her every move for their entire life.

What makes for a good pet and what certainly doesn't is where we have a wealth of understanding and we would welcome you tapping into our knowledge, training and experience so that you avoid the pitfalls and maximise the benefits. This is why, at this Practice, we encourage regular contact and hence the Puppy programme. Everyone benefits – a happy dog, a happy family and a practice who can follow your dog and watch him or her grow up.

PACK! PACK! PACK!

Consider the pup when you first get him or her home. Up to that point they will have come from a 'pack' of other dogs, and behaviour based on instinct will rule. In their new home they then have a complete about-turn and have to learn that they are now in the human 'pack' that is your family. Such a change will need careful guidance, lots of patience and a clear understanding of the situation. As part of our Puppy programme we include two booklets of puppy behaviour and dog training. They are easy to read and are full of sound advice. The message they give is to get what you want think like the dog! Once you do this everything else falls into place.

DIETARY ADVICE

When it comes to diet, no two dogs are the same, and tailoring their needs for optimum growth is not just a matter of what tastes good – it is now a science. We now know that early diet has knock-on effects some ten years down the line and improvements in diet mean that dogs do live healthier and for longer if they are allowed to eat properly from the start.

For example, we now know that too fast a growth results in long legs but poor joints, and problems from wear and tear start to develop earlier. Furthermore, the dietary requirements of pups of the larger breeds differ significantly from those of a smaller adult stature and certain breeds have individual problems that can be avoided simply by proper nutrition.

VACCINATION

To prevent your puppy from picking up certain potentially fatal diseases we can vaccinate them. Two doses are needed, two weeks apart. When best to do it is now the subject of much scientific discussion. Early vaccination is not the same as good vaccination! We now think that if given too young we may impair their immune system against certain conditions and this might cause problems that last for life. Whilst vaccines are licensed for use at eight weeks, at this Practice we won't take risks, so we wait just two more weeks - for the pup's immune system to be fully functional. Therefore we give a dose at 10 and 12 weeks. In this area, where the chance of picking up one of the deadly diseases is very unlikely, we feel that this short delay makes good clinical sense. Your pup should still be able to go out if you exercise care about where they go and whom they will meet. We will advise you properly at the appointment.

HEALTH CHECKS

Pups grow fast and their bodies change at a much faster rate than children. We expect our doctors to monitor babies regularly, so it seems even more essential for dogs to be looked at as they develop. A lot can happen in a few months, and early intervention is usually much easier than waiting for a problem to become obvious. We carry out free health checks every three months during you pup's first year when you have signed up for our Puppy Programme. We want to know how you are getting on, and we will get involved as necessary. A check of teeth, joints and bodily functions is simple and easy, and any hiccups in training behaviour can be corrected whilst the pup is still teachable.

BEHAVIOUR

The buzz word is to get your pup used to other dogs and experiences as soon as possible! But do it safely – particularly when they may not have had all their vaccinations. Chat to us first about what you want to do. Training a pup means thinking like a pup! How they see the world and how they interpret your commands may differ from what you see and mean to say. They will want you to become part of their pack, but you will doubtless find it easier if they become part of your pack! Remember – the relation with your dog will hopefully last a good twelve years, so prevent annoying habits before they annoy! On your first vaccination visit we supply two booklets on behaviour. They are simple and offer straightforward advice. We can then fine tune behaviour if needed on one of the monthly checks. Behaviour advice and the booklets are included in the Puppy Programme fee, and you are welcome to contact use between visits too, should you need.

The Puppy Programme

The initial examination, usually straight after purchase, or at eight weeks of age is free!
The cost of the first vaccinations, booklets and the monthly checks is

£52.88 incl. VAT.

Advice on diet and behaviour is always free!

The only additional expense should be wormers, since the amount will depend on the size of the dog at the time! Allow about £1.00 initially through to £5.00 for a larger pup that is almost fully grown.