Frequently Asked Questions
What should I feed my new puppy?
Very young pups enjoy fresh mincemeat and special formula dry puppy food. The most important thing is to introduce any dietary changes gradually. When you purchase a puppy from CYP we give you samples of some dry food: the food that your baby has been having, and a dietary supplement to help with the growth of your pup's bones and teeth. Before you take your baby home, or before we send your pup, you may have a discussion with Alex about any aspects of feeding. Detailed dietary recommendations are also discussed in the care booklet which comes with your baby puppy. Parts of that booklet may be emailed to you, if you wish.
Do you recommend enrolling puppy in a "puppy school"?
Yes, we do believe that it is a great idea to take your pup to a baby puppy school, if there is one in your area. This will help you and your pup with the basic obedience lessons, and it will also help your pup to socialise with other pups, at an early age, to counteract socialization problems. The owners as well as their puppies can learn a great deal at "puppy school".
Do you recommend de-sexing?
Regardless of the purpose of your dog, our basic answer is yes, unless your intention is to breed. The timing of de-sexing needs discussion. There is a detailed discussion on this somewhat complex subject in the care booklet which comes with your pup. Most vets and the animal welfare organizations strongly advise de-sexing of all pets. You will have plenty of time to decide this matter after you have established puppy at its new home.
What difference is there between purebred and pedigreed animals?
Genetically speaking, there is no difference. The term purebred can be applied only to animals which have been bred from parents of the same breed... It applies to the whole range of animals, including dogs. To qualify for the description of purebred, the animal must not have been the result of a random mating or exposed to the chance of a random mating. To be truthfully described as purebred the parentage must be known. That is, if a pup is to be a purebred kelpie, both the mother and the father must be kelpies. Indeed, so must their parents be or have been kelpies, for a number of generations. Pedigreed animals are those which comply with the scenario set out above, but with the added provision that they have been bred by members of an organisation, which, for a fee, keeps a register of such a member breeder's animals. This is why some pedigreed animals are described as being registered. In the case of dogs, this is not to be confused with the requirement by local government bodies in Australia for the owner of a dog to obtain a dog licence, which is frequently termed a dog registration. The greatest safeguard any purchaser of livestock can have is the integrity of the breeder !
Must I register my dog?
Yes with a few exceptions. Generally it is required for every dog of all breeds and of mixed breed dogs. It is usually to be done at the age of three months. There may be an exemption for dogs which live in remote areas of Australia which do not have local government. Some remote area communities, especially mining or indigenous areas, may have their own specific internal regulations. Lastly, there may be exemption from registration for dogs which may be used for certain purposes. Please research the regulations that apply to the area in which your dog will be living. During the life-time of your dog, if you move to a different area, please research the regulations that apply there.
