Dogs!

There are an estimated 8 million dogs in the U.K. which has a long standing reputation as an animal loving nation.

1.9 million dogs are left alone for long hours, often without water or toilet facilities. 

2.4 million never see a vet and are not fed or treated well. 

4 million dogs are thought to be suffering from mental or physical distress because owners are irresponsible and uneducated. 

7% are fed chocolate, played with roughly, are kept in a cage or outdoors.

Dogs are emotionally intelligent! They are excellent companions, especially for elderly people. Walking a dog is an ideal way to keep fit and people in the street often stop to talk to someone with a dog. Dogs have been bred for 10,000 years to be helpers, guardians and “mans' best friend”. They come in a variety of sizes and there is a dog to suit everyone’s requirements. 

However, dogs have many needs. They can live for 14 years during which time they have daily requirements for attention and are a considerable financial expense. If you buy a dog, you need to buy it from a reputable source. No puppy should be taken from its mother before 8 weeks or it will have behavioural problems. Puppies need to be handled caringly whilst still very young if they are to be comfortable with humans. If you buy from a breeder, always see the conditions the mother has lived in, as the mother will teach her offspring many things during those early weeks of life, including preliminary toilet training and for females, how to be a loving mother. Avoid getting a dog from a pet shop or a puppy farm. Selective breeding causes hidden genetic defects and mongrels are thought to be the healthiest and happiest of dogs. 

The puppy will need regular injections against distemper, canine hepatitis, leptospirosis, canine parvovirus and kennel cough. Neutering is optional but calms the animal and prevents unwanted attention from other dogs. In all public places, every dog will, by law, need a collar with an identity tag or a fine of up to £5,000 can be incurred. Many dogs these days are microchipped with a small permanent ID device inserted into their neck. If your dog is lost or stolen, this internal device will provide security for your pet. 

If your dog acts in a threatening way to anyone, by growling, snarling, chasing or jumping up, it could be considered that your dog is not under control and you could be fined. It is an offence for a dog to be unleashed in a public place. The dog could see a cat or could bolt across a road and cause an accident. They also need training as most trained dogs can recognise dozens of commands. Dogs that bark constantly can be a nuisance to neighbours and legal action could be taken. Medical expenses involve regular inoculations, neutering, health checks and medical expenses and many people consider insurance which can be costly. 

It is illegal to allow the dog to foul the streets as dog faeces is full of germs and can contain toxocara which can cause human blindness. Fouling in a public place can incur a £50 fixed penalty notice or up to £1,000 fine. Many children’s play areas are dog free zones and also can incur high fines for those who ignore prohibition signs. No dog should be left alone for more than 4 hours because they are pack animals and love human company and are unhappy alone for long periods. They need regular care through exercise, water, nutritious food, company, grooming and medical care. There are many rescue centres around the UK that care for unwanted animals of all kinds. Some rescue centres carry out health checks, de-flea, de-worm, microchip, neuter, provide a collar and lead and one week’s supply of food. They also carry out home checks to see that fires are guarded, gardens are fenced and that the animal will make a suitable pet for the owner.   

Greyhounds from the racing industry have hard lives and many do not get the option to be homed, yet they make easy to manage pets, relaxed, beautiful and quiet. 

To adopt a dog from a reputable source, ensure your dog is neutered, inoculated, health and behaviour checked.

RSPCA: 0300 123 4555 PDSA: 0800 731 2502 Blue Cross: 01993 8222651

Here are a few useful links for dog owners and dog lovers:

The International School for Canine Psychology & Behaviour: www.theiscp.com

The Dog Welfare Alliance: www.dogwelfarealliance.com

Lisa's books: www.tenzindolma.co.uk

The Association of INTO Dogs: www.intodogs.org

Pet Professional Guild: www.petprofessionalguild.com/

Animal Behaviour & Training Council: www.abtcouncil.org.uk

Animal Spay Neuter International: www.animalsni.org

In addition, the U.K. has 12 million cats, many of which carry fleas and are unvaccinated, and 2 million rabbits that are often left alone for years, and outdoors even during bad weather.