The advice page

This page offers useful advice for dog onwers and would-be-dog owners and gives links to other organisations. It is updated and changed periodically.  

Thinking of getting a dog

If you're thinking of getting a dog then the following advice should ensure everything goes smoothly.

Research your breed

Start off by researching the particular breeds that you are interested in, read books about the breed and speak to the breeders of the particular breeds themselves. Each breed can have different requirements in relation to feeding, grooming and exercise. Attending discover dogs run by the kennel club and held at Earls Court in November of each year can be a useful place to start with a wide range of breeds on display. 

Choose a Breeder

The kennel club's accredited breeder scheme can be good place to start. Accredited breeders are inspected by the kennel club to ensure high standards are maintained. A good breeder should interview you about your requirements and your lifestyle; they should allow you to see the pups with the dam (their mother) and will require several visits. Most will provide some insurance cover and after care service and be sure to ask what socialization and training has been done with the pups. Although things may seem perfect at the time don't forget to ask about what will happen if things don't work out and would the breeder be prepared to take the pup back. The pups should look clean and healthy and happy to be handled by people. Avoid those who will only bring a pup out to show you or arrange to meet you somewhere else and avoid buying from pet shops or puppy famers. They are unlikely to offer good advice and thier main interest will be profit making and not the health and welfare of the pup. The pup is likely to be of poor breeding and had little socialization both of which can cause problems later in life.

Rescue dogs

Don't forget many dogs are in rescue both young and old and that the vast majority of breeds also have their own breed rescues for dogs that have fallen on hard times. Again the dogs should be in good condition and the rescue organization should interview you thoroughly to ensure that they match you with the right dog. A good rescue organisation should be able to provide you with information regarding temperament and training in regard to the dog that you choose even if it is a stray. Some rescue organisations also offer free initial insurance cover, free micro chipping and some initial veterinary cover.

What to do if things aren't working out

If things aren't working out then contact the person from whom you got the dog for advice, or go a good dog trainer or canine behaviourist. Please don't dump your dog on the streets, a good breeder or rescue organisation will take the dog back if necessary. They won't judge you and you may be able to give them vital information that will help them rehome the dog.

For further information on getting a dog and for information on rescue dogs, and Rottweiler breed rescue please click on one of the links below:

  www.thekennelclub.org.uk

 www.pedigreeadoptiondrive.com

 www.rottweilersinneed.co.uk

 www.rottweilerwelfare.co.uk

 www.dogclub.co.uk

Dogs and children

Dogs and children should always be supervised when in each other's company and should never left alone together. The link below provides useful information for parents and teachers and also includes an interactive game for children, which is useful in teaching children how to interact around dogs. The game also provides a certificate for them to print off and keep.

www.safeandsoundwithdogs.org.uk

Still have questions? Please contact us anytime! We look forward to hearing from you.

Dogs and shredders

In recent weeks there have been two incidents involving dogs and shredders. In the first a Jack Russell terrier had its tongue torn off and had to be put to sleep. In the second a Labrador received serious injuries to its tongue. Please keep dogs away from shredders when they are in use and switch them off and unplug them from the mains when they are not being used.