Socialisation

Your Wurroit Bedlington Terrier has been developing an understanding of "Doggy Etiquette" since birth. Over the last 10 weeks he has been exposed to the other members of our pack with Mum doing the initial "teaching" followed by the younger members of the pack an finally the "Old Grumplingtons".

The pups are purposely exposed to a broad range of experiences as a means of reducing fears and anxieties associated with "New" experiences. We use a process widely known as the "Rule of Sevens"  by Pat Hastings but there are a number of variations of this theme.

We recommend that you continue to introduce novel situations and new experiences when your pup arrives home with you after allowing time for exploration and familiarisation. Do not "force" situations where the pup is clearly apprehensive. 

Puppy socialisation classes are strongly recommended but we suggest going along to classes before you get your pup so that you get a "feel" for the program to decide if it is a "good fit" for you. 

Registration and Microchips

While your pup has been microchipped and registered with DogsNT this does not mean that you dog has Local Council Registration and you will need to check with your councils requirements for registration. Generally we recommend that the pup is registered for life with your local council where possible. This is usually much cheaper (over time) than annual registrations and many councils allow for registration transfers.

Please ensure that you complete the form for transfer of registration of microchip into your name also. This makes tracking and return of the pup much simpler. We have had situations where pups have disappeared some years after going to their new homes where we have been contacted as the chip is still in our name. We have managed to "reconnect" pups with owners in those situations but not easily.

Health and Vaccinations

Generally we vaccinate with C3 vaccinations initially which covers Parvo-virus, Hepatitis and Distemper. Most boarding kennels will require vaccination with C5 which is C3 plus Kennel Cough and Canine Influenza. We are happy to give initial Vaccination to your requirement (ie, C3, C4 or C5), on negotiation. 

Your pup will have a full health check at approximately eight weeks of age which includes physical and nervous system assessment, eye, heart and lung checks. Pups are regularly wormed and monitored during their initial 10 weeks with us. 

If the pup has presented with any health problems throughout that time relevant information will be communicated to you. Having dirty ears or eye irritations due to digging in dirt dust or responses to pollens/allergies will also be included in information regarding your pup.

Nutrition and Water

We have found over time that quality nutrition is cheaper in the long run than giving food which is not really appropriate for dogs. This includes commercial foods which are high in grains, starches or high carbohydrates. Kibbles that are high in grain content result in a build up of tartar and plaque on the margins of the teeth and gums and this results in high rates of dental problems. Doggy dentists are not cheap and most doggy "chews" are not really good for the dogs digestive system or teeth.

Many "commercial" diets are deficient in regards to the needs of your dog and we strongly recommend that you research the brand of food you are intending to use. Common problems include doggy odour, both of the dog and what it emits, skin problems particularly feet and ears, and staining around the eyes often associated with difficulty in removing eye "boogers" particularly in regards to "fluffy" dogs including the Bedlington.

Dogs here are fed on a Biologically Appropriate Raw Food (BARF), diet and do very well. We are happy to provide information regarding self preparation of meat and bone diets with supplements for you and your dog.

Reproductive Health and Breeding

Many buyers are keen to know when they should have their dogs neutered for ease of control and mangement. We will not have pups neutered while they are here and strongly recommend that pups are NOT neutered before they are fully mature. 

There are risks associated with any surgical procedure and anaesthesia and this risks are higher with younger dogs. There may also be complications associated with early neuter/spay operations which are not widely publicised or discussed. This can include the risk of urinary incontinence in bitches, increase risks of bone cancers in both dogs and bitches, increased risk of mobility and joint issues including cruciate ligament damage and hip displasia.

It is NOT however necessary for your bitch to have a litter or your dog to sire a litter to complete the maturation process.

Links

http://www.akcchf.org/news-events/news/health-implications-in-early.html?referrer=https://www.google.com.au/

http://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/long-term-health-risks-benefits-spay-neuter-dogs/

http://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/health-risks-of-early-spay-neuter/

The above links are only a few of the articles which can be found in relation to early neutering. We strongly recommend that you read at least these and discuss fully with your vet the benefits and risks associated with neutering. Don't be pushed into neutering early because of registration costs or "ease" of management.