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SECTION 3: THE NEED TO BE ABLE TO EXHIBIT NORMAL BEHAVIOUR PATTERNS
Puppies: early experiences and socialisation
3.1. Socialisation with people, dogs and other animals is an essential part of early learning. The important period of learning is from approximately 3 weeks to 8 weeks of age and therefore it is essential that you obtain your puppy from an environment where its behavioural needs have been well catered for. The first few weeks when your puppy is in your home are also very important in terms of it learning how to react to other dogs, people and the environment. It will also learn to interact and understand how dogs communicate with each other by mixing with them, and your vet will tell you when it is safe to allow this. Your dog should continue to have a range of social and environmental stimuli throughout its life.
3.2. Your puppy should be carefully introduced to as wide a range of noises, objects, other animals and people as possible. If puppies learn at an early age that these items are not a threat, then they will probably be happy in their presence for the rest of their lives. However, it is important not to overwhelm your puppy, and you should always allow it an escape route from things that it finds frightening and stressful. Forcing your puppy to interact may lead to behavioural problems so it is important to make situations as relaxed and positive as possible so that it wants to investigate and interact.
3.3. A puppy needs long periods of rest to develop a healthy body and temperament. A sleeping puppy should not be disturbed but allowed to awaken naturally.
3.4. The veterinary practice where you have chosen to register may run 'puppy parties' for owners to seek advice about how to care for their new puppy and you could ask about this at your first appointment.
Training your dog
Your dog should be well trained
3.5 Social training is important from an early age. It is easier to change the behaviour of a puppy that nips than to deal with a dog that bites.
3.6. Training a dog of any age should begin with simple tasks such as teaching it to respond to its name and to come when called. It is important to be consistent and positive when training your dog; using the same words as commands and responding to it in the same way every time will help it to learn more quickly and will avoid confusion.
3.7. Reward good behaviour with something that your dog finds enjoyable (such as play, food or attention) and make sure that you respond immediately. These positive training methods are based on a dog's natural willingness to obey. You should avoid punishment when training your dog as it teaches response out of fear; this is bad for its welfare and can cause behavioural problems later in its life.
3.8. As puppies have very short attention spans, it is best to train them for short periods on a regular basis. They also respond far better to cheerful voice tones rather than threatening orders. Take every opportunity to praise your puppy for good manners.
3.9. Good dog-training classes can show you positive training techniques that can prevent and correct different types of unwanted behaviour. There are a number of suitable training schemes.
Toilet training
3.10. Toilet training is an essential part of early learning. If your dog is introduced to a suitable outdoor location early on, and is rewarded for using this as a toilet area, it will use it as a matter of routine. Do not punish your dog when it makes a mistake as this can make it fearful and lead to problems later on in its life. There are many available sources of useful information about toilet training your puppy ( see Appendix 2 -Sources of Information).
3.11. A dog owner, or the person responsible or in charge of the dog, has a legal obligation (the Dog Fouling (Scotland) Act 2003) to clean up after their dog (use either a 'pooper scooper' or a plastic bag) when in a public place and dispose of dog faeces in bins provided.
Signs of stress
Observe your dog closely for signs of stress or changes in behaviour
3.12. Dogs will generally convey contentment through looking calm and relaxed; they will be happy to approach and interact with people, dogs and other animals. It is important that you recognise any changes in the behaviour of your dog as this may indicate stress, which can vary from dog to dog.
3.13. Signs of stress include:
- panting, salivation, licking of the lips;
- excessive activity, such as pacing around;
- fouling or urinating indoors;
- barking;
- excessively seeking out contact, both with people and other pets;
- hiding or cowering;
- flattening the ears and lowering the tail;
- yawning, unless tired.
3.14. Some of the above may also be signs of illness, however, if you are concerned, you should contact your vet whowill be able to advise you on the best course of action . This may include referring you to an animal behaviourist.
Identification, Collars and Leads
Your dog must wear a collar and identity tag when in a public place and should also be permanently identified
3.15. There are many different collars and leads available and it is important you choose a collar that fits your pet correctly. Your dog must wear a collar and the collar must carry a tag with your name and address and, if possible, a contact telephone number on it (Control of Dogs Order 1992).
3.16. It is also recommended that you have your dog microchipped by a suitably qualified person. A microchip is a tiny computer chip, about the size of a grain of rice, that contains a unique indelible identification number. It is injected under the skin of an animal by a vet or a trained pet care specialist and the owner's details are kept on a database. If your dog is lost or stolen, when it is found the 'chip' can be scanned by a vet, dog warden or rescue centre and this will help you to be re-united with your pet. However, even if microchipped, your dog will still have to wear a collar and tag.
What to do if your dog is missing
3.17. You should contact the police and local authority dog wardens who are responsible for dealing with stray dogs. As dogs can travel for some distance vets and animal rescue centres in a wide area should be contacted. It may also be worthwhile putting up notices in the area.
Reproductive Behaviour
You should give careful consideration to the pros and cons of neutering your dog
3.18. Reproduction is one aspect of a dog's natural behaviour. You should, however, consider whether or not to have your dog neutered and you will need to decide how to avoid unwanted pregnancies if you decide not to neuter your pet. Your vet will be able to discuss the best course of action with you,including alternatives to neutering, taking into account all of the different factors associated with your dog's care ( also see section 5).
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