Congratulations on the new addition to your family. While caring for a pup is a richly rewarding experience, the many options and responsibilities can cause some confusion. We hope this information will help. If there is anything else you would like to know, please ask us at one of your pup’s health checks.

Don’t forget to register your dog with the local council. This involves a one-off payment and by law should be done by 6 months of age. You will need to take a copy of your pet’s microchip form and the de-sexing certificate to the local council.

Microchipping is extremely important if your dog is ever lost. If your pup has already been chipped, please have us scan him to confirm chip placement and the number. It is also important that you receive a copy of the microchip form from the breeder or pet shop, as you will need this form to transfer ownership details. If your pup does not have a microchip, we can insert one at any visit, or at de-sexing. This is a simple procedure, using a needle to implant the chip under the skin on the scruff. Microchipping allows you to register your pet with the local council.

Even with microchipping, it is a good idea for your pup to have an identification tag on his or her collar. Tags can be ordered from us in a range of styles, and are mailed directly to you within a few working days.

Unless you are planning to show or to breed your pet, then we suggest de-sexing both male and female dogs from 5–6 months of age.

For male dogs, there is a significantly reduced chance of contracting cancers of the reproductive system, of the prostate gland and of the anal area in later life. As well, de-sexed ‘boys’ are less likely to wander, less likely to show antisocial behaviour like mounting and marking territory and generally make better pets.

Female dogs de-sexed before their first heat or season are about two hundred times less likely to develop mammary cancer in later life than non-de-sexed females, mammary cancer being common in older female dogs. In addition, we see no difference in temperament between dogs de-sexed before having had a season and those de-sexed later or who have had a litter. De-sexing also eliminates the chance of infection of the reproductive tract (known as pyometra, a potentially fatal disease) and the possibility of unwanted litters.

For all dogs, the cost of registration with local council is significantly lower for de-sexed dogs.

Always feed bones raw and avoid giving leftover cooked bones which are more likely to splinter and cause constipation. Observe your dog when giving bones.

For small dogs, consider chicken wings or necks and brisket bones.

For large dogs, lamb shanks or large ox bones are going to be more appropriate.

When it comes to feeding your new pup you have two different options:

A commercially prepared diet, either dry, wet or semi-moist. All commercially prepared diets are required to be balanced for your dog’s needs, however, differences do exist. Generally speaking, premium type foods such as Science Diet contain less cereal, higher quality and quantity protein and fewer preservatives and colourings. The importance of this is that they are better digested, your pup produces fewer stools and a smaller quantity can be fed.

A good quality biscuit-type diet can provide the basis for a pup's growth. Because of the different requirements of a growing pup, it is better to provide a premium puppy food, which is fed for the first 6-18 months, depending on the packaging guide.

A home-prepared diet: breeders will sometimes provide specific recommendations for feeding your pup. If not, the best advice is to give a little of everything. Dogs and pups especially should not be fed an all-meat diet as meat is low in calcium and other nutrients. So provide a variety of fresh and cooked vegetables such as carrots, potatoes and green vegetables, as well as rice, pasta, etc.

Most people elect to feed a combination of commercial and home prepared food. Whichever option you choose, it is important to ensure that your pup always has an adequate source of fresh, clean water. In addition, it is a good idea to feed a raw meaty bone 2–3 times a week, to help maintain the health of your pet’s teeth and gums. This is particularly important for small breeds of dog, which generally are more susceptible to dental disease as they get older.