Please think carefully before accepting any dog into your home.  Dog ownership can be extremely onerous unless you are truly dedicated.  The responsibility for ensuring that your dog does not escape and cause road accidents, worry livestock, annoy neighbours by barking and fouling footpaths and gardens will be yours.  A bored dog is often destructive, will you make time for exercise and training ?. 

            A Dog is for life, not to be given up when life's problems come along, as they certainly will.  Is this lifetime Commitment for you ?.  We ask you to consider this now because failure to do so by the dog's first owner is the reason that  a new home is necessary.

There may well be exceptions but flats are not normally considered suitable, houses which contain valuable furniture or where the occupants are house proud  may not provide the permanent home we need.  Gardens which cannot be fenced for practical or financial reasons, or which belong to keen gardeners are not satisfactory. 

            Tenants and owner occupiers who choose to own a dog have an obligation to provide adequate fencing.  Fences should be erected high and strong enough to contain an Irish Setter, a large dog can soon destroy woven fencing.  Gates should be self closing with bolts or locks so that children cannot leave them open and casual callers cannot gain access.  Dog owners are required by law to take reasonable precautions to prevent dogs from escaping.

A dog is a pack animal and is happiest as part of his human family or pack.  It is therefore important for us to know how long the dog will be expected to be on his own during the day.

            If the family are all at work or at school then one of them should spend the lunch hour with the dog and serious consideration should be given to having two dogs so that company is provided. If you cannot travel home at lunchtime, arrangements should be made for a trusted friend or professional dog walker to provide your dog with a short walk or garden access at this time.

            If your dog is to be on his own most of the day it is obviously unfair that he should also spend the evening in solitary confinement while the human family enjoy an active social life.  A lonely, bored dog may howl and annoy neighbours or be destructive.

            To own a dog you must be prepared to exercise in all weathers and give up your lie-in, your dog’s toilet arrangements will not wait for your convenience.

  What will it cost you to own a Dog?.  This is not simply the cost of feeding your dog and to quote prices will quickly outdate our information, so we invite you to do some research before you agree to re-home a Dog.

            Check with your local pet shop and supermarket for the price of dog food, an “All in One “ product usually provides the best value. 

Veterinary fees will be one of your highest outlays, dogs require an annual vaccination to protect them against major canine diseases.  Phone your local Vet, ask the cost of vaccination and the charge for a visit to the surgery.  Insurance can be obtained for treatment when your dog is ill or needs an operation, and usually covers third party indemnity

            When you go on holiday or have a family emergency you may need to find a boarding kennel for your pet, find out the terms and remember you will need proof of vaccination before a Boarding Kennel will accept your Dog

            Other items can include baskets/beanbags, collar, lead, bowls (preferably with stand), identity tags, microchipping, and the services of a professional groomer.  These expenses when taken together can be quite high and must be considered before accepting a dog.

You are not the dog’s first owner, so unless he is a stray he will already have a name.  THIS NAME MUST NOT BE CHANGED.  Even if the dog does not respond to his name he will be aware of it, and it may be the only permanent thing he has known in a life full of changes. Imagine if you had been called Mary until you were an adult and then you were expected to answer to Cindy what a complex it could give you.  When the Rescue Scheme knows the history of the dog it intends to place with you this information will be given to you.

            Please let us know if you are having any problems and get early advice.  You are not on your own when you take a dog from us and we will do everything possible to help you.

            It is wise to let a dog spend a few days quietly with his new family before introducing friends and neighbours.  Do not rush him into situations that he may have difficulty in coping with.

             Insecurity is the most common problem, the dog wanting to be with you all the time.  This will improve as the dog’s confidence in you grows and he realises that you are coming back after all.  Build up this confidence by leaving the dog alone for short periods of five or ten minutes, and gradually increase this as the dog relaxes. 

            We have said that the dog is a pack animal and needs company, but he also needs a PACK LEADER and this MUST BE YOU, he will be happy to be one of the pack as long as he knows what is expected.  This is where training and as far as possible a set routine comes in.

Have a clear idea of behaviour that you will accept, and that which you will not.  You must be consistent otherwise you will confuse the dog. Remember there have been other owners whose rules and priorities were different.  The dog will try to please, but will need time and patience to understand what it is YOU want. 

Decide where the dog is to sleep.  He should have a clean, draught free bed, a safe area which children should be taught to respect and where he can be undisturbed.

            The command  BED is most useful.  Should the dog have been used to curling up on chairs or beds, and you do not wish him to continue with this habit, tell him NO firmly when you see him heading for them.

            If you find the dog already there and he does not respond when asked to COME DOWN, remember that many dogs do not like having their collar pulled, a lead slipped over their head or a tit bit to tempt him off saves an unseemly tug of war and gives you the opportunity to praise him for obliging.

            It is a good idea to attend local training classes where trainers are only too glad to help in any way they can.  The most important thing to keep in mind is the fact that dogs do not understand anything you say until they have been taught the necessary command or signal and this can only be done by patient repetition. 

            FOR EXAMPLE:  To teach a dog to SIT, you place him in the SIT position at the same time use the dog’s name and the command SIT in a clear but firm voice.  The moment he is sitting tell him what a good dog he is.  THE ONLY REWARD A DOG WANTS IS YOUR PLEASURE.  Keep placing the dog in the SIT position as you give the command and soon he will start to sit automatically before you have to place him, and when this happens be even more enthusiastic with your praise.

            To teach a dog to COME, put him on a long lead and take him to the garden or an open space.  Call the his name followed by the command COME in a happy voice.  When the dog comes to you make a great fuss of him.  If the dog does not come, give a short tug on the lead and to show the dog what you mean run backwards, still using his name and the command COME, again be extravagant with your praise.  This must be done on a lead so that if the dog does not respond you can pull the dog to you showing him exactly what you expect him to do.

            Several short sessions a day of about five or ten minutes should be quite sufficient otherwise you will lose his concentration.  Try to end with a game or something the dog really enjoys.

NEVER WASTE A COMMAND:

            For instance, once you have said SIT, if the dog does not respond, place him in the sit position, a command that is not followed up will go in one ear and out the other.

Most adult dogs placed by the Rescue Scheme do not present any problem, although even a well trained dog may have an accident during the first few days in a new home due to change of routine, insecurity or nerves.

            NEVER SCOLD OR PUNISH it will only make matters worse.  If there are problems the causes are varied but include :-

            Lack of puppy training or long confinement outside, perhaps in a kennel - Territorial marking behaviour in males - Physical reasons such as infections, hormone problems in spayed bitches, lack of capacity.

            NEVER SCOLD OR PUNISH when mistakes are made but praise profusely when he gets it right.  The first step is a visit to the vet to ensure the dog is healthy, particularly if the dog is passing water frequently or has diarrhoea.  Male territorial marking is usually completely cured by castration. 

            Puppies and adults are house trained in exactly the same way.  TAKE OUTSIDE, do not put out or send out on their own.  Take outside as soon as they wake up - when they have just had a meal - and at regular intervals whilst playing.  Dogs are like children, and like children will put off going to the toilet if they are enjoying themselves. 

            Take them out frequently during the day and praise when they relieve themselves in the right place.

            In difficult cases dogs need taking out every hour, if they oblige give lots of praise, if they do not do anything after ten minutes, take in again but repeat in half an hour until they do oblige and you can praise them.   In this way mistakes are avoided and the dogs confidence is boosted. 

            A useful hint to remember if mistakes are made is to keep handy an old towel or kitchen roll with which to soak up any unwanted puddles.  Soak the urine up well, then sprinkle the area with soda water before soaking up again, this helps to prevent odour and colour fade on carpets

If the dog’s previous diet is known and he is in good condition we advise keeping to it for a few days to help the dog settle down and avoid any stomach upsets.  After this period if you wish to change to a diet of your choice do so gradually.  Feed even an adult dog twice a day, this helps to prevent the condition known as “BLOAT” which is very serious (see notes on health) .

            ALL IN ONE FOODS are recommended by veterinary surgeons because they contain CEREAL, PROTEIN, MINERALS and VITAMINS in the correct proportions necessary to keep your dog in good health.  This balanced diet means that you only need to feed sufficient for your individual dog’s requirements to keep him at the correct weight.

            Your Pet Shop, Vet, or Rescue Helper will advise on the wide variety of all IN ONE FOODS available.  In the canned range, CHAPPIE ORIGINAL is a very good product, the average setter would require one and a half tins of the 835g size each day.  Feed in two separate meals, morning and late afternoon.

            If you prefer to make up your own meals, a guide would be equal quantities of biscuit meal, or preferably rice, and meat mixed well together.  225g (about half a pound) of each should be fed mixed together, twice a day. 

            Meat can be raw, cooked, and take the form of fish, tripe, or tinned meats.  Biscuit meal can be used either dry or well soaked in gravy.  To help avoid BLOAT DO NOT FEED BISCUIT MEAL WITH TRIPE, instead of meal use long grain rice.  It is important to remember that made up meals may not contain all the essential VITAMINS and MINERALS your dog needs, so these may need to be added.  A good way of doing this is a powder called SA37, or ask your vet.

            Fresh clean water must always be made available to your dog.  We do not advise that you give bones to your dog, but if you choose to do so please use MARROW BONES.

            Should your dog start to carry too much weight, reduce the amount given in each meal.  If the dog remains on the thin side do not increase the amount given at the main two meals  but introduce a small meal at lunch time.  Please check with your vet that there is no medical reason why your dog is remaining thin. Faeces should be checked daily, be firm and mid brown in colour. If the dog is not be well on his present diet please consult your Vet and let your Rescue Helper know. 

         DO NOT EXERCISE YOUR DOG AFTER A MEAL.  DO NOT ALLOW CHILDREN TO PESTER while he is FEEDING or SLEEPING.

See that your dog wears a collar and IDENTITY TAG at all times, this a requirement of law in a public place, but most escapes are from the home and garden.  Dogs should also be micro chipped to confirm identity, and as an aid to proving ownership.

            There will be less risk of losing the dog if he has got to know the area before you allow him to run free.  He should respond to call in the house and garden, or on a long rope (flexi-leads are very good) before you release him.  Should he run away or delay coming back NEVER SCOLD OR PUNISH WHEN HE DOES RETURN.

            However long you have to wait, however frustrated or annoyed you might be offer only PRAISE when the dog comes back to you.  In the early days he may be unpredictable at returning from free exercise, so if you are in a hurry please keep him on the lead so that you don’t undo any of the good work you may have put in.

            PLEASE INFORM THE DOG WARDEN, YOUR RESCUE CONTACT AND LOCAL POLICE IF THE DOG IS MISSING. YOUR LOCAL AUTHORITY IS RESPONSIBLE FOR HOUSING STRAY DOGS AND YOU CAN LOSE OWNERSHIP IF YOU HAVE NOT CLAIMED YOUR DOG IN SEVEN DAYS. Other agents will try to help you locate a missing dog - such as LOST & FOUND PET- see wwwmissingpetsbureau.com

DOG THEFT - The three places that dogs are most likely to be stolen from are :- Tied up outside a shop - Unattended in a car - and your garden.

           A large garden is not essential but daily walks are, if possible at regular times so that he can become accustomed to emptying his bowels at these times.   Please do not let your dog foul pavements, grass verges and play areas.  Even dog lovers object to treading in droppings.  Finding a safe place to let your dog run free can be difficult, look for an area away from traffic and livestock.

            Don’t be fooled, even the most obedient of dogs given the chance will chase livestock and that does include your neighbours cat.  DO BE CAREFUL. Farmers are entitled to shoot your dog on sight if it is disturbing livestock and some will do so with little provocation.  A loose dog in traffic may not only cause death or injury to your pet but can put human life at risk and you may be held responsible for vast amounts of compensation.  If in doubt please exercise on a flexi-lead.

Some dogs do not like grooming so try to make the session  enjoyable and not like a chore.  Dogs handled frequently tend to behave a lot better when taken to the vet than those that are not.  A strong wire bristled brush and a metal comb are an essential part of your grooming kit. Particular care must be taken to keep long hair tangle free.  Pay attention to behind and under the ears, also the elbows where mats form quickly. Feet are a problem area and should be trimmed regularly especially between the toes.  Nails may need clipping from time to time.  Dew claws need particular attention, they don’t come into contact with the floor and wear down like other nails and if neglected can cause great discomfort. Vets and Groomers will clip nails on a routine visit.  The odd bath does no harm but make sure you use a recommended dog shampoo, take care not to get it in his eyes and always rinse well.  Old towels are useful to rub him down after a walk and newspapers are good for soaking up water.  After a muddy walk a chamois leather rung out in hot water is very effective.  NEVER LEAVE A DOG WET.

            Grooming is a good time to check the dogs ears for signs of wax accumulation.  Your vet will advise you best on the best products to clean  ears, but most oil based ear cleaning aids from pet shops tend to work well.  Any unpleasant smell or discharge from the ears of your dog requires veterinary attention, YOU SHOULD NEVER ATTEMPT TO PROBE INTO THE DOGS EAR YOURSELF.  Daily grooming not only keeps him looking good but keeps him clean.  Regular handling means that you notice injuries, sore places, lumps, etc. in time for early treatment.  If in doubt about coat care ask your Rescue Helper.  You can also use a professional groomer three or four times a year. Dogs and bitches that have been neutered will require more coat care but need never look a mess. 

When your dog has had a few days to settle down we advise taking him to see your vet for a check up, which serves to introduce the new family member to the practice.  If we have no record of vaccinations we will ask you to have the vaccination started on the first visit. 

            Booster injections will be needed annually to protect him from the major canine diseases and boarding kennels will require proof of vaccination if you need to board your dogs at any time.

            Worming your dog should be done every three/four months, please obtain the correct tablets from your Vet.  ANY SIGN OF ILL HEALTH MEANS A VISIT TO YOUR VET AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.  If your dog is still on probation please let your Rescue helper know as well.  Problems are easier to deal with if your Vet is consulted at once, and will cost less in the long term.

            One condition that you should be well aware of is GASTRIC DILATION VOLVULUS commonly known as BLOAT.  This is a condition usually associated with food and can take effect ten minutes after eating or hours later.  The dog may become restless and apprehensive, retching (but not proper vomiting) takes place, sometimes producing white froth.  RAPID ABDOMINAL enlargement follows (this may sound like a drum if gently tapped).  THIS IS AN EMERGENCY.  CONTACT YOUR VET AT ONCE AT ANY TIME OF THE NIGHT OR DAY.  STRESS TO THE VET THAT YOU THINK IT IS BLOAT AND INSIST THAT THE DOG IS SEEN IMMEDIATELY.

Follow these few simple points to help prevent an attack of BLOAT :-

• Feed at least 2 small low fat meals a day.

• Exercise at least one hour before a meal, NEVER EVER AFTER A MEAL

• Feed from a height, so that they don’t bolt their food (you can purchase a bowl and a stand )

• Watch your dogs drinking and do not let them drink excessively in one go. 

BLOAT KILLS QUICKLY AND PAINFULLY

             Any sign of pain should be noticed, lameness, lumps, the rubbing of eyes, ears or mouth, and the reason found.  Scratching or biting at the skin is evidence of irritation, and if directed around the base of the tail can point to anal gland problems which can be easily treated by your Vet.

            Vomiting and diarrhoea, particularly at the same time, should receive urgent attention.  A change in  behaviour also indicates pain.

We refer you back to our introduction.  You must be sure that the ownership of a dog, with its commitment for the lifetime of that dog is what you really want.  In return the Rescue Scheme will do all it can to help you, not only now but in the future.

 THE RESCUE SCHEME SECRETARY IS:-

MRS. BARBARA ROGERS,

12 QUEENSWAY,

POYNTON,

STOCKPORT,

CHESHIRE,

SK12 1JG.

TEL/FAX 01625 872708

Email rescueisbc@btinternet.com