I
One hopes that a Bouvier is going
to live for 10-12 years , so the
decision to buy a puppy has far
reaching implications. If owners encounter any problems I would hope
to be kept informed. Years of
experience and advice can be tapped via the two
Bouvier Clubs and through Bouvier Rescue, who can be approached in
confidence if there are difficulties. Any puppy is sold with the
understanding that it will not be sold on or otherwise re-homed in the future;
purchasers will be required to undertake to return the puppy to me or to Bouvier
Rescue. I would not want a Carasline Bouvier falling into the wrong hands.
VETERINARY INSURANCE
It is obviously
a personal decision whether or not to take out Veterinary Insurance cover.
The current level of Veterinary skills means that extensive treatment is
possible but can be very costly!
Carasline puppies will leave home
with 6 weeks Veterinary Insurance cover included. New owners have the
choice of easily continuing this with Pet-Plan,
The Kennel Club or indeed a new provider of your choice.
WORMING
It is vital that all dogs are regularly wormed however healthy they may
seem. Dogs carry several different types of worms, some can be passed to
humans but with regular worming and straightfoward hygiene life with a dog is
perfectly safe! Worming is also important to protect open spaces where
children play from contamination.
Carasline
puppies will have been wormed at 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks of age. Further doses
will be needed at 10 and 12 weeks. Your Veterinary Surgeon can advise you
about this.
INNOCULATIONS
There are different regimes for vaccination and new owners should discuss
this with their Veterinary Surgeon. The first vaccination is usually at
about 8 weeks . This will not normally be done prior to the puppies leaving
their mother.
MICROCHIPPING
Please think about having your new family member microchipped. If
your dog wanders, is taken from you or if your vehicle is involved in an
accident the chances of a successful re-union are much greater if your dog is
microchipped. There is a legal requirement for a collar and I.D. tag but
these are easily lost or removed. The procedure is not expensive and does
not cause your dog any pain.
If the worst should happen and you
ever lose a Bouvier, remember to contact Bouvier Rescue. With a numerically less
common breed like ours, the breed rescue will probably hear about a Bouvier
turning up.
TRAINING
Bouviers are generally keen to learn and “biddable” but they are
large and very strong animals and it is well worth the effort (and pleasure) of
getting to grips with basic training and good manners early on. All areas
have classes which generally start with puppy socialisation (see the Kennel Club website or talk to a local Veterinary
Surgery or Pet Shop to find classes). This is vital to continue the
socialisation which we will have begun here. Current behavioural theory
shows that there is a limited time for puppies to gain the confidence and social
skills they require to fit comfortably into our world. The most important
period is from 4 to 16 weeks of age. During this time puppies should be
introduced thoughtfully to adults, children, other dogs and pets and
environmental challenges such as noise and traffic. There is a balance
between stimulation and socialisation and tiring a young puppy out, but a puppy
left alone for long periods at this time may never develop fully emotionally and
cope poorly with stresses in future.
SLEEPING ARRANGEMENTS
Every new owner will have their own ideas. I would recommend that you
consider buying a “crate” (cage). A
young puppy will need somewhere that is his “den” where he can settle down
away from the hurly-burly of the home. He must have somewhere that is his
safe-haven where young children in particular are not allowed to disturb him for
any reason. The readily available cages collapse down to flat and hence
make excellent sleeping quarters if you travel or take your dog with you
overnight to friends or in hotels (no danger of chewing).
I have used a cage for my last four puppies including Rosie who came to
me with warnings of destructive habits. None have chewed anything other
than their toys which go to bed with them. Once puppy seems to have
mastered staying dry and shows no interest in chewing etc. while I am around
then I leave the door open at night. They have all continued to use the
cage as a bed and retreat for as long as it has remained up. Indeed if I
put the cage up for some reason now, both Rosie and Cara get in and lie down
together.
FEEDING
All Carasline puppies will leave home with full instructions on their
dietary needs. Cara is fed on Eukanuba and the puppies will start on Large
Breed Puppy Eukanuba. Even if you do not wish to use this particular
product in the long term please keep the puppy on Eukanuba for at least a couple
of months before introducing any change gradually. Sudden changes can
cause quite major gastro-intestinal upset which is particularly unwanted when
settling into a new home and trying to grow! Puppies don’t need
additional supplements; indeed they could be very harmful (affecting bone growth
in particular). It is best to choose a well balanced complete diet product
and stick to it.
Please also read the
article about buying a Bouvier puppy by Pam Green.
