vertaald

 

 

• Maak een plan voor het spenen van puppy's en houd een overzicht bij van de overgangsvoeding, met de dagelijkse verhouding van het spenen tot vast voedsel.

• Introduceer en verander puppy's geleidelijk aan vast voedsel. Het spenen mag niet beginnen voordat de puppy in staat is om zelfstandig voer op te nemen, en niet voor de leeftijd van 3-4 weken; het spenen is over het algemeen voltooid wanneer de puppy de leeftijd van 6-8 weken heeft bereikt. Het spenen mag niet in minder dan 7 dagen worden voltooid.

• Provide a good quality puppy food, specifically formulated for weaning, and follow the manufacturer's instructions on quantity and frequency of feeding. As a minimum, puppies under 8 weeks of age must be fed at least 5 times daily.

• Ensure puppies are eating the correct share of the feed provided, offering food in separate bowls where possible.

 

• Offer water from a receptacle that is shallow enough to prevent injury or drowning, but large enough to hold enough water to allow all puppies to drink at the same time should they wish to do so.

 

Ideally:

• Present food and water in different ways to enrich the lives of dogs and puppies (Section 5.4) (Overall & Dyer 2005; Garvey et al 2016).

• Provide suitable edible chews.

• Present food in different ways using puzzle feeders and feeding devices.

• Part of the daily diet can be used for rewarding behaviour during interaction and training sessions with people

• Provide additional access to fresh drinking water in water fountains.

 

5.2 Good housing

 

Breeders are required to provide the following conditions: 

 

Light

Dogs require sufficient periods of daylight and darkness to follow their natural day/night activity patterns

 

• Keep dogs under natural lighting conditions

• Natural daylight should be provided. Where additional artificial lighting sources are used, they must follow a light period equal to natural day length providing at least 10 – 12 hours of light. Artificial lights must be switched off overnight to provide a period of darkness for a minimum of 8 hours. White artificial lighting, preferably broad or full spectrum (including UV), must provide at least 50 lux at the height of the animals (Ruis & van der Bord 2017). 

 

Noise

• Ensure dogs and puppies are not exposed to excessive or continuous noise (including high-frequency and ultrasound). 

• Enclosures must be constructed, designed, and laid out to reduce levels of barking. Dogs should experience predictable positive-human interaction and enrichment to reduce frustration in a kennelled environment.

 

Ventilation

• Ensure dogs and puppies have adequate ventilation to keep the area free of noxious odours and damp and to reduce the risk of infectious bronchitis ('kennel cough').

• Bitches with their puppies must be kept draught free.

 

Temperature

Dogs are tolerant of a wide range of ambient temperatures. Puppies require higher ambient temperatures until they can effectively thermoregulate. 

 

[General]

• Ensure dogs and puppies have access to a temperature gradient so they can choose areas that are cooler or warmer depending upon their needs

• Check that dogs and puppies are not too hot or too cold. If dogs or puppies show signs of heat or cold intolerance, steps must be taken to ensure their welfare is protected.

 

• Regularly check ambient temperatures to ensure the required temperature ranges are maintained: 

• Temperatures should be recorded using a thermometer placed at the height of the dog.

 

[Adult dogs]

• Ensure indoor accommodation for adult dogs is kept between 10 – 26oC

• • An optimal range lies between 15 - 21oC (van der Leij 2009). 

  • Brachycephalic dogs and those with extreme coat types require careful management as they have markedly different thermal-tolerances (Jordan et al 2016).

 

[Bitches and puppies]

• Ensure the whelping area is kept between 22 – 28oC 

• Newborn puppies require a higher ambient temperature for the first 10 days after birth since they are unable to thermoregulate independently. 

• Take care to ensure the area and puppies do not overheat. Additional heat sources must be used safely – they must not pose a burn or fire risk to dogs or puppies or their accommodation. The bitch should be able to move away from the heat source to a cooler area if she choices to do so.

 

Accommodation 

The type, quality (what the space includes and whether it facilitates performance of natural behaviour) and size of space provided to dogs are important for good dog welfare

 

Type of accommodation

• Ideally, dogs and their puppies should live in their owner's home so that they are familiar and comfortable with the domestic home environment and human activities. 

• • Dogs kept in a home must have free access to more than one room that exceeds the minimum space allowance for dogs (Annex 1), plus access to an outside area for exercise. Dogs must not be confined to an indoor cage or kennel unless for short periods due to ill health under veterinary advice. 

 

• Dogs kept in a kennel environment must have continual access to an enclosure that includes an indoor sleeping area and an adjoining run or secure outside space that meets and preferably exceeds the minimum space allowance for dogs (Annex 1). 

  • The enclosure size must increase in relation to the number and size of dogs housed within it (Annex 1). Enclosure design must allow dogs to retreat from events they find alarming at the front of the kennel. Small/shallow enclosures should be avoided as they do not permit this important coping behaviour, enclosures must be no less than 2m in any direction.

 

• Dogs must not be housed in kennels that are tiered or stacked on top of one another. 

 

Quality of space

• Provide dogs and puppies with a physical environment that is enriched, complex and stimulating, so that they can perform natural behaviour.

• Provide each dog with enough space to walk, run, play, turn around, stand, stand erect on hind legs, wag their tail, lie down fully stretched out without touching another dog or walls.

• Provide dogs with a large enough physical space to allow sleeping and activity areas to be separated and accommodate the inclusion of enrichment; the space should be well designed to avoid competition over resources when dogs are housed in pairs or groups. Dogs must be able to move away from each other should they wish to do so.

• Dogs must have continual access to clean, dry, draught-free sleeping area with appropriate comfortable bedding.

• It is more difficult to prepare kennel-only living dogs and puppies to life in a home environment. Enrichment and socialisation plans should demonstrate how they mitigate this deficit.  

 

Safety

• Ensure all areas, equipment, furnishings and appliances to which dogs and puppies have access are safe; they present minimal risks of injury, illness, and escape

• • Ensure all housing and exercise areas are constructed from materials that are robust, safe, durable, impermeable and they are kept in a good state of repair.

  • Ensure all internal surfaces are non-toxic to dogs.

  • Ensure all surfaces, equipment and furnishings can be disinfected when appropriate.

  • Ensure floor surfaces are solid; slatted or wire mesh floors must not be used.

 

Ideally: 

• Provide dogs with large and complex housing spaces that allows them to choose where and when they spend their time

• • Space should be well-designed from the dog's perspective and furnished with additional enrichment (Section 5.4). Dogs should be able to move freely and comfortably in their environment, without competition from other dogs.

 

5.3 Good health

 

Dogs and puppies should be treated well in all circumstances by caretakers that promote good human-animal relationships with the dog/puppy's perspective as the focus of their interactions

 

Breeders are required to:

 

Handling

• Handle all dogs and puppies with compassion (Brooke 2019) and appropriately (Yin 2011); handling methods must not cause suffering – pain, injury, fear, or distress or pose an increased disease risk:

• • Aversive training methods must never be used with dogs and puppies. Electric shock collars must not be used.

  • Dogs must be correctly fitted with, and walked using, a suitable flat collar, harness or head collar. Head collars should only be used in addition to suitable flat collars or harnesses. Slip leads should not be routinely used, and only when fitted with a 'stop' to prevent the lead becoming tight enough to restrict the dog's airway.

  • People who care for dogs must provide positive, consistent and predictable interactions with dogs that are appropriate to the needs of the individual.

  • Dogs must not be forced to interact with a person, they must have control over interactions and be able to avoid people should they wish to do so.

 

• Perform husbandry with the minimum disturbance to dogs and puppies.

 

Inspection of dogs and puppies

• Observe dogs and puppies regularly throughout the day and as often as necessary to protect their welfare.

• • Observe animals for signs of abnormal behaviour, ill health, injury, pain, or suffering. Any abnormalities must be addressed, and advice provided by a veterinarian or certified animal behaviourist must be followed.  

  • Be familiar with the normal signs of labour/birth. Veterinary advice must be sought promptly if the bitch seems distressed, and whelping is not progressing normally. Breeders should check that all placentas have been passed.

  • Check dogs at the start and end of the working day and frequently during the working day, at least every 4 hours during the day. Do not leave dogs or puppies alone for more than 8 hours overnight. Pregnant bitches that are imminently due to whelp, those in whelp, nursing bitches, and puppies that are not yet weaned must be checked more frequently. Breeders must find a balance between too much interference vs. not being able to identify when the bitch and her puppies are distressed. Video cameras may be used to remotely observe bitches during whelping.

• • Check puppies shortly after birth (if the bitch will allow). Keep a record of the bitch's identification (microchip) number and the time of birth of each puppy; record the sex, weight, colour and identification of each puppy as soon as is practically possible. Bitches may become protective of puppies at whelping, resulting in aggression. Care should be taken when approaching and handling bitches during this time. Other dogs should also be kept away. 

• • Closely monitor bitches for signs of eclampsia – the sudden onset of weakness, tremors, collapse or seizures caused by low calcium levels when they are lactating.

  • Check dogs and puppies regularly for ecto- and endo- parasites and keep animals clean and comfortable. Dogs will require regular grooming (including brushing, nail clipping, cleaning eyes, ears, nose and teeth).

 

Surgical mutilations

Surgical mutilations, including debarking, tail docking and ear cropping, of dogs and puppies are not permitted unless it is deemed necessary and certified in writing by a veterinarian for medical purposes (FECAVA 2004). Neutering of dogs is the only exception. 

 

Veterinary care

• Ensure dogs and puppies are under the care of a veterinarian and follow an agreed health plan. 

• Register dogs and puppies with a veterinarian and ensure the contact details of the veterinarian and their out-of-hours provision is known in advance.

• Follow a comprehensive and agreed-upon veterinary health plan, including regular vaccinations, treatment for internal and external parasites, and clinical examinations performed by a veterinarian. 

 

[Adult dogs]

• Dogs must be examined by a veterinarian at least once per year. Dogs used for breeding should be examined by a veterinarian more frequently, at least twice per year and before mating.

• Ensure dogs are routinely vaccinated by a veterinarian and keep certified, up-to-date vaccination record that details the core vaccinations that have been given. Homeopathic vaccinations are not an acceptable alternative.

 

[Bitches and puppies]

• Treat bitches and puppies for internal and external parasites at an appropriate age and interval as directed by a veterinarian. Veterinary advice must be carefully followed regarding the type of medication, dosage, route of administration and intervals between treatments as inappropriate treatment can be harmful to puppies. Only licensed products should be used. 

• Puppies must be examined by a veterinarian before sale or homing or earlier if the bitch or puppies are showing signs of illness. The health status of the animal should be certified in writing by a veterinarian before homing.

• Puppies must be vaccinated by a veterinarian. 

• Microchip and register puppies with the breeder's details before they are homed, as a permanent form of identification and to support traceability. Microchipping must be performed by a veterinarian or certified individual, and the transponder must comply with ISO standards 11784 and 11785.

 

• Promptly seek and follow veterinary advice if there is any cause for concern over the animals physical and mental state. 

• Treatments must be followed and completed to the specifications given by the veterinarian.

• Medication must be authorised for the individual dog or puppy by a veterinarian.

• A record of treatment should be kept for each dog or puppy.

 

• Use medicines responsibly and safely.

• Use medicines in accordance with the instructions of the veterinarian or manufacturer (where they are not prescribed medicines).

• Store medicines safely and securely, and at the correct temperature. 

• Safely disposed of medicines, in accordance with the manufacturer or veterinarian.

 

Euthanasia

• Only euthanise animals on welfare grounds as deemed necessary by a veterinarian. 

• • Dogs and puppies must not be euthanised because they do not meet a prescribed breed standard, or because they have a conformational defect that will not affect their welfare, or where the defect can be corrected without compromising welfare as advised by a veterinarian. 

  • It is unacceptable to euthanise dogs and puppies because they cannot be sold

  • Retired breeding dogs should not be euthanised unless on welfare grounds (their suffering cannot be alleviated by veterinary or other intervention). 

 

• Euthanasia must be performed humanely by a veterinarian.

 

• Keep euthanasia records for each animal including the reason for euthanasia, date and the name of the veterinarian who performed it. 

 

Hygiene and cleaning

The need to keep dogs and puppies in hygienic and clean environments should be balanced against the need of dogs to feel secure in their environment. Dogs deposit scent through urine, faeces, and anal sac secretions, creating a unique scent profile, that helps them feel safe and secure. Over cleaning (frequent cleaning with disinfectant or strong-smelling products) will remove or mask these important scents from the dogs' environment.

 

• Ensure good hygiene standards are maintained in dog and puppy accommodations.

• Inspect daily dog/puppy accommodations, and any furnishings, bedding, or equipment within it.

• Keep accommodations and any furnishings, bedding, or equipment clean, dry and parasite free. Only clean soiled areas and bedding when necessary in the whelping accommodation – it is important to maintain the bitch's scent profile and avoid unnecessary disturbance.

• Wash, clean and disinfect bedding and toys when needed and on rotation.

• Perform effective daily spot cleaning; urine and faeces must be removed at least twice daily, and floors dried after cleaning.

• Dogs must be removed from their enclosure whilst it is being 'wet' cleaned (eg power hosing) or disinfected. 

 

• Thoroughly clean and disinfect accommodations, and any equipment, whelping boxes, furnishings, or enrichment items, between different dogs.

 

• Clean food and drink receptacles daily and disinfect weekly.

 

• Keep food preparation areas clean and free from dirt and dust.

 

• Undertake measures that minimise the risks from rodents, insects and other pests.

 

• Safely use cleaning and disinfection products. 

• Use products that are non-toxic to dogs and the environment.

• Avoid using cleaning products containing Benzalkonium Chloride, high concentrations are toxic to dogs.

• Only give dogs access to cleaned areas once they are fully dry.

• Safely store and dispose of cleaning products away from dogs. 

 

• Facilities must be provided for the proper collection, storage, and disposal of waste. Special arrangements must be made for handling hazardous waste according to the legislation in each country.

 

Isolation facilities 

• Ensure appropriate isolation, in self-contained facilities are available for the care of sick, injured or potentially infectious animals (including quarantining new, incoming animals). 

• • Isolation facilities may be provided offsite by an attending veterinary practice. 

  • Site isolation facilities at least 5m away from other dogs to reduce the risk of airborne infection being carried between isolated and healthy dogs.

  • Ensure housing and care requirements outlined elsewhere in the guidance are followed for dogs and puppies in isolation to protect their welfare.

  • Ensure separate feed and water receptacles, bedding, cleaning utensils and cleaning products are used for animals in isolation.

  • Follow good hygiene and biosecurity practices:

• • • When appropriate use protective clothing and equipment for use only in the isolation facility. 

    • Have a separate caretaker for isolated dogs or care for dogs in isolation after all other dogs have been attended to.

    • Wash hands with an appropriate disinfectant after leaving isolation and before handling other dogs.

    • Completely disinfect isolation and equipment once it is vacated.

 

• Plan an appropriate quarantine when introducing new dogs. Veterinary advice should be sought on quarantine plans.

 

• Ensure dogs imported from abroad undergo appropriate health testing by a veterinarian and the results known before being introduced to other dogs.

 

Emergency planning

• Always have a fully stocked and maintained first aid kit suitable for use on dogs and puppies available and accessible. A veterinarian should be consulted concerning the contents of the first aid kit.

 

• Have a practical and usable emergency evacuation and contingency plan in place that can protect and accommodate all dogs and puppies, and people who care for them.

 

5.4 Appropriate behaviour

 

An enriched environment increases opportunities for dogs and puppies to perform species-typical behaviour (including social interactions with other dogs and with humans), and helps give them control over their surroundings, optimising their physical and mental states (Prescott et al 2004; Heath & Wilson 2014). 

 

Breeders are required to: 

 

Meet dogs' environmental needs

• Provide an enriched environment for dogs and puppies that meets their needs.

• An enrichment programme should clearly set out how it meets the behavioural needs of dogs and puppies. It should include enrichment inside and outside. 

• Enrichment should pose little risk of injury or illness to dogs and puppies. 

• The effectiveness and safety of enrichment should be regularly evaluated.

 

Breeders are required to provide dogs and puppies with:  

 

• A safe place – for dogs to rest and retreat where they feel comfortable and secure. 

• • Each dog must be provided with somewhere comfortable and private to retreat out of sight of neighbouring dogs or people should they wish to do so:

    • Provide kennelled dogs with a raised platform for somewhere to hide underneath, and somewhere elevated to climb on to view neighbouring dogs and people outside of their kennel. The dual use of raised platforms gives dogs a sense predictability and control over human activities in their wider environment. Place comfortable bedding material underneath the platform and ensure platforms are large and sturdy to comfortably accommodate more than one dog. Platforms may be used by nursing bitches to get respite from their puppies. 

    • A dog crate can also provide an area for retreat and a raised vantage point. Dogs must never be shut-in or permanently housed in a dog crate. The crate should be sturdy and large enough for each dog to stand, turn around and lie flat out. It should contain comfortable bedding.

 

• Exercise 

Additional opportunities for daily exercise provide important opportunities for dogs to perform species-typical locomotive behaviour (Hubrecht et al 1992), to explore and to interact with people. 

• • Provide dogs, with the exception of whelping bitches and puppies under 6 weeks of age, with daily opportunities for supervised outdoor exercise away from their enclosure for at least 30 minutes, twice per day. Dogs must be given opportunities for free-running.

  • Exercise areas should be furnished with additional enrichment items such as toys, paddling pools, agility equipment and raised platforms to stimulate different types of activity including play. Carers should positively interact with dogs during exercise through play and reward-based training (see below). For some dogs, having close calm, physical contact (eg through stroking) with people, is just as important as activity. Dogs should not be forced to be active if they do not wish to do so.  

  • Outdoor enclosures must have areas that are covered and sheltered to provide protection against extreme weather conditions.

  • Dogs which cannot be exercised on veterinary advice must be provided with alternative enrichment. 

 

• Positive, consistent, predictable human-dog social interaction (that dogs have control over)

Dogs who have been socialised with people, readily engage, and interact with them (Hubrecht 2002) and seem to value human company (Wells 2004). Positive human-dog social interaction is rewarding for dogs and is an important form of species appropriate enrichment.  

• • Ensure all interactions with dogs are positive and do not cause alarm. Interactions with people occur frequently throughout the day as husbandry (eg feeding and cleaning) is performed. These events provide important opportunities for gentle and compassionate interaction with dogs and should not be overlooked.  

• • Provide dogs with additional daily opportunities for interaction with people (outside of normal husbandry tasks). These interactions can be planned around daily exercise.

  • Do not force dogs to interact; they should be able to move away from people if they choose to do so. 

  • Dogs must be trained using positive reinforcement techniques, to facilitate safe and easy handling. Positive reinforcement training can provide important opportunities for problem solving and give dogs a sense of control.

  • All dogs should be trained to walk on a lead, come when called, sit and stay when requested, and to accept physical examination.

  • Training should occur throughout the life of the dog; breeders should prepare dogs for retirement and/or homing once their breeding life comes to an end; training plans should reflect preparations to transition dogs into new homes.

• • Puppies must receive regular, consistent, and positive handling by humans from a young age (see Section: early experience and socialisation).

 

• Feeding 

  • Providing dogs and puppies with puzzle feeders and offering different food presentations (eg scatter feeding dried kibble) actively encourages exploration and problem-solving behaviour. Care must be taken to reduce competition and food aggression between dogs.

 

• Toys

  • Dogs and puppies rapidly habituate to toys; using toys in rotation and in combination with interactive play sessions with people will help to maintain their interest.

  • Toys must be safe, thus non-toxic and indestructible; they must be size appropriate to prevent injury (particularly to puppies) and must be checked at least daily, to ensure they are safe.

  • Provide dogs and puppies with toys that are specifically designed to encourage chewing; they should be checked regularly to reduce risk of choking.

 

Social interaction with other dogs

Dogs are social animals; under free-roaming conditions they congregate in social groups, often forming stable relationships with other individuals (MacDonald & Carr 2017). Dogs need and value the company of other dogs and they may suffer when kennelled alone (Taylor & Mills 207). Compatible dogs show affection towards one another – greeting each other amicably, spending time in close contact, resting together, allogrooming and playing with one another. These friendly behaviours help buffer dogs against the negative effects of stressful events, and they are likely to be associated with positive welfare states.

 

• Dogs that are not behaviourally compatible with other dogs (eg fearful or aggressive towards other dogs), must not be used for breeding and should be retired. 

 

• Avoid housing dogs alone in kennels, unless for short periods under veterinary advice or when bitches are whelping and rearing neonatal young puppies. 

• • Reintroducing dogs back into a group after a period of separation must be done carefully and dogs must be closely observed for signs of aggression, fear, and stress.

 

• Provide dogs with companionship; kennelled dogs should be housed together in compatible, stable pairs or small groups.

• • Dogs should be given opportunities for social interaction with other dogs, this may be facilitated during exercise or walks with their owners.

• • Dogs housed together must have enough space and resources to avoid competition. 

  • Ensure companions can comfortably rest or sleep together should they wish to do so. 

• • The compatibility of dogs must be carefully monitored. Dogs must be carefully observed for aggression during feeding. Dogs must not be muzzled to facilitate group or pair housing or exercising.

 

Promptly address behavioural problems

• Seek and follow advice from a certified behaviourist veterinarian or an applied animal behaviourist to promptly address any behavioural problems, should they arise.

 

Pregnancy and whelping

The behaviour of bitches usually changes very little during pregnancy, until a couple of weeks before she is due to whelp, when she may become quieter and start to seek suitable comfortable and quiet areas to whelp.  

 

• Provide bitches with a quiet, safe area, away from other animals to give birth

• • Bitches should be introduced to whelping accommodation and whelping bed 7 – 10 days before she is due to whelp, and must be moved into the whelping bed once signs of whelping are shown. Bitches must be accessible to breeders so that assistance can be provided in the event of an emergency. 

  • Provide bitches with a whelping bed, with sides high enough to prevent puppies from falling out, and large enough to accommodate her at full stretch as she nurses her puppies; the bed should have sides that prevent newborn puppies from being crushed by the bitch; it should be impermeable and easy to clean. Soft and absorbent bedding must be provided to ensure the bitch and puppies are comfortable.

  • Ensure whelping accommodation contains all the environmental resources the bitch needs until the puppies are homed. 

  • Provide bitches with regular opportunities throughout the day for toileting away from puppies.

  • Bitches will need respite from their puppies as they grow and become more mobile; once the puppies are readily climbing out of the whelping bed and if the bitch is content to do so, she can be exercised for periods on her own.

  • Keep other animals away from the bitch and her puppies for the first two weeks of life. Litters of puppies from different bitches must not be housed together, unless bitches are already housed in compatible social groups and their litters choose to mix.

 

Early experience - habituation and socialisation

For puppies to make happy confident pets, they must have positive, frequent, and varied experiences of people, other animals and the domestic home environment early in life. Puppies are particularly sensitive to learning about these types of experiences when they are very young (aged between 3 – 14 weeks). Without the right type of experiences during this sensitive period, puppies may never be fully comfortable living as a pet dog. It is of critical importance that breeders take responsibility for positively shaping the early experience of puppies to prepare them for life in a home environment.

 

For detailed guidance, read: Supplementary Guidance for Responsible Breeders: Early Socialisation and Habituation of Puppies (LINK).

 

• Puppies must not be permanently separated from the bitch before they are fully weaned and not before they are 8 weeks of age unless it is deemed necessary by a veterinarian.

• Puppies may suffer when they are weaned and removed from the bitch and their littermates too early; they miss out on important experiences that positively shape their ability to cope with new experiences later in life and predisposes them to the development of behavioural disorders. 

 

• Have a socialisation and habituation plan in place and dedicate additional time to ensure puppies are adequately exposed to the right experiences early on.

• • The plan should be appropriate to the puppy's age, stage of behavioural development and individual needs.

 

• Use appropriate infection control measures when introducing puppies to new experiences (see Section 5.3).

 

• Ensure that the bitch and her puppies can cope with interactions.

• A positive and trusting relationship with the bitch should be established prior to whelping, as this will facilitate socialisation and habituation of young puppies to people and the home. 

• Puppies can become overwhelmed when they are exposed to too many things too quickly. The behavioural response of the puppy should guide interactions. Start slowly and gradually allow puppies to interact at their own pace.

 

• Seek veterinary advice on the welfare considerations and appropriateness of hand-rearing puppies.

• Puppies must not be hand-reared unless it is deemed necessary, for example, if the mother is unwell or unable to nurse.

• Lack of opportunities for social learning from their siblings or their mother places puppies at increased risk of developing behavioural problems later in life (eg aggression, fear, anxiety), that demonstrate a reduced ability to cope with unfamiliar surroundings. The early experience of these puppies should be carefully planned to help mitigate for this deficit.  

• Puppies must be kept with other puppies in their litter or with puppies of a similar age. 

 

• Regularly and appropriately handle puppies to habituate them to different types of handling and to socialise them with people.

• Handle each puppy gently for short periods of time initially, gradually increasing the duration and type of handling as the puppy ages. Puppies can be handled daily from around 3 days old; handling duration should be short (< 1minute) and frequent (x 2/daily). Handling should include stroking the puppy in preferred areas around the head and along the back to the tip of the tail. These positive interactions should be interspersed with picking the puppy up and examining its' eyes, ears, feet and underneath the tail - the types of handling that are critical for providing good animal care in the future. Handling must not be prolonged if the puppy is distressed.

• From 3 weeks of age, puppies should be regularly handled and played with by different people, including adults and children. As a guide, the interactions should increase in frequency and duration as the puppy ages (eg 4 times daily) and last up to 30 minutes. This socialisation is in addition to the types of human interaction that occur around normal husbandry events (eg cleaning and feeding); these events represent important learning opportunities for puppies, and they must also be positive. 

• Gradually habituate puppies to different textures, sounds and sights they are likely to encounter in households (eg appliances, televisions, washing machines and different surfaces on which to walk)

• From 3 weeks of age puppies should be exposed to these different types of experiences for short durations on a daily basis, and in different locations of the home or breeding establishment so that they do not form an attachment to a location (eg whelping area or kennel).

• Coupling these experiences with rewards such as food, stroking and play will help puppies form positive associations.

 

• Provide puppies with regular access to different types of floor and walking surfaces so that they do not develop strong preferences or aversions that will interfere with toileting outside the home. 

  • Toilet training should start before puppies are 8 weeks of age.

  • Puppies over 6 weeks of age must have daily access to outdoor, safe and secure exercise areas for at least 30 minutes per day, except in adverse weather conditions or if veterinary advice suggests otherwise.

 

• Carefully introduce puppies to other adult dogs, and other animals (eg cats) if they share the same household.

• • Supervise puppies during interactions with friendly, healthy, vaccinated animals in the same household. Puppies must be introduced to vaccinated, healthy, adult dogs in addition to the bitch.

 

• Prepare puppies for separation from the bitch and litter mates before homing.

  • Puppies over 6 weeks of age should experience short periods of separation from the bitch and their littermates. The duration of separation should be gradually increased with time before homing. Puppies must not be left on their own; this period of separation should be spent positively interacting with a person, through feeding or play, so that they form positive associations with being away from their litter. 

 

• Use a socialisation chart to help to guide and keep track of what to do and when, so that puppies are adequately socialised. 

 

Ideally: 

• Provide dogs and puppies with an enriched environment that gives them choice and control of what and when they do things.

• Fully prepare puppies to cope as a pet in a human household by actively socialising puppies to many different people and habituate them to all the different kinds of experiences they will encounter in the home. 

 

6. End of breeding life

 

Breeders are required to:

• Take life-long responsibility for caring for puppies that do not sell, and bitches and stud dogs that are no longer used for breeding or home them to a responsible owner. 

 

• Breeders should ensure retired bitches and stud dogs cannot be used for breeding either by neutering them, or where this is not permitted, registering them as non-breeding on the relevant Kennel Club register. A written contract should be in place with any new owner stating that the dog must not be used for breeding. 

 

The decision to euthanise a dog or puppy must be under the direction of a veterinarian or a qualified behaviourist and must only be taken for reasons of ill health or behaviour where the animal's quality of life is deemed to be poor and cannot be improved by veterinary treatment or behavioural intervention. 

 

7. Record keeping

 

Breeders are required to:

• Keep accurate and complete records for dogs and puppies. Records should provide a complete account of the dog or puppy's life history with the breeder, and include:

Owner/breeder details

• • Name and address of where the dogs or puppies are kept.

  • Name and address of the owner if this is different to the keeper.

Animal details

• • Name and date of birth.

  • Permanent identification number - dogs should be permanently identified by a microchip, both the microchip number and date of implant should be recorded. Dogs and puppies should be registered to the breeder on the national microchip database.

  • Breed (or known breed cross) where appropriate.

  • Colour and other distinguishing marks.

  • If dogs are registered with a breed association these numbers must also be recorded.

  • Date of acquisition (when applicable).

  • Body weight.

  • Date and reason for death (if not euthanised).

Details of veterinary treatment

• • All veterinary treatment, including vaccination, worming and flea treatment, any other routine or emergency treatment received, any surgery to correct exaggerated conformations, date and reason for euthanasia and the name of the veterinarian that performed the euthanasia, 

Breeding information

• • Results of all tests for inherited disorders and dates of the test.

  • Details of animals mated (as above).

  • Dates of mating and outcome.

  • Date and time of whelping.

  • Number of puppies born, sex, colour, distinguishing marks, weight and other significant events, identification.

Rearing information

• • Date and age of weaning.

  • Outline of early rearing conditions and socialisation process. Include details of any periods spent isolated from mother and siblings, and reasons for isolation (eg disease, injury, treatment etc.)

Homing/sale details

• • Dog/puppy identification 

  • Leaving date and age of dog/puppy.

  • Name and contact details of the new owner.

  • Breeders/new owners must ensure that the puppies microchip number are registered to their new owners as required by national legislation.

 

Licensed breeders, who care for several dogs, should keep records of:

• • All care and husbandry provided.

  • All daily checks on the animals.

• • Body weight and body condition score of dogs and puppies, on a monthly basis for dogs and weekly for puppies.

• • The oestrus date of each bitch.

  • Stud dogs – the number of visiting bitches or bitches visited, number of mating's, number of successful pregnancies.

  • Where dogs are under a breeding arrangement the details of such dogs and their whereabouts should be recorded. 

  • The number of breeding bitches and stud dogs that are retired, their identification and fate after retirement (including date of rehoming and the new owner's details). 

  • Details of any isolation cases and the management regime in place.

  • Specific information must be recorded for dogs that have come from abroad in-line with animal health legislation. 

 

All breeders should regularly review their records to inform breeding practices and ensure good welfare of dogs and puppies.

 

For new owners

The new owner must be given a written copy of all relevant records of the dog or puppy, including: 

• • Treatment records.

  • Vaccination certificate (if the puppy has received vaccinations with the breeder) or European Pet Passport if this is appropriate.

  • Veterinary health check results, including the results of health and genetic screening tests.

  • Microchip certificate.

  • Breed association registration certificate (when applicable).

  • Five-generation pedigree information (when applicable). 

  • Details of the breed of each parent where different breeds have been crossed.

 

Written information must also be provided on dog/puppy care:

• • The dogs/puppies' feeding regime.

  • Temporary health insurance in countries where this is available.

  • Advice on habituation, training and socialisation.

  • Advice on integration into the new household.

  • Advice on animal welfare needs.

  • Contact details of the breeder – for advice and guarantee. 

 

The puppy contract is a good example for breeders to follow to ensure information is provided to new owners.

 

8. Protecting the future welfare of puppies and their new owners

 

Breeders have an obligation to protect the future welfare of puppies by finding good homes with responsible owners. 

 

Breeders are required to:

• Make reasonable efforts to ensure the new owner is a good match for their puppies; that the new owner understands and can meet the future welfare needs of the puppy and requirements for lifelong care. Breeders must not home a dog or puppy to anyone under the age of 18 years.

 

• Make reasonable efforts to ensure that the prospective new owner is not acting on behalf of a third party.

 

• Microchip and register each puppy or dog in the official database before homing. The breeder should be registered as the first owner of the puppy.

 

• Provide prospective new owners with accurate and comprehensive written information about the future welfare needs of the puppy in advance of the new owner's decision to take the puppy home. When applicable, written information should include guidance about the welfare consequences of the results of parental genetic health screening, conformation issues and breed predispositions to disease/disorders. 

 

• Provide a supply of the puppy's current diet to the new owner. Two weeks supply would allow gradual change over of food by the new owners if required. 

 

• Prospective new owners are required to visit puppies with their biological mother, and littermates, in the environment where they are kept. 

 

The Puppy Contract and its checklist can be used to help guide discussions between breeders and prospective new owners to ensure they understand the welfare needs of puppies. 

 

Warranty

• Breeders should provide new owners with a written guarantee, about the puppy:

 

• The breeder warrants that the puppy:

• • is at least 8 weeks of age when homed;

  • has received good care and been socialised;

  • is in good health unless otherwise stated;

  • is microchipped and registered on the official database.

 

• Where appropriate, the breeder warrants that the pedigree information/breed registration is correct.

 

• Assured breeders must demonstrate they meet all the requirements of assured breeder schemes as outlined by the governing breed association. 

 

The breeder warrants to reduce or avoid distress and inconvenience caused to the new owner in the event that the kitten suffers poor welfare as a result of poor breeding practices.

 

The breeder is required to use information about any health or behavioural issues of puppies/dogs to inform future breeding, rearing and socialisation practices.

 

• The new owner warrants that:

  • they will take the puppy to their veterinarian soon after homing for a clinical examination and advice on preventative health treatments;

  • they will register their details as the new owner of the puppy in the official database;

  • they will be able to meet the puppy's future welfare needs based upon the information they have received from the breeder;

  • they are not purchasing or obtaining the puppy on behalf of a third-party;

  • if they find themselves unable to provide for the welfare needs of the puppy, they will contact the breeder for advice including the option to return the puppy to the breeder.

 

• The statutory rights of the new owner shall be protected, in addition:

  • the new owner is entitled to recover all reasonable veterinary costs to treat a serious disorder suffered by the puppy that relates to a breach of the breeder's warranty.

 

The Puppy Contract is a good example of a warranty agreement between the new owner and the breeder.

 

9. Registration, licensing, and enforcement

 

• Breeders are required to be accountable and responsible for their activities.

 

• Breeders should be subject to legal controls, recommendations appear below.

 

• Where legislation on dog breeding exists, the following refinements of definition and requirements are recommended:

 

• All breeders are required to register with the competent authority: 

  • A breeder is someone who owns or keeps at least 1 female or male breeding dog, whether the puppies they produce are sold or given away.

• • The competent authority must make reasonable efforts to verify breeders comply with the requirements outlined in the guidance.

  • All registered breeders must provide appropriate written evidence for authorisation by the competent authority to demonstrate that they comply with the requirements outlined in the guidance.

  • Once authorised, a unique registration number must be supplied to the breeder.

  • The competent authority must keep accurate records of breeder's registration details.

  • The competent authority must set a reasonable maximum time limit for the validity of registration, after which time the breeder must re-apply for registration.

  • The breeder is required to notify the competent authority of any subsequent changes to the original registration. 

  • As a minimum, the information required for registration, must include:

    • Details of the owner and/or keeper breeding the dogs.

    • Details of the dogs.

    • An outline of dog and puppy housing, husbandry, care and veterinary provisions.

    • Details of breeding activities.

    • Details of responsibilities and competencies of human carers.

 

• Licensed breeders: 

  • Require a licence from the competent authority if they keep 3 or more breeding bitches.

  • Breeders require inspection by the competent authority before a licence is granted for the first time.

  • The competent authority must set a reasonable maximum time limit for the validity of the licence, after which time the breeder must re-apply for a licence. 

  • The breeder must notify the competent authority of any subsequent changes to the original conditions, for which they are licenced. 

  • The licence must only be granted based on demonstration of the breeder meeting specified conditions. 

  • The competent authority is required to keep accurate records of the licensing details for each breeder.

  • The breeder is required to keep detailed, accurate records for each animal under their care; records must be available for inspection at any time. Records must be kept for a minimum of three years after the animal is no longer under the care of the breeder. 

  • The total number (dogs and puppies) and breed of dog kept on the premises must be clearly stated.

 

• All breeders must include their unique registration codes on all advertisements, and sale or transfer documentation, so that it is clearly visible to prospective new owners.

 

Enforcement

• Competent authorities are responsible for enforcing legal breeding controls including registration and licensing of dog breeders. 

• A key responsibility is to ensure breeders comply with conditions for registration and licensing, regular inspections should be undertaken to meet this responsibility. 

• The competent authority will need to balance the requirement for inspection with available resources. Adopting risk-based control approaches may enable an efficient use of resources, with targeted