Are you considering getting a puppy?
You’ll want to be sure you puppy comes from a responsible breeder and not a backyard breeder or puppy mill. To understand the difference and what to look for in a good breeder, go to this page from Humane Canada.
Your puppy should be a minimum of 8 weeks old when he goes to his new home. If puppies are removed from their mother and littermates younger than that, there is a higher long-term risk of aggression and other behaviour problems. If purchasing a purebred puppy, be aware the Canadian Kennel Club makes is against their Code of Conduct to sell purebred puppies without pedigree papers, or to sell puppies before 8 weeks, and it is illegal to ask you to pay extra for the registration. (For Canadian Kennel Club registered puppies only).
When you’re planning for a new puppy, make sure to plan for puppy classes. You can find member trainers in your area who have agreed to abide by our strict Code of Ethics and are required to take continuing education each year to ensure they know the latest and safest training methods for you and your new addition. Canadian veterinarians recommend this type of humane positive reinforcement training.
You will want to plan to attend puppy class the week after you get your puppy home. It is no longer recommended you wait until you pup has completed all their shots! See this veterinarians who recommend puppy socialization NOT quarantine until vaccines are complete!
How do I socialize my puppy despite coronavirus? – Our member trainer describes the process.
Online Interview – CBC’s Island Morning monthly feature with Dr. Marti Hopson, PEI Veterinary Medical Association.
What Kind of Training Methods to Use? Choosing a Humane Hierarchy for Training – Using The Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive (LIMA) Approach
Parents - Kids and Dogs:
Please be aware the biggest dog bite risk to children is to boys under the age of 10 from the family dog in the family home. It’s important you learn how to keep your kids safe and prevent bites by your new dog (and handle the expected and normal puppy nipping). In addition to what you can learn at puppy class with one of our member trianers, the resources below may be useful:
Keys to Supervising Kids and Dogs – Robin Bennett
Teaching Children About Dog Safety – APDT U.S.
Here is some additional information you might find useful:
Bringing a New Puppy Home – APDT U.S.
What to Train Your Puppy First – Kikopup