Taking on a puppy is a big responsibility - remember it will not stay a puppy for long. Within a year you will have an adult dog which may be expected to live for 10 years or more. Before getting a puppy think about whether you are able to make a long-term commitment and, if you are, what kind of dog will best suit your lifestyle.

Where to get a Puppy

There are a huge variety of pedigree dogs and if you decide to get a pedigree you should contact a breeder for further advice. The breeder will be able to provide you with more information about the particular breed and whether it is really the right kind of dog for you. The staff at Highcliff are always happy to answer questions about the veterinary aspects of breed choice. Do not buy puppies from dealers however tempting it may be. Always ask to see a puppy with its mother and preferably in a home environment. If you have children you should ideally get a puppy from a household which has children too.

Animal welfare charities and rescue centres are always looking for good homes for puppies and mature dogs. It may be more appropriate for you to have an adult dog which is already trained. Always be wary of adult dogs in rescue centres if their previous history is unclear - ask yourself 'why did someone else get rid of this dog?'

Signs of a Healthy Puppy

If you get a puppy which is already carrying a disease it may never recover to full health. A healthy puppy should have bright clear eyes and a clean shiny coat. Avoid taking on a puppy with a large pot-belly or a dull scurfy coat. Bring your puppy into see the vets at Highcliff for a check-over. Your vet can tell you if the puppy looks healthy and may be able to detect some congenital defects (e.g. heart murmurs) which might cause problems in later life. We offer a free puppy check at Highcliff, if you subsequently vaccinate your puppy.

Signs of a Good Temperament  

A normal puppy should be active, interested and playful. It is a bad sign if the puppy is very nervous or appears sleepy all the time. However, normal puppies do sleep for long periods, so it is worth watching the puppy for a while or visiting on several occasions before making a final decision. Early experiences and socialisation with other dogs and people (especially children) is important to produce a happy and well adjusted dog, so ideally choose a puppy from a household which is similar to your own. If you have children or a cat it is better that your puppy has grown up with these from an early age.

Diet

Puppies normally leave their mothers between 8 and 12 weeks. Before you take the puppy home ask about the kind of care it was getting. Many breeders have very complicated tried and tested feeding regimens which can be very confusing. Try to feed the same type of food for at least a few days and then introduce a well-balanced complete dog food by mixing it into the previous feed and gradually increasing the proportion until it is completely converted. Milk should be avoided to prevent gastric upsets. It is essential to feed a food that is matched to the needs of a dog at each stage of its life, so at under 12 weeks of age a puppy should be fed 4 times a day. At 5-6 months they should be changed to a "junior food" specially designed for the slower adolescent growth phase. This is particularly important for large breed dogs who have specific growth requirements - we recommend Purina Pro Plan Puppy - Large Breed food for these dogs. As their growth slows down, they can be fed less frequently and when they reach their full size they should be changed to an adult maintenance food. Once neutered, they may benefit from a "light" food with a reduced calorie density. Establish healthy eating habits from an early age. Keep your pet's feeding bowls and utensils separate from your own, and don't feed scraps, especially at the table. Ask your vet or nurse for any additional nutritional advice you may need.

Exercise and training

Gentle exercise and basic training can start as soon as you get your puppy. Puppies have what is known as a "socialisation window" during which time all new experiences do not faze them and they learn to accept them as normal. This "window" closes at 12-14 weeks. With new vaccines it is possible to have completed the vaccination course by 10 weeks but your puppy should not be exposed to infection until 2 weeks after this. However, it is important for puppies to start to learn social skills before that age by mixing in your garden with fully vaccinated dogs, cats, children, different people and experiencing traffic noise etc. After vaccination is complete, find a good training class in the area (notices in reception at the vets) and try to attend regularly.

Health

Find out from the breeder/ rescue home if the puppy has had any vaccinations and if it has, you should be given a certificate signed by a vet. Otherwise the first vaccine can be given from 8 weeks, with the second 2 weeks later against Distemper, Infectious Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza and Leptospirosis - all of which can be fatal.

All puppies are likely to have worms and so worming treatment is recommended from the age of 3-4 weeks. Use an effective wormer, as advised by your vet, with activity against larvae which will be migrating in the pups body. Worming schedules vary according to the product used and your vet will advise you of the best course to use.

Many puppies have fleas and suitable treatments available from your vet, can be used from very early in life.

Equipment

Have all the equipment ready before you bring the puppy home. Food and water bowls, food, a warm bed, a collar with name and address tag and grooming equipment are all essential.

Other Pets in the Household

Your puppy should only be allowed to mix with other fully vaccinated animals until 2 weeks after he has completed his course of vaccinations (around 10 to 12 weeks). If you have other pets introduce them gradually to the puppy and always when you are present at first. It is important for a puppy to meet a variety of other animals and people as soon as possible. Once his vaccination course is finished try to get out and about with your puppy. Think about attending puppy-training classes - bad habits learned early are hard to break!

Health Care

Register your puppy with a vet as soon as possible and ask for a health check unless you are due to start vaccinations straight away. Regular daily grooming will help keep your pet in top condition. Starting this as soon as possible will get your puppy used to the idea of being groomed including having his feet handled for nail clipping and his ears examined.

Dental disease is common in dogs and this can be avoided, just as in humans, by daily tooth brushing. If you start a routine of tooth brushing as soon as you get your puppy it will be much easier to continue throughout his later years. Do not use human toothpaste as this will foam up in you puppy's mouth and he will not like the taste! Special brushes and doggy toothpastes are available - please ask at reception.