A dog can live up to 14 years and the smaller breeds tend to have even longer lives. So think carefully before you buy that cute little puppy with the floppy ears as they mean long term commitment.

See our FAQ page(click here) to answer some of the basic pet ownership questions such as vaccinations and neutering. We also sell the magazine “The Dog Directory” which is a helpful guide for choosing a breed of dog that will best suit you and your family.

Our trained staff at Valley Farm Animal Hospital are here to help you with any questions that you may have regarding your pet. Our team of Veterinary Nurses can be consulted on preventative health matters such as Dental care and Weight loss in the clinics they run. These consultations are free of charge, unless it is necessary to refer your pet to a Doctor for more in-depth investigations.

Our shop is stocked with a range of products to help cure your pet of their bad habits! Our reception staff are trained in all the products and so can advise you. (click here for details)

Those early puppy days, house training, chewing and separation anxiety can sometimes make you want to tear your hair out even if they look at you with those big brown eyes after they have done the naughty deed! We can help!

Chewing

This is often just a way for them to help ease the discomfort of teething or to explore their environment. Persistent chewing can be due to boredom, but some dogs are more “mouthy” than others such as Labradors.

Do not ever give them something you do not want them to chew, for instance they do not know the difference between your old takkie and your brand new Nike trainer you've just bought to look hot in the gym!

Avert is a nasty tasting but completely harmless citronella based spray that will deter the most persistent chewer. To get them off the chair legs and your shoes, why not buy a toy scientifically designed for teething puppies - safe and soothing for their gums and little teeth.

       

Separation Anxiety

This can manifest itself in various ways such as destructive behaviour and barking. If you allow your dog or puppy to be with you 24/7 when you are at home then when you leave them of course they are going to be devastated!

Teach them that being alone is only temporary and not a bad thing. Start by shutting them outside or in a different room to you when you are at home. Leave them for only about 10 minutes. Give them something to keep them busy – a kong stuffed with food, a rawhide chew bone or a favourite toy. Do not go to them if they are whining or barking; allow them to settle before letting them out. Do not go wild with hugs and kisses when you open the door, this will just underline the difference between the alone time and the happy time with you. Just open the door, tell them good dog and then go back to what ever you were doing. You can increase the time you are apart and they will learn that you do return and they get a treat to ease the pain of your leaving.

A training cage will stop any destructive behaviour or messes in the house. These come in various sizes and can collapse down flat when not in use. These must be a happy place with a bed, drinking water and a treat. Do not use them to punish your puppy. This is a safe place for your puppy to be. Use the cage when you are away from home for short periods or at night.

House Training

Cages can be used as part of house training as puppies will often not soil the place where they sleep. You must remember to take your puppy outside often.

After eating and after sleeping are good times. Take the puppy to where you want them to go to the toilet and praise them when they do. You could also use a command word as they do, so as to train them to go on your request – great when you are in a hurry or away from home.

If you do not have a training cage you will need to make a place for your puppy to use in case they are caught short! This is only an emergency place as you will be taking them out often. Most people use newspaper but there are also Puppy Training Pads that are water proof on the back to save your carpets. Most puppies learn very quickly but if you experience any problems please call us for advice.

Barking

Barking dogs drive even the most ardent dog lover crazy. There is nothing worse that being at home listening to the neighbours dog woof, woof, woofing all day long! Dog behaviourists can help you with this but an instant cure is a Bark Control Collar. These use a static shock to deter barking and they are very effective. These do not harm the dog and used correctly can be in invaluable training aid. Our staff can give you more information on these useful products or see the Securipet section in our product information on our Website.

Exercise

Many of us think of the exercise we will do when we get our new puppy, the fun games and long walks we will take. Often within a few months we stop because it all becomes too complicated or unpleasant. It does not have to be so. Make sure you train your puppy, to come when called, to walk on a lead and to understand that you are the boss. Life will be much more pleasant. For dogs that persistently pull on the lead - so you wonder who is taking who for a walk - try a Halti collar . This is a harness that fits over the nose, the dog can't pull - he has to literally follow his nose!

Your dog should always be on a lead for safety when in public. Even the best trained dog can rush in front of a car after a cat or get in a fight with another dog that is not on a lead. Once you have got your dog under control you can start walking. We stock travel bowels , cute little bags that hold a small bottle of water, your cell phone, keys and travel bowl. We have a range of “Bags on Board” - poop scoop bags – be responsible and pick up after your dog. These can be clipped to the dogs lead or we even have extending leads with an in-built dispenser.

We recommend Edupet Training School for any basic training or behavioural problems you may have. It is run by Dr. Sonntag. The training school can be contacted on (012) 480 2021.