RSPCA - Care for Your Puppy

HarperCollinsPublishers
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London SE1 9GF

www.harpercollins.co.uk

First published 1985 as Care for your Puppy by William Collins Sons & Co Ltd

This new edition published 2015

Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals 2015

RSPCA name and logo are trademarks of RSPCA used by HarperCollinsPublishers Limited under licence from RSPCA Trading Limited. From every book sold 5% of HarperCollins proceeds from sales will be paid to RSPCA Trading Limited which pays all of its taxable profits to the RSPCA. Registered in England and Wales, Charity No. 219099 www.rspca.org.uk

The RSPCA is registered in England and Wales, Charity No. 219099

www.rspca.org.uk

Front cover image: RSPCA

This book has been compiled on the basis of expert advice and scientific research. To the best of our knowledge it is correct at the time of going to press. The information contained in this book is intended only as a guide. If you are unsure, or you have any concerns about your pet(s), you must speak to a vet, who will be able to give you advice that is appropriate for your individual animal(s).

The Animal Welfare Act 2006 applies to England and Wales. Similar separate legislation covers Scotland and Northern Ireland, so owners must fulfil the same legal duties of care.

A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library

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Source ISBN: 9780008118273
eBook Edition 2015 ISBN: 9780008119218
Version: 2015-04-16

Owning a puppy can be incredibly rewarding and a great source of companionship. Pets can provide opportunities for social interactions, helping people feel less lonely and isolated. Growing up with pets also offers health benefits, and caring for an animal can help improve a childs social skills, encouraging the development of compassion, understanding and a respect for living things. Having a puppy is, however, a huge responsibility and requires long-term commitment in terms of care and finances.

Before getting a puppy, it is important that time is taken to discuss the commitment and care required with all family members, and that everyone agrees to having and looking after a puppy in the home. Bear in mind that once you have your puppy there is a legal requirement under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 to care for them properly, so you must be sure that you will be able to do this throughout your puppys life. This means providing somewhere suitable for them to live, a healthy diet, opportunities to behave normally, the provision of appropriate company, and ensuring that they are well.

If you are able to care for a puppy properly and make the decision to go ahead, then please consider giving a home to one of the many puppies currently in the RSPCAs animal centres throughout England and Wales.

This book is based on up-to-date knowledge of dog behaviour and welfare approved by the RSPCA. It has been written to provide you with all the care information you need to keep your puppy happy and healthy throughout your lives together. We hope you enjoy it.

Samantha Gaines BSc (Hons) MSc PhD
Alice Potter BSc (Hons) MSc
Lisa Richards BSc (Hons)
Jane Tyson BSc (Hons) MSc PhD
Animal behaviour and welfare experts, Companion
Animals Department, RSPCA

Becky Murray/RSPCA

Eight-week-old crossbreed puppies.

Owning and caring for a dog can be great fun and very rewarding. It is also a big responsibility and a long-term commitment. Typically, dogs live for around 12 years, but some may live much longer, so before you get a puppy here are some of the things you need to consider:

Keeping a dog is costly

There is the initial expense of the puppy and everything they will need, such as toys and bedding. There are also long-term costs you should budget for, such as food, insurance, the cost of boarding kennels or pet sitters when you go on holiday, and veterinary care, which includes vaccinations.

Dogs need space

Before you commit, consider whether you have enough space for a dog. All dogs, even small ones, need exercise and somewhere they can rest undisturbed. So have a think about whether there is space in your house (and also in your car), and if there are suitable places where you can take your dog for regular exercise.

Dogs need company

Will a dog fit in with your lifestyle? Can you be around so your pet is not left alone for long periods, and can you put aside enough time each day for walks, training, play and everything else your puppy needs?

The right type of dog for your family and lifestyle

Take time to find out which type of dog will fit best into your family. While you may have a preference regarding the breed, size or sex, remember that every dog is unique. How a puppy behaves and fits into your family will depend on how they are treated and trained, as well as their character and temperament.

The Animal Welfare Act

Under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 it is a legal obligation to care for animals properly by meeting five welfare needs. These are: a suitable place to live, a healthy diet including clean, fresh water, the ability to behave normally, appropriate company, and protection from pain, injury and illness. This care guide contains lots of information and tips to help you make sure these needs are met.

Life History

SCIENTIFIC NAME
Canis familiaris

GESTATION PERIOD
63 days (approx.)

LITTER SIZE
Varies, average of 6 (approx.)

EYES OPEN
1014 days (approx.)

WEANING AGE
From 34 weeks of age, puppies can be offered small amounts of moistened food in addition to their mothers milk. They can be fully weaned at about 8 weeks.

PUBERTY
Varies with size and type of dog, 612 months

ADULT WEIGHT
Varies greatly, can be up to 70kg (150lbs) (approx.)

LIFE EXPECTANCY
12 years (average)

Becky Murray/RSPCA

Twelve-week-old tri-coloured Collie.

If you are certain that you will be able to care for a puppy, the next stage is to do plenty of research to decide which type of dog is right for you.

Extra-Large and Large Dogs

Afghan Hound
Borzoi
Boxer
Bullmastiff
Chow Chow
Dalmatian
Deerhound
Dobermann
German Shepherd Dog (illustrated)
Giant Schnauzer