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Puppy Care (Part 1)
Anyone who has opened their heart to this breed will already know the characteristics of the rough collie that sets it apart from any other breed. They are excellent guardians, devoted to their families, and always eager to please. Their working heritage means this is an active and hardy breed, especially if your dog is from traditional lines.
They are inquisitive, sensitive and gentle. They are truly loyal. They are a pleasure to live with. Because they give so much, please repay their trust and take good care of them.
Getting Ready
Knowing you’ll soon have a new rough collie is an exciting time. We’d like to suggest a few things you can do to be prepared:
- Decide where pup will sleep. A hard washable floor and easy access to the back door and garden is ideal. A space that is ‘too big’ can be bewildering to a young pup.
- If possible fit a baby (puppy) gate in the doorway to the kitchen or utility room where pup will be sleeping. This helps confine pup to the designated area, but means you don’t need to shut the door and cut pup off from the rest of house and so feel isolated! Note: Choose the type of ‘baby gate’ carefully – the rails need to be close enough together that pup cannot get it’s head stuck between them!
- Get a pet bed or basket with a washable pad – ‘vet bed’ is ideal. Avoid the bean bag types as if torn open, the ‘beans’ can present a choking hazard.
- Check the garden – fix any holes or gaps in the fence and remove or neutralize any hazards (ponds must be covered with sturdy mesh for example). Whilst in the garden, also think about any plants that may be poisonous, as well as keeping chemicals such as weed killer and slug pellets out of the way.
- If you don’t have one, find a local vet. Call and get advice on the immunisation program he/she advises.
- Don’t forget to check the garden for holes, gaps or hazards.
If you have children, tell them that when pup arrives at its new home it will need peace and quiet to settle in to its new surroundings.
The Journey Home
Being separated from mum and the litter, and taken away from the familiar surroundings where it was raised can seem quite traumatic for a young (8+ weeks old) pup. Unfamiliar people, a car, strange sights and noises and the motion of the vehicle are a lot to deal with. We prefer pups to be collected early in the day so that they have time to get used to their new surroundings before going to bed.
Holding Pup.
Before you leave, we’ll show the correct way to hold and carry pup. Basically, this is by cradling the bottom and back legs in your arm and supporting the chest between the front legs with your other hand. You should never pick up or carry the pup by the scruff of the neck.
Tips for the Journey.
To make it go as smoothly as possible, we suggest the following;
- Cradle or support the pup in your arms, on your lap, so you can prevent it from moving around and falling.
- Come prepared with an old bath towel – during the journey home pup can sit on your lap and the towel will make a cushioned seat on your lap. It will also absorb any ‘accidents.’
- We will give you a piece of vet bet out of the litter box. This will have the scent of mum and home on it, and will be familiar and reassuring.
- If possible, sit in the back with the pup on your lap.
- Be prepared for a bit of wriggling and crying. After a little while pup will get tired and fall asleep. Resist the urge to play and keep pup distracted. Just let it fall asleep.
- Do not stop and let the pup out for a toilet break. Your pup will need to be fully inoculated before it can go into the outside world, so be very careful and mindful of the risk of infections!
- Drive steadily, aim for a smooth ride with no sudden movements.
- In addition to the piece of vet bed, we’ll also give you a toy to bring home that has mums scent on it as well as puppy food, a diet sheet, pedigree certificate and some treats.
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