Those Early Days

article from kennel club

Those early days

Here are some other key considerations any new dog owner should take into account when bringing a new dog into the home:

Do’s

-The Control of Dogs Order 1992 advises that any dog in a public place must wear a collar with the name and address (including postcode) of the owner engraved or written on it, or an identification tag. Your telephone number is optional.
-Train your dog to use the kerb correctly.
-Always clean up after your dog.
-Keep your dog under control at all times.
-Keep your dog close to you when walking it on a lead.
-Respect the Countryside Code.
-Give your dog the correct amount of exercise and play it needs.
-Feed your dog a balanced, nutritious diet with adequate food and water.
-Worm your dog routinely.

When you have bought your dog, what next?

-Register your dog with your local vet, attend annual health checks and ensure your dog is adequately immunised/vaccinated.
-Don't forget to activate your Six Weeks FREE Kennel Club Healthcare Plan insurance immediately. Call 0800 369 9091 or visit www.sixweeksfree.co.uk to protect your new puppy in their new home.
-Groom your dog regularly.
-When booking holidays, make suitable arrangements for your dog – do not leave it too late and ensure all vaccination certificates are up-to-date before booking your dog into kennels.
-Consider that adult dogs of either sex may be neutered to prevent unwanted puppies.
-When travelling with your dog always ensure your dog has plenty of ventilation and shade in a car and that fresh drinking water is always available. Never leave your dog unattended in a car for long periods of time, and NEVER in hot weather
-Make sure all children in the house understand how to be safe around dogs - take the Safe and Sound challenge! Visit www.safeandsoundwithdogs.org.uk or call 0870 606 6750 for more information
-REMEMBER – not everybody loves dogs. Only a minority of the population are dog owners – respect the views of others

Don’ts

-Don’t allow your dog to foul footpaths, parks or public places. Local authorities have the power to make it an offence punishable by a fine. (Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005).
-Don’t allow your dog to interfere with passers-by in the street.
Don’t allow your dog to make unnecessary noise.
-Don’t take your dog into food shops or places where dogs are not allowed.
-Don’t allow your dog to roam freely in grazed fields or through crops.
-Don’t leave your dog tied up outside shops unattended
-Don’t allow your dog to chase livestock or wildlife.
-Don’t leave your dog alone for long periods of time – dogs feel lonely just like humans.
-Don’t allow your dog to roam the streets or countryside unsupervised.
-Don’t spoil your dog – spoilt dogs are as bad as spoilt children.
-Don’t leave your dog unattended in a vehicle for any period of time or in vehicles on hot days.
-Don’t leave a young child and a dog alone together.

Great ways to ensure the health and welfare of your Kennel Club registered dog


It is highly recommended that your dog is microchipped and registered with Petlog, the largest pet reunification scheme in the UK, as this can prove extremely effective in locating a lost pet. The Petlog Premium service can even alert local vets and dog wardens when an owner reports where their pet was lost. This can be done by telephone, SMS text message or via the Petlog website. However, it is vital to the effectiveness of this service that people keep their records up-to-date, informing Petlog of any change in circumstances. Contact Petlog on 0870 606 6751 or visit www.petlog.org.uk to find out more.
Attend dog training classes. The Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Scheme can provide you with a list of classes in your local area. Telephone 0870 606 6750 or email gcds@thekennelclub.org.uk to find out more.
Children and dogs are often very good companions and can learn a lot from each other. Teach your children about Sashi’s Safe & Sound code – log on to www.safeandsoundwithdogs.org.uk or call 0870 606 6750 for more information.
The Kennel Club believes pet insurance to be an essential part of responsible dog ownership. It’s why we created the Kennel Club Healthcare Plan to be one of the best and most comprehensive policies available, and why we’ve arranged for you to receive Six Weeks FREE Kennel Club Healthcare Plan insurance when you register your new puppy with the Kennel Club. Call 0800 369 9091 or visit www.sixweeksfree.co.uk for details.

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