PUPPY- THE NEW MEMBER OF YOUR FAMILY

Bringing him/her home-:
Careful consideration should be given to what breed of dog you wish to own before purchasing one. If several breeds are attractive to you and you are undecided, learn all you can about the characteristics of each breed before making your choice on one. The purchase of a puppy is a decision that never should be made impulsively. When choosing a puppy from the breeder the genetic background and early care provided to your pet by the breeder will be reflected in the dog’s future health and temperament. Even if you are planning to purchase a dog who will be only a family pet, it is essential, if the dog is to enjoy a trouble free future, that you assure yourself a healthy, properly raised puppy from sturdy well bred stock. If you are planning a show career for the dog, even more care must be exercised since more than health is involved. In choosing a puppy you are looking for a sturdy , active puppy with bright eyes and intelligent expression, friendly and alert. The coat should be clean and thick, with no sign of parasites. The premises on which he has been raised should look and smell clean and be tidy , making it obvious that the puppies and their surroundings are in capable and particular hands. The puppies should be eager to greet you with tails wagging. If they all consistently run away from a quite, friendly greeting, there is reason to suspect that they have not been properly socialized and they should be avoided. If your puppy is to be a pet only, I feel that the best age at which to start is before the onset of the eighth week. There is an enormous amount of truth in the statement that “bargain” puppies seldom turn out to be a bargain .In choosing pets both sexes make good pets. One important point to be noted are the registration papers to be provided by the breeder. When the puppy is brought home it is to be considered that the puppy has left it’s mother so naturally it will have a feeling of insecurity. To make him feel comfortable what you can do is provide in his bed a piece of his mother’s bed for the smell and also a time piece which will make him feel at home.

Registration and license -: License is mandatory to keep any dog. It is to be done at the borough head office of Municipal corporation by filling the form and paying a nominal license fees. Licensing is only given to those dogs who have completed the anti-rabies vaccine. The door of your house should bear the warning-Beware of dogs and when the dog is taken for a walk it should be chained. Registration is taken care by the Kennel Club of India for which it takes a registration fees and the annual subscription fees for the KCI gazette. Point to be noted here is litter registration and not single dog registration is allowed.

Things required -: The immediate necessities are a soft mat as a bed , comb / soft brush , talcum powder, toys to nibble , savlon, towel and required medicines.
In the next column I shall discuss about puppy care-food chart, medications, cleaning. Queries regarding pet care is invited. Due acknowledgements to Mr.Kishore Ganguli, Moitri Veterinary Clinic.