Be a responsible dog owner:

• Remember a dog really is for LIFE! If you have never owned a dog find out how much they cost to keep and feed, and what dog ownership involves.
• Register your dog with your local vets as soon as you get him. You may want to consider pet insurance, or open a savers account for vet bills only.
• Do you have the time and energy to walk your dog for a minimum of 30 minutes twice a day?
• Can you ensure your dog is not going to be left alone at home for long periods of time? Ideally a dog should not be left for more than four hours a day by themselves.
• Always pick up after your dog when out on a walk. Not only could you be fined if you do not, but we also run the risk of dogs been banned from more parks, beaches, and woodlands if you do not bag it and bin it.
• Consider spaying or neutering your dog. You can discuss the pros and cons with your vet. If you decide against it please always supervise your dog’s contact with other dogs. There are currently too many unwanted dogs in the UK alone. The lucky ones end up in a rescue centre but for thousands of others the chance of a second home does not come quickly enough and they are euthanized.
• If you have your heart set on a particular breed of dog research any specific requirements or particular behaviours they might have - be prepared and armed with knowledge before you buy your dog. It is advisable to go to a kennel club accredited breeder where health checks are in place.
• If you have decided to get a puppy please be careful not to buy from a puppy farm. Puppy farmers are those intensive volume breeders who have little regard or consideration for the basic needs and care of the dogs concerned. Puppy farmers tend to breed dogs for profit alone. As a result, they will typically:
  • breed from bitches too often and from too young an age
  • cram dogs into unsuitable kennelling with no environmental consideration
  • only feed dogs enough to survive and breed
  • not give proper veterinary care or vaccinations
  • transport and sell pups when they are too young to leave their mothers.

As a result dogs born and reared in puppy farms tend to be far more susceptible to developing health and temperament problems. Puppies bred by puppy farmers can sometimes be found for sale in pet shops or may be advertised on the internet and in newspapers, often from a breeder who has many different breeds of dog for sale.

• Not only is it against the law to be cruel to an animal, you must also ensure that all animals’ welfare needs are met, i.e. a suitable environment (how it is housed); a suitable diet (what it eats and drinks); the ability to exhibit normal behaviour patterns; any need it has to be housed with, or apart from, other animals; and protection from pain, suffering, injury and disease.

Keeping your dog safe:

• Make sure that your dog wears a well-fitting collar with an ID tag that has up-to-date contact information.
• Microchip your dog. If your dog is lost or stolen this is one of the most effective ways for you to be reunited with them. Periodically check at your vets that the microchip is still in place.
• Do not leave your dog outside a shop, children’s playground, in a car, etc. – thousands of dogs are stolen every year in the UK. Keep your dog in your sights when on a walk too.
• Spaying or neutering your dog will make them less attractive to thieves who steal for breeding. State on your dog’s ID tag if s/he is spayed or neutered.
• Always keep your dog on a lead when outside the house or garden. Only let him off at the park, or where you know it is safe to do so.
• Be aware that extreme temperatures have drastic effects on dogs. Heat exhaustion is often caused by leaving dogs in parked cars or over-exercising them during hot weather. To cool off an overheated dog, offer plenty of water, wet their body and paws with cool water, then fan.
• Be aware of the dangers of common household items - from poisons and pesticides to chocolate and certain houseplants - and keep them away from your dog.
• Know basic pet first aid such as how to stop bleeding and treat lacerations. Always approach a sick, injured, or scared animal slowly and cautiously. Even your own pet can be aggressive when in pain or frightened.
• Remain as calm as possible during stressful or emergency situations - your dog is easily influenced by your behaviour and will mirror your stress or panic.
• Train your dog. A well-trained, obedient dog is safer, more responsive, and happier.