An Essential Guide to Dogs

www.burgesspetcare.com

The British Family pet experts

A British family companyOur strong family values and traditions are core to the Burgess story. For generations we have produced the finest quality foods for people, pets and animals.

200-year heritage in agricultureOur 200-year heritage in agriculture has helped forge strong relationships with the farming community and the ingredients for our recipes are sourced locally wherever possible.

Experts in animal nutritionThe health and happiness of animals is our number one goal and our expert knowledge in animal nutrition helps us achieve this. Of course as animal lovers ourselves, we’re also passionate about making great quality, tasty foods.

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Whether you’re reading this essential care guide as a newcomer to dog ownership or as an existing owner that loves to swot up on all things canine, then welcome!

You may have just or are about to welcome a puppy into your family, or perhaps you have given a more mature companion their forever home. If so, welcome to the wonderful world of dogs! Your journey begins here.

Included within is all the essential information you need for a happy and healthy dog. We recommend keeping this guide handy for future reference.

An essential guide to dogs

www.burgesspetcare.com

Contents:Introduction to dogs 4

Finding the right dog for you 5

Life stages of dogs 6

Welcoming your dog 8

A guide to dog nutrition 10

Burgess Sensitive 12

Burgess Supadog 14

Dog activity 18

Behaviour & training 20

Behaviour 22

Socialisation 23

Health & wellbeing 24

Dogs & the family 26

Ask our vet 27

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Introductionto dogsLife expectancy: Small: 12yrs

Medium: 10yrs

Large: 9yrs

Dog names: Female: Bitch

Male: Dog

Young: Puppy

Group: A group of dogs is typically

called a ‘Pack’.

Behaviour: Playing, chasing, eating,

sleeping.

Diet: Dogs are omnivores! Healthy

dogs should be fed on a

well-balanced diet.

Hobbies: Exploring, chasing their tail,

belly rubs and afternoon

naps.

Fun fact: According to the Guinness

World Records, the tallest

dog in the world is 44 inches

tall! He is a Great Dane

called Zeus.

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Finding the right dog for youShould I get a dog or a puppy?Puppies love to cause mischief, be inquisitive and simply have fun! The thought of a puppy-sized bundle of fur bouncing around your home is in many ways exciting but have you thought of all the aspects of puppy parenting?

Size & Breed: When choosing the right dog for your home, consider their breed and size. Initial research is key to match their breed characteristics with the size of your home, vehicle and outdoor space and of course how active your lifestyle is.

Time: If you’re a first-time dog owner then take into consideration the amount of time you should spend to nurture, train and help your puppy become your best friend, as this doesn’t happen overnight! Dogs require a lot of time and attention, from daily walks to visiting the vets, and this comes hand-in-hand with daily training and socialisation.

Socialisation: This is the art of introducing your puppy to the sights, sounds and people of the world! For more information turn to page 23.

Where should I get my dog from?Many rehoming centres across the country can offer advice to help match a dog to you to see if their behaviour and background are suitable to your home environment.

If your looking to purchase a puppy from a breeder, check they are a responsible. If you suspect that the breeder is puppy farming, do not purchase a puppy as this will only fund them to continue breeding irresponsibly. Report them to your local council if you suspect this or if you visit a litter that has poor welfare standards.

When you visit a puppy for the first time, make sure you see the puppy with its litter and mother. The breeder should also be able to show all the relevant paper work including their vaccinations, kennel club registration (if applicable) and health screening information. Certain breeds can be associated with genetic problems so its necessary to check if the puppy’s parents have had screenings too. This could be hip or elbow scores. Avoid breeders that allow puppies to be re homed earlier than 8 weeks old as this can be very distressing for any puppy.

What about a golden oldie?Mature dogs often have a more mellow temperament and they don’t pass on the idea of an afternoon nap. As older and sometimes wiser pets, they can have less destructive behaviours around the home and they may require less exercise, suiting owners with a less active lifestyle. You certainly shouldn’t overlook golden oldies as they can still bring a new lease of life into your home!

Did you know? It’s estimated that only 22% of dog owners got their pet from a rescue or rehoming centre.

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Life stages of dogsUnderstanding the different life stages your dog goes

through is essential to ensuring that their needs are being

met as they get older. Your pet will have different nutritional,

environmental and physical requirements at each life stage so

consider modifications as essential to your dog being happy

and healthy. Each life stage varies depending on the size of

the breed as small breeds will complete growth at a younger

age than larger breeds.

Puppy0 - 6 monthsCurious and

adventurous, the whole world is a playground

All breeds

Adult 1 - 7 years

Adulthood begins, active and healthy, let’s experience life

Small breeds > 7 years

Medium breeds > 6 years

Large/Giant breeds > 5 years

Senior 7+ years

Swapping playtime for nap time

Small breeds 8 years +

Medium Breeds 7 years +

Large/Giant breeds 6 years +

Junior6 - 18 months

Otherwise known as the ‘teenage phase’

Small/medium breeds > 12 months

Large/giant > 18 months

Mature 5 - 8 years

The younger days have passed, wiser and more comfortable

through experience. Less active and more prone to weight gain

Small breeds > 8 years

Medium breeds > 7 years

Large/Giant breeds 6 years

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Did you know?At the age of 7 years, vets typically consider a dog to be mature, but in some smaller breeds they haven’t reached their prime by this time which means they can still be as fun as their younger counterparts.

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Bringing your new puppy or dog home for the first time can feel daunting for you and it can be even more unsettling for your newest furry family member. You may need to allow extra time for them to adjust to their new surroundings, especially if they haven’t had the best start in life. When you first welcome them, ensure a quiet and calm environment. Have all the doggy essentials in place upon arrival so they can adjust to their new surrounds and settle in quickly.

New dog essentials check list:Tick when complete

Food and water bowls: Food and water bowls should be kept separate. Stainless steel, non-tip bowls are ideal as they are robust and don’t absorb odours.

Food: A complete food is recommended especially for puppies as it must contain all the nutrients they need to grow and develop. We of course recommend Burgess. See page 10 for more nutritional advice.

Treats: Treats are handy to use as a training incentive and can encourage bonding.

Our tipChoose low calorie treats to avoid weight gain

or use a few pieces of their favourite kibble

instead! Only provide treats as a reward and be

cautious of your fingers when giving!

Bed: Select a bed with your dog’s size in mind and place it in a quiet corner where your dog can feel secure and can escape from scary experiences until they get used to their new environment.

For puppies, a blanket from their first home can help them settle with familiar smells from their mother.

Welcomingyour dog

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Toys: Chew toys are the perfect deterrent to stop the chewing of your household items! They also provide enrichment, so they aren’t likely to get bored easily. For puppies, seek out an age appropriate chew toy that they can’t break up easily and potentially swallow.

First Vet Visit: Register your dog with a vet as soon as you can. They will check their general health and discuss vaccinations and preventative treatment to keep disease, fleas and worms at bay.

Collar and lead: Once your puppy has had all their vaccinations, they’re ready for their first walk! You may choose to have a collar, harness or both, just don’t forget the lead… and the poo bags!

Identification tag & Microchip: The Control of Dogs Order 1992, states that your dog should wear a collar with an identification tag on it and this must be engraved with the owner’s name and address when out in public. More recent legislation came to effect in April 2016, and this made microchipping your dog a legal requirement.

Puppy gate: Think about installing a puppy gate in your home to control the entry or exits your pet has access to, or to limit their movement to a particular room. Whether this is to protect your home from the destructive teething stage or for piece of mind, knowing that your puppy/dog will be safe in their environment whilst you’re out of the house.

Puppy mats: An essential for toilet training but also needed to avoid ruining your flooring with toileting accidents!

Grooming equipment: Whether you have a dog that needs help shedding it’s coat or a non-moulting dog that has easily matted fur, you’re going to need some grooming essentials! A suitable dog brush, nail clippers, shampoo and conditioner are all handy items!

Once you have all of your necessities, it’s time to introduce your dog to the world and this

is where training and socialisation come in. Turn to page 23 on how to start.

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Did you know?Us humans use our taste to decide what we eat, dogs rely on their sense of smell! (After all, it is over 100,000 times stronger than ours).

Water Essential for life.

ProteinTo help build muscles,

bones and all other living tissue in the body.

Also responsible for maintaining muscle mass

and recovery.

A guide to dog nutrition Domestic dogs, like their ancestors, are omnivores. In other words, they rely on a balanced diet of both vegetation and protein to remain healthy.

It’s a no-brainer that dogs love to eat and they can have a reputation of devouring almost anything! However despite having a great appetite, dogs can’t decide what’s nutritionally best for them, which leaves it up to us to provide them with the balanced nutrients they need.

A complete diet consists of the right balance of protein, fibre, fats, minerals, vitamins and water.

How can I tell if my dog is on a good diet?The not so glamourous part of dog ownership is keeping an eye on their stool formation! Signs of a good diet are firm stools whereas a poor diet can result in looser stools and in some cases diarrhoea.

If your dog has repeated episodes of diarrhoea, also consider any treats that could be contributing to an upset tummy. A loose stool could also indicate a possible intolerance to a specific ingredient in their diet but these often have additional symptoms such as red, inflamed skin, chronic ear problems, scratching, hair loss and sickness. More serious reactions usually suggest an allergic reaction, however these cases are rare. If your dog displays any signs of these symptoms, seek the advice of your veterinarian.

Remember! Refer to the manufacturers feeding guidelines for portion control and this will help to ensure the correct amount of nutrients are delivered to your dog. Dry food is a good option as it’s easily portioned, may be better for dental health and encourages extra water consumption.

If you are changing your dog’s diet it should be done gradually over 1 week. This is to allow your dog’s taste, digestion and metabolism to adjust to the new food.

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Carbohydrates To provide energy, help food digestion and firm

stool formation.

FatsTo provide energy and deliver omega 3 and 6 which cannot be

synthesized by your dog naturally. These maintain

a healthy coat, skin, heart, brain and joints.

Vitamins and minerals Required to help develop and maintain a healthy immune system as well as ensure good development of bones, teeth and nervous system.

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Year round happinessAt Burgess, we know your dog’s health is paramount. Our Sensitive dog food is a specially formulated recipe that is ideal for dogs who suffer from sensitive skin and stomachs. The kibble is free from many typical ingredients that can cause intolerant reactions for some dogs and is made from the finest ingredients to ensure excellent quality and taste. Our recipes include highly digestible proteins, prebiotics, beet pulp and rich sources of omega 3 to help maintain healthy digestion, skin and coat condition.

Harvey the happy Golden Retriever

“After trying several dry dog food brands for my Golden Retriever with his sensitive stomach, I tried Burgess Salmon and Rice and at last his stomach and stools are settled. He loves the food I’m so happy and so is he! Thank you Burgess a brilliant dog food”

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Turkey & RiceA complete food suitable for nursing mothers and puppies from 6 weeks up to 12 months.

Lamb & Rice, Turkey & Rice, Salmon & Rice A complete recipe for adult dogs suitable from the age of 12 months. Formulated with all the essential nutrients they need without the ingredients that have been known to upset your dog’s stomach.

Sensitive Puppy Sensitive Adult

Composition: Rice (min 26%), Turkey Meal (min 26%), Salmon Pro (10%), Poultry Fat, Whole Linseed (3%), Digest, Fish Oil (1.4%), Oat Feed, Lucerne Extract (1%), Seaweed (0.5%), Salt, Fructo-Oligosaccharides (0.2%), Yucca (0.025%), Minerals. Analytical Constituents: Crude Protein 30%, Fat Content 15%, Crude Fibre 2%, Crude Ash 6.5%.

Lamb & Rice Composition: Rice (min 26%), Lamb Meal (min 26%), Unmolassed Beet Pulp (5%), Poultry Fat, Digest, Fish Oil (1%), Lucerne Extract (1%), Ligno-cellulose, Salt. Analytical Constituents: Crude Protein 20%, Fat Content 10%, Crude Fibre 2.2%, Crude Ash 10%.

Turkey & Rice Composition: Rice (min 26%), Turkey Meal (min 26%), Unmolassed Beet Pulp (5%), Poultry Fat, Whole Linseed (3%), Digest, Fish Oil (1%), Lucerne Extract (1%), Oat Feed, Seaweed (0.5%), Salt, Dicalcium Phosphate, Fructo-Oligosaccharides (0.1%), Yucca Extract (0.025%), Minerals. Analytical Constituents: Crude Protein 21%, Fat Content 10.5%, Crude Fibre 2.5%, Crude Ash 7%.

Salmon & Rice Composition: Rice (min 26%), Scottish Salmon Pro (min 26%), Chicken Meal, Poultry Fat, Beet Pulp (5%), Digest, Fish Oil (1%), Lucerne Extract (1%), Ligno-cellulose, Dicalcium Phosphate, Limestone, Salt, Fructo-oligosaccharides (0.2%), Yucca (0.025%). Analytical Constituents: Crude Protein 20%, Fat Content 10%, Crude Fibre 2.2%, Crude Ash 6%.

• Fortified with added calcium to support growth of bones and joints

• Highly digestible turkey protein to support muscle formation

• Natural antioxidants to help support your puppy’s immune system along with probiotics to support a healthy gut

• Yucca and beet pulp to support stool formation and helps to reduce odour

• Contains Omega 3 fatty acids to support healthy skin and a glossy coat

• Made without wheat, maize, beef, eggs, soya and dairy products

• Highly digestible protein to support muscle formation and retention

• Rich in Omega 3 for a glossy coat and healthy skin

• Added taurine to support a healthy heart

• Natural antioxidants to help support a healthy immune system along with prebiotics to support a healthy gut.

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Our Supadog recipes are made using wholesome ingredients to ensure excellent quality and taste. Manufactured at our own mill in the heart of Yorkshire, it’s tried and tested by dogs that love Supadog! We use locally sourced protein and nutritious cereals and vegetables, all to give your dog a balanced diet and help to keep them happy and healthy.

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ChickenA complete food for puppies from 6 weeks to 12 months old. Formulated to provide all the nutrition they need in one delicious meal.

Chicken, BeefA complete food that is rich in all the nutrients needed to support a healthy life.

Supadog Finest Puppy Complete

Supadog Originals Adult Complete

Composition: Wheat, Poultry Meat Meal (18%), Maize, Fish Meal, Poultry Fat (6%), Maize Gluten, Dried Egg, Beet Pulp, Linseed, Brewer’s Yeast, Digest, Wheat Feed, Dicalcium Phosphate, Salt. Analytical Constituents: Crude Protein 29%, Fat Content 14%, Crude Fibre 3%, Crude Ash 7%.

Chicken Composition: Wheat, Chicken Meal (min 14%), Wheat Feed, Poultry Fat (0.3%), Beef Meal, Fresh Chicken, Peas (1%), Digest, Salt, Dicalcium Phosphate, Limestone, Minerals. Analytical Constituents: Protein 18%, Fat Content 7%, Crude Fibre 3%, Crude Ash 5.5%.

Beef Composition: Wheat, Beef Meal (min 14%), Wheat Feed, Poultry Fat, Chicken Meal, Fresh Beef, Digest, Peas (1%), Salt, Dicalcium Phosphate, Limestone, Minerals. Analytical Constituents: Protein 18%, Fat Content 7%, Crude Fibre 3%, Crude Ash 7%.

• Highly digestible ingredients to support developing digestive systems

• Fortified with calcium and minerals to support development of bones and teeth

• Added biotin and zinc to support skin and coat health

• Natural antioxidants to support your puppy’s immune system

• Made with highly digestible ingredients to support digestive health

• Biotin and zinc to support skin and coat health

• With added calcium for healthy teeth and bones

• Natural antioxidants to support the immune system

• Carefully cooked cereals for energy and vitality

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ChickenSpecifically designed for the needs of Greyhound & Lurchers during retirement.

Supadog Finest Greyhound & Lurcher

Composition: Wheat, Poultry Meal (min 14%), Maize, Unmolassed Beet Pulp, Poultry Fat, Yeast, Fish Oil (Omega 3 Fatty Acids 0.2%), Salt, Dicalcium Phosphate, Minerals, Fructo-oligosaccharides, Glucosamine HCL 400 mg/kg, Yucca Extract 250 mg/kg. Analytical Constitutes: Protein 17%, Fat Content 8%, Crude Fibre 3%, Crude Ash 6%.

• Added glucosamine to help maintain healthy joints

• Added omega 3 and 6 for healthy skin and coat

• Prebiotics to aid digestive health

• No added artificial colours, flavours or preservatives

• Controlled levels of protein for pet greyhounds and lurchers

• 20p of every pack is donated to greyhound charities in the form of food

ChickenA recipe created for adult dogs that are overweight.

Supadog Finest Light Adult Complete

Composition: Maize, Wheat, Poultry Meat Meal (min 14%), Meat Meal, Wheat Feed, Beet Pulp, Oatfeed, Yeast, Digest, Lignocellulose, Poultry Fat, Pea Fibre, Fish Meal, Fish Oil, Salt, Glucosamine 400 mg/kg, L-Carnitine 300 mg/kg, Yucca 250 mg/kg. Analytical Constitutes: Protein 20%, Fat Content 6%, Crude Fibre 6%, Crude Ash 6%.

• 94% fat free

• Added L-Carnitine to support fat metabolism

• Omega 3 for a glossy coat and healthy skin

• Glucosamine to aid optimal joint mobility and health

• No added artificial colours, flavours or preservatives

• Includes yucca extract and beet pulp to support stool formation and reduce odour

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ChickenA recipe created for dogs from 7 years old to help keep them healthy in their golden years.

Chicken & BeefA recipe developed exclusively for working dogs.

Supadog Finest Senior/Mature Complete

Supadog Active Adult Complete

Composition: Wheat, Maize, Chicken Meal (Min 4%), Peas, Beet Pulp, Fish Meal, Soya Hulls*, Poultry Fat, Wheat Feed, Brewer’s Yeast, Linseed (2.5%), Chicken Liver Digest, Hipro Soya*, Dicalcium Phosphate, Salt, Limestone, Fructo-Oligosaccharides (0.2%), Oatfeed, Glucosamine 400 mg/kg, Yucca Extract 250 mg/kg, Mannan-Oligosaccharides 2000 mg/kg. Analytical Constitutes: Protein 20%, Fat Content 7%, Crude Fibre 5%, Crude Ash 7%.

Composition: Wheat, Poultry Meal (Min 4%), Beef Meal (Min 4%), Maize, Wheat Feed, Hipro Soya*,Poultry Fat (3.5%), Chicken Liver Digest, Minerals, Salt, Peas, Dicalcium Phosphate, Oatfeed, Limestone.

*May contain GM materials.

• With glucosamine to help support healthy joints

• Includes yucca extract and beet pulp to aid healthy digestion which helps stool formation and reduces its odour

• No added artificial colours, flavours or preservatives

• Contains prebiotics for digestive health

• Linseed, zinc and biotin to support a healthy skin and coat

• 25% of highly digestible protein for muscle and tissue maintenance

• Optimum levels of balanced carbohydrates for energy requirements

• Contains calcium and phosphorous to help support healthy teeth and bones

• Natural antioxidants to support the immune system

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Dog activity Whether they’re investigating new scents

on a walk or playing with a friend, dogs

love to be active and entertained. Boredom

should be avoided at all costs to ensure

that your dog is happy and healthy both

physically and mentally.

Why do dogs love to go on a walk?Dogs love exploring the great outdoors! Not

only does this allow them to stretch their legs

and get the exercise they need, but it also

enables a healthier state of mind, allowing

the release of any stress and frustration.

Walks should be varied to provide the greatest

mental stimulation for your dog, these could

be muddy walks in the forest, a run on the

beach, a swim in a nearby stream or a big jump

into long grass in an open field.

Daily walks are imperative and the duration of

these will depend on their: age, breed, health

and personality but usually range from 30

minutes to 2 hours. The variation of on lead

and off lead exercise is essential as dogs love

to roam free! If it’s their first time off lead, be

mindful of other dogs and areas that might be

over stimulating, scared dogs are likely to flee.

Try choosing a quiet, secure area at first until

they build up their own confidence and perfect

their re-call!

Important! Puppies, regardless of breed require shorter walks than adult dogs, as excessive exercise can affect the development of their bones and joints.

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PlaytimeDogs love nothing more than interacting

with their owner, keeping occupied and

having fun! Games such as tug of war or

hide and seek are great to play with your

dog and not only entertains them but will

strengthen the bond between you both.

Don’t let the fun stop there, why not teach

your dog how to fetch or even create

your own agility course filled with jumps

and tunnels? When you’re not around,

make sure you provide a variety of toys to

continue mental stimulation at home. Toys

from squeaky balls to flavoured chewable

toys are a good starting point until you’ve

established their favourites.

Let’s feed and play!Dogs are highly driven by their nose and

primarily use this sense to find things, so if

you think you can sneak some new treats

into your home without them knowing,

think again! Instead, use this sense to

provide enrichment by scattering treats or

even kibble, in various places for them to

find. Toys that have been made to place

treats in are also good to keep your dog

entertained for long periods of time.

Why do dogs like squeaky toys? Although the constant noise of a squeaky toy can drive owners to distraction, many dogs simply love it. This behaviour has thought to come from their natural hunting instincts, as they associate the squeak with that of their prey once it’s been caught. Remember to monitor the condition of these toys, the squeaky mechanism sealed inside can be dangerous if swallowed.

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Behaviour & Training Training your dog is just as important as taking them for walks. From learning new commands to house training, teaching them right from wrong should be implemented to avoid undesirable behaviours in the future.

Did you know?Puppies will sniff out the spots where they have previously urinated and use this to repeat the process in the same places.

House Training 101 When first bringing your new puppy home, puppy mats should be provided to teach them where the acceptable areas are to do their ‘business.’

Once your puppy has received their first course of vaccinations, it’s time to introduce them to the great outdoors and to get them house-trained! Follow the step-by-step guide below to help you on your way! It’s advisable to devote your time to training for the first couple of days so you can prevent any accidents.

1. Remove all puppy training mats from inside your home.

2. Place one saturated puppy mat outside.

3. Take your puppy outside every few hours and wait until they have done their business.

Our tipTry to keep your puppy outside until they have been to the toilet,

as they will only hold it in until they are back inside!

4. Once they have done the deed, reward them with positivity and give them a well-done fuss! Or even a cheeky treat for the good work.

5. And repeat! Persistence and routine is key.

If you’re having difficulties training your dog, we recommend finding a reputable dog trainer to help you along the way! Look for their qualifications, experience and reviews! The RSCPA recommends a trainer that uses reward-based training and is a member of the Association of Pet Dog Training (APDT) to ensure that they apply the right knowledge and skills to train your dog.

Help!

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MythYou can’t teach an old dog new tricks...Of course, you can! Just like people dogs can learn at any age. It’s more that they are less interested in new activities which can be harder to teach.

Good cop, bad copThe association between right and wrong

should be implemented through a reward or

a telling off! Reward good behaviour through

positivity by changing your tone of voice,

petting or giving a treat. Telling your dog

off for bad behaviour is only effective when

caught in the act and should be given out

at the same time. Effective discipline can be

delivered by using a firm tone of voice, or by

learnt commands such as ‘no’.

Teaching Tips:

• Use clear commands like ‘Sit’ ‘Lay’, and as

soon as they respond appropriately, reward.

• Always reward after they have done well.

For example, even if your dog has been

called back from wondering too far they

still came back to you! If told off, they may

associate coming back as a negative thing.

• Avoid calling your dog back to ‘do nothing’

as this can be confusing.

• Try different signals as well as just calling

your dog. A whistle can be very effective.

• Remember to keep cool, calm and avoid

shouting or getting angry. Speaking clearly

and firmly is always a better option!

RecallAsk them to return to you using their name in a welcoming and calm attitude and do not run after them. Being too forceful may scare them into running off. Practice recalling your pets name inside the home first.

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Behaviour

Tucking their tail

Dogs tend to place their tail between their legs when they are worried or scared.

Barking

Dogs bark as a way of communicating with their fellow 4 legged companions and us humans. A bark could signify a friendly greeting at the door or a cry for help when something isn’t quite right.

Growling

Dogs have an array of growls, which can range from playing to aggression. It’s usually quite easy to differentiate between the types as each are associated with different body language.

Ears up

You can easily recognise the type of mood your dog is in by the position of their ears. Perked ears display your dog is alert and intrigued.

Ears down

Ears pinned back portray submissive, anxious emotions.

Wagging their tail

A trademark of a happy dog, a wagging tail is often associated with happiness, comfort and in other cases excitement.

Exposing the tummy

In a happy natured dog, exposing the belly means they trust you a lot! In other words ‘belly rub please!’

Exposing the tummy

Exposing the belly can also be seen when confronted by another dog or being told off! This is known as a submissive behaviour, in other words ‘I’m sorry’ or ‘I give in!’

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SocialisationSocialisation is an important process in your puppy’s behavioural development as they learn how to interact in life without mum. Refer to the list below (which is by no means exhaustive) of things you should introduce your new puppy to.

Socialising Older and Adopted Dogs

Change can be stressful for any dog but it’s important to understand that despite being older, dogs from a rescue background need extra time to adjust because of their past experiences.

In this case, use the puppy socialisation list as a guide and experience these situations together again. Ensure you stay positive and reward any good behaviour to associate these scenarios with good things. Take extra care, as some of these situations may have been associated with bad past experiences and could be stressful for your dog.

People At least 5 women & men

A postman

A baby in arms

A toddler

A child between 3 & 7

Travel A trip to the vets

A journey in the car

A journey on a bus/ train

Outside Other dogs (Large and small)

Other animals (Cat, Rabbit/Guinea Pig, Horse)

Other puppies

Busy park

Watch moving traffic

Visit to an unfamiliar house/garden

Inside the house Television & music

Washing machine & tumble dryer

Ironing board

Vacuum cleaner

Telephone

Visitors arriving/ leaving

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Health & WellbeingNeutering Neutering can offer a lot of behavioural and health benefits for your dog whether male or female. Once neutered, dogs can become calmer and have fewer territorial behaviours. It can also reduce the chance of health risks associated with pregnancy, cancer and infections, as well as reducing unwanted litters in rescue centres. Smaller breeds can be neutered from 6 months of age, while large breeds can be from 8 months. Speak to your veterinarian for further advice.

Worming Worms can be difficult to spot first hand so it’s imperative that you protect your pet before it’s too late. Worms can cause suffering, illness and death in severe cases. The best option is to speak to your vet about the most suitable worming treatment programme for your dog. Typically, treatment is given at least 3 times a year to keep the worms at bay.

Fleas Once your dog has a flea infestation, expect to find them in your carpets, upholstery and often your dog’s bedding. Fleas can live from 7-14 days and in this time, lay up to 40 eggs every day. One key word, prevention! Regular flea treatment should be prescribed by your vet and in the event of any fleas, remember to treat the surrounding environment as well as your pet.

MythA cold, wet nose means a dog is healthy...In actual fact, it’s not very accurate to gauge how well your pet is from the condition of their nose!

Charlie the bouncy Cockapoo

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Vaccinations When puppies are born, they acquire some natural immunity from their mother through the consumption of her milk, however this protection isn’t strong enough to defend them against harmful diseases. This is where vaccinations come in!

What age does my puppy need to be to have their first vaccination?At the age of around 8 weeks old, your puppy should begin their primary course of vaccinations which consist of 2 or 3 injections, 2-4 weeks apart.

Why does my dog need vaccinations? Vaccinations are imperative to give your dog immunity to an array of life-threatening diseases. For this reason, it’s important that you should keep your puppy inside and away from unvaccinated dogs until their course is complete.

So, dogs only need one lot of vaccinations?Once they have completed their primary vaccinations, your dog should receive a booster vaccination every 12 months.

Microchipping Since April 2016, it is a legal requirement as a pet owner to have your dog microchipped. The chip stores your relevant contact details and allows your dog to be easily returned home if ever lost (and then found). The chip is the same size as a grain of rice and is placed harmlessly under your dog’s skin.

Insurance Designed to safeguard you in the event of an unexpected vet bill, insurance is recommended in case of the injury or illness of your pet. The cost can vary dependant on the age, breed and health of your dog, so do your research to find a policy that’s right for you.

Charlie the bouncy Cockapoo

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Our tips• Train your first dog before

introducing a new one to the family. Dogs will naturally pick up routines from other dogs, making it easier for them to train.

• Make sure you match your dog’s personality as close as possible.

• Dogs of the opposite sex is the safest bet for a happy household.

• Always let your dog sniff your hand before stroking them

Dogs andthe familyDogs and childrenChildren and puppies have lots in common! They’re inquisitive, impatient and energetic. When your children and pet first meet, ensure your little ones remain calm and allow your puppy or dog to make the first move. Reiterate that your pet will need time to adjust and may be a little nervous at first so give them plenty of space to roam freely. Once you see signs of trust, allow your children to gently stroke them. It might be a good idea to get them involved with taking care of your new dog by encouraging them to attend walks. They will be best friends in no time!

Dogs and catsIt is possible for a dog and a cat to live harmoniously in a household! How well the ‘introduction phase’ goes tends to come down to the personality of the cat and dog. It’s much easier if your dog is already well accustomed to cats. Keep your dog on a short lead for the first meeting and be alert, ensuring your cat has the option to run away and hide.

Should I get another dog?Dogs are very sociable animals and the thought of bringing home a best friend, for your best friend sounds like a good idea doesn’t it? There’s no doubt that some dogs would love another companion but it’s not an essential requirement of doggy ownership. Dogs will crave your love and attention the most therefore it’s important that you still maintain that bond, regardless if there’s another pooch to keep them occupied. If you’re thinking of adding another family member to your pack, then make sure you consider the points below first.

• Age of your first dog and new one. It would be unfair to match a geriatric dog with a playful puppy.

• Space. Is your home big enough for another dog? You’ll have to cater for an additional feeding and bed space.

• Jealousy can be created from sharing your attention and may cause aggressive behaviour in the household as well as stress for both dogs.

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Ask our vetYour doggy queries answered!

What common foods are poisonous to dogs?It’s easy to overlook poisonous food items for

dogs, especially as they are so regularly used

within our kitchens. It’s common knowledge

that dogs shouldn’t eat chocolate but

surprisingly, foods such as onions, garlic and

chives can cause gastrointestinal irritation

within dogs. Grapes and raisins can also inflict

severe liver damage and kidney failure so

make sure you keep these out of reach of

your dogs.

Our in-house vet, Dr, Suzanne Moyes uses her nutritional expertise to answer your need-to-know questions.

Why does my dog sometimes eat grass?The reason why dogs eat grass is considered

a mystery! Some say that they eat grass to

make themselves sick, others believe that

it is merely a learnt behaviour. However,

excessive grass eating has been associated

with gastritis which is the inflammation

of the stomach lining, but this is usually

accompanied by other symptoms too. It’s

always recommended to seek advice from

your vet if you are concerned.

Do my dogs understand each other?We’d all like to think that our dogs can talk to one another like we do as humans, and although they don’t exchange words per say, they can relay their emotional state. Dogs use a variety of techniques to communicate with each another, these being: visually (altering their body language), acoustically (vocalising their mood via tone and type of voice), olfactory (leaving their scent) and tactile (using contact).

Why do my dogs sometimes go off their food?When it comes to food, dogs know what they want. There could be a number of factors why they aren’t ‘woofing’ down their food. Firstly, dogs rely on their sense of smell to decide whether they like the food in front of them, has the food been stored well enough to maintain the aroma? It could also be an environmental factor like the weather, is your dog too warm? Has their daily routine been disturbed? If your dog completely goes off their food entirely (including treat form), then this could signal a health issue which means seeking advice from your vet.

Why does my dog walk in a circle before lying down?It’s said that dogs get this behaviour from their ancestors. The movements of walking

in a circle would push down tall grasses, shaping it into a comfy bed! The motion would

also scare off any dangerous animas like snakes and bugs. Despite dogs in the current

day and age having cosy doggy beds, the behaviour has continued to be passed down

through the generations!

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