Tonight’s blog is about out three wonderful puppies who are looking for homes. These puppies are stunning, healthy pups who really need to be with their forever family being socialised and out and about experiencing the world rather than stuck in the refuge. It really is sad seeing pups grow up in the refuge!
First of all we have Lilou. She arrived at the refuge with her mum and 5 siblings. Mum was adopted quickly and Lilous last sister has just been reserved. She is a Belgium Shepherd cross, a lovely pup. It will be so sad to see her left on her own. Come on all you puppy lovers, come and meet her and lets find her the home that she deserves!
Bridgit is a white Berger cross who is going to be a beautiful girl. Shes 3 months old and like Loustic really needs to be with a family.
Will is the luckiest of the pups as he is being fostered by Val. He is a ten week old labrador cross who is full of fun and mischief!
Puppy madness is not for everyone. Puppies are an enormous commitment and lots of work. Saying that I am sure that you will all agree that the work and effort that you put into a pup is rewarded ten fold as you see your pup maturing into a really nice dog.
With pups, preparation is everything. First of all make sure that the breed of pup that you choose is compatible with your lifestyle. Research the breed of pup you are interested in and if it’s a cross, look at both or indeed all of the breeds. A lead, collar, bowls, bed, toys and of course food are essential items you will need before your pup comes home. Before you get the pup home you also need to prepare the house and garden.
In the house, pick up everything that you don’t want the pup to touch. Pups, like toddlers, explore the world with their mouths and will most certainly pick up whatever they can. Make sure that you do have a stock of suitable things that the pup can chew such as kongs, toys etc and encourage them to use them. If the pup does pick up something that it shouldn’t then simply swap it for one of its own toys and make sure you put that item well out of reach!
Carefully think about what areas you want the pups to have access to. If you don’t want the pup upstairs, use a stair gate. Its likely that you will have to house train your pup so please ask us for our house training guide should you require it.
If you are going to use a crate, and we really recommend that you do, then make sure it’s a safe one and of a suitable size. Dogs very quickly learn that their crate is a safe, comfy place where they can relax and chill out.
Existing family dogs can be quite stressed by the arrival of a pup. Its normal that the pup will want to play but slow introductions are recommended and its up to you to protect the family dog from the pup. If you allow the pup unrestricted access, or to bully to the existing dog and don’t supervise it then you will either end up with a bitten pup or a pup who has no doggy manners whatsoever!
Outside, make sure your fences and gates are puppy proof. If you don’t want yellow patches on all of your lawn then screen off an area where the pup can toilet. Lift anything dangerous that the pup could eat and be prepared to supervise the pup in the garden at all times!
As soon as the pup is vaccinated, get it out and about. Early socialisation is crucial and the more positive interactions that your pup can have with people and other animals the better.
We really recommend doggy classes for all of our dogs, especially pups but please ensure that the trainer uses positive reinforcement, any choke chains, alpha rolling or anything like that then run fast in the other direction ( that’s just my opinion though!) This is your opportunity to shape the behaviour of the dog who will be part of your life for the next 15 years so its well worth making the effort to get it right.
Today another pup, almost identical to Will arrived so if you like lab crosses please get in touch.
Tomorrow another pup will be leaving so watch this space and dont forget that Sunday being the first Sunday of the month..we are open!
Lilou – what a stunner!
Bridget – beautiful!
Will….a handsome boy!