Caring for your Puppy
www.OpenPaws.org
Taking on a dog or puppy is a huge responsibility - both for you, and your family. Dogs - and
puppies especially - require a lot of work in training and while a well trained dog can be the
most rewarding pet of all, a poorly trained dog can be a burden, destructive, or even
dangerous. Learning how to train and care for them is essential. After all, dogs can live for
15 years or more so think about the commitment before you start.
There is reward for kindness to all living things—Prophet Mohammad (p.b.u.h.)
Is there time for a dog in your home and your life?
Naturally dogs live in a pack, or “family”. They need a lot of social interaction and company to feel comfortable.
Only consider getting a dog if you have several hours every day to spend with it, for companionship, exercise and
training. It is not appropriate to get a dog and keep it kenneled outdoors. Also consider where you can
exercise the dog - many areas of Riyadh do not permit dogs to be exercised in public.
Getting a dog?
What sort of dog would suit your lifestyle?
Many people think that puppies will be easier because they will grow up knowing you. WRONG! Puppies are really
hard work to raise; they are often destructive and naughty and require a lot of training. And if you get the early
training wrong it will grow into a much bigger problem. On the other hand by adopting a mature dog it is often
gauge their personality and get a better idea if it would suit you.
Puppies kept away from human contact – like some Pet Shops - may be nervous
around people. Puppies should not be taken from their mother until they are 8
weeks old - if someone is “getting rid of” puppies earlier, ask why? It can be
unhealthy and the pup will be harder to look after.
Research thoroughly what type of dog would suit you. Never get a dog just for its
looks – a pet should be a companion animal, not an object of vanity. Some
breeds, like the Husky, Samoyeds, English Bull dog etc are not suited to the
Riyadh climate and will not be comfortable living here. Research about the
breed’s needs and personality before you consider getting one.
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For example, if you have a small apartment then a large breed dog may not suit neither may a small breed that is
very active and required a lot of play area and exercise.
If you are considering a pedigree, remember that inbreeding to select a certain “look” has also created certain
hereditary diseases which you should be aware of; check with the Kennel Club for what to expect.
PAWS doesn’t like the idea of buying and selling companion animals. But if you are buying a dog make sure your
get what it is worth. Good breeds spend a lot of money and time raising the pups and caring for the mother vaccinations, de-worming and some training will have been done – if not, ask, what are you paying for? We also
notice people selling dogs as a pedigree when it is not, so be aware not to pay money for something you are not
getting – check the breed descriptions with the kennel clubs on like or Google it. If the dog is a purebred or
pedigree, ask to see proof that the parents have pedigree papers and been screened for hereditary conditions.
Checking the health of your puppy
We recommend you get a veterinarian to check any new animal but it’s helpful to look
for some obvious things before you even consider taking it. A healthy dog should not
be thin or overweight, with a clean rich coat and skin that is not inflamed or flaky.
There should be no discharges from the eyes or nose, it should not have a cough and
the ears should be free from wax. The area under the tail should be clean. The teeth
and gums should be healthy and the teeth clean and white. The dog should be
behaving well; puppies should be interested and playful, older dogs should be happy
to see people but polite. Fearful or aggressive dogs will take a lot more work in
training and puppies who are sleepy all the time may be ill.
Feeding your puppy
Puppies should leave their mothers only when they are at least eight weeks old. Feed the diet they are used to at
first, and introduce any new food gradually, but always use a food suitable for the puppy’s breed and size. Several
small meals are better than fewer large ones. Always make sure fresh water is available. Don’t give milk. Always
follow the manufacturer’s instructions when feeding, and do not allow your puppy to become fat – obesity is a
problem for dogs just as much as for people!
Vaccinations and worming
If any vaccinations have been done, ask for the vaccination record or certificate, which should also show brand
and batch numbers. Regular vaccination boosters will be needed throughout life, ask your vet when you go for
your puppy check. Worm treatments are also needed regularly, puppies should be treated about every 2 weeks
until they are 12 weeks then every 3 months of so. Tick treatments may also be needed but fortunately fleas are
rare here in Riyadh.
Going home
A day or two before collection, take a blanket to place in the puppy’s bed, then, when you take the pup home,
transfer the blanket to the puppy’s new bed – your puppy will feel at home. Also, make sure you have food and
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water bowls, a bed and crate and grooming equipment before hand so you are ready for the new arrival. And
plenty of toys – play is an essential part of growing up.
The best place for your puppy’s bed is a draught-free corner of a warm room with a tile / washable floor.
Remember the bed is your puppy’s refuge, so keep young children away from it, and never allow a tired puppy to
be dragged out of bed to play – your pet is not a toy!
On the first few nights in your home, expect your puppy to whimper. Before you go to bed, play with your puppy to
induce sleep and take it out to the garden to toilet – remember, give plenty of praise when it happens. After the first
few nights, the pup should settle quite happily
Toilet training
In the morning take your puppy straight out to go to the toilet and praise when the pup “performs”. Do not be angry
if your pup has toileted overnight, but do praise when there is no mess. Always give lots of praise when your puppy
goes in the right place – and make sure you take your pup back there whenever the animal looks likely to go.
Chewing
Chewing is a natural pastime for puppies, so do not discourage your pet; just
ensure you let the puppy chew things you have chosen, rather than your shoes etc.
Rawhide chews, nylon bones and large hard biscuits are ideal. If the puppy does
chew something inappropriate, distract your pet by arranging for something
interesting to happen elsewhere and then give something else to chew. Your puppy
might need to be taught to chew so, to do this, play with the chew in an enticing
way until the puppy begins to chew. You should never let your puppy mouth your
hands, ankles etc.
Learning to be a good dog
Socialisation is vital if your puppy is to grow up as a well-adjusted member of your family, so try to expose your
puppy to as many new experiences as possible, as young as possible e.g. – travel by car, seeing traffic, vacuum
cleaners, television are all noises the puppy will have to get to know, so introduce then with as you can.
Your pup also needs to meet children, and other animals. Make sure the children understand the rules first – your
puppy is not a toy - they must never tease or bully the pup, and the pup must learn not to jump up or nip during
play. Other animals should be introduced carefully and under supervision; otherwise there could be injuries and
one of them become quite scared – which is much harder to fix if it happens.
Your puppy needs to learn how to get on with other puppies and dogs too. If you have friends with healthy
vaccinated dogs you could arrange a meeting and play times. Ask your vet if they have puppy play meets. Before
your pup is vaccinated, it is unwise to let it walk in areas where other unknown dogs go as there may be diseases
left in the environment your pup isn’t protected from yet.
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Next steps
A collar and tag (with name and phone number) are great if you dog gets loose so whoever finds it can return it.
Microchipping, is needed it you plan to take your dog out of the kingdom and also an excellent way to prove
ownership if you find the dog if it gets away or is taken.
Regular grooming is essential to keep your dog in good condition, and is also a good way of showing affection.
Teeth brushing is also important, as dental disease is common in dogs – but use proper canine toothpaste. By
starting these activities young the training will be easier and more enjoyable.
Both male and female dogs should ideally be neutered at less than a year of age. If you let your female dog have
her first season make sure no males have access to her during this time – she will be too young and not fully
grown to breed safely at that age. After that neutering is recommended as it will protect her from many diseases of
the genital tract and even some cancers. There is NO medical or psychological advantage to letting her breed.
Other surgical procedure we have seen done include cropping the ears and tails off dogs. In most developed
countries these are considered acts animal mutilation and are banned under law. There is NO advantage to the
animal to cut it up for vanity; a dog uses its tail and ears to express its own language, cutting them off causes only
suffering and should never considered by owners who care for their pet’s health and wellbeing.
Be patient and keep working
Puppies are often naughty and can be trying at times. Patience is really important and always be consistent and
kind in your training. There is no need to beat your dog. There is also no need to live with problem behaviours for
long, training your dog will make it a really enjoyable pet and you should start from the start. You can ask us if you
have problems but there are loads of good resources on line you can read and learn from. This guide is only a very
brief introduction – keep learning and training so you ca enjoy your pet for the rest of its life!
Finally
With correct planning and care, your puppy will give you and your family many years of pleasure and enjoyment,
and will help you teach your children to be responsible and compassionate people too.
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"There is not an animal on earth,
nor a bird that flies on its wings,
but they are communities like you"
(Qur'an 6:38)
According to the learned commentators of the Qur'an Majeed, animals all live a life individual and social - like members of a human community. They are living creatures of
Allah in their own right and as such we must respect them.
Keeping an animal as a pet can have great benefits for both them and us. But it is also
a great responsibility. Respecting animals, and caring for them well, is expected in
Islam. The Prophet himself was reprimanded by Allah for once neglecting his horse, so
Allah will judge our actions too.
Learn about animals, what they need and how to look after them so you can treat them
well.
For it is written: “A good deed done to a beast, is as valid as doing good to a person.
While cruelty to a beast is as serious as cruelty to a person.”
(narrated by Bukhari and Muslim).
Salams.
Helping Hands for Companion Animals
The information inside has been based on the ‘cat care factsheet’ from AllAboutAnimals.org charity website
It has been re-worded by our PAWS veterinarian for the benefit of people and pets in KSA
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