Advice on how to be a responsible dog breeder and/or owner.
Contents
Am I ready for a dog?
Having a dog is a big commitment. You should take time to fully consider all aspects of dog ownership. Understanding the law and your legal duties which apply to dog ownership is very important
The Code of Practice for the Welfare of Dogs explains what you need to do to meet the standard of care the law requires. If you are a parent or guardian of a child less than 16 years old, you are responsible for any animal that the child is in charge of.
Our Code of Practice for the Welfare of Dogs.
For information on whether you are ready for a dog, visit:
What breed of dog is right for me?
There are hundreds of breeds and types of dogs. Choosing the right one for you can be overwhelming. Don’t choose a dog based on looks alone without researching its behavioural and health needs. It is important to learn about the breed you are interested in to ensure it will be the right fit for you and your lifestyle.
For information on what breed may be suitable for you, visit:
Check your dog's physical health
Use the Innate Health Assessment (IHA) tool to check your dog's physical health.
What is the IHA tool
The IHA tool is a free, easy-to-use checklist, which you can use to assess a dog’s:
- physical health, and
- suitability for breeding
You can do a visual check of 10 key health traits, like clear breathing, straight legs, and a wagging tail. Anyone can use it, without special equipment or help from a vet.
Why use it
Some dogs have been bred to look a certain way. But these features can cause serious health problems. These include breathing issues, eye pain, skin infections and joint problems. They can also shorten a dog's life.
We want to promote responsible breeding and informed ownership. This tool will help you make informed decisions about a dog's health and well-being. So that a dog can live a happy and healthy life.
Find out more
Visit innatehealthassessment.org from 18 November to access the tool and learn more.
How do I look after my dog?
Under the Animal Welfare Act (on legislation.gov.uk) you must be able to meet a dog’s five needs, those are:
- their need for a suitable environment
- their need for a suitable diet
- their need to be able to exhibit normal behaviour patterns
- any need they have to be housed with, or apart from, other animals
- their need to be protected from pain, suffering, injury and disease.
For information on looking after your dog and its needs, visit:
- dog welfare: code of practice
- how to look after a dog - dog facts (on rspca.org.uk)
- responsible dog ownership: how we help (on dogstrust.org.uk)
- dog warm weather safety tips and help (on dogstrust.org.uk)
- looking after your pets in the cost of living crisis (on rspca.org.uk)
- how to puppy proof your home and garden (on bluecross.org.uk)
How do I get a dog?
Once you have decided you are ready for a dog, you need to consider whether adopting or buying from a reputable breeder is the right thing for you.
If you are adopting from a rescue centre, please use a reputable centre. Similarly, before you buy from a breeder, know their licence status. Licensed breeders are those who have three or more breeding bitches. If someone only has one or two breeding bitches they do not require a licence.
Either way, you should still always see the puppy with its mother before purchasing.
Your local authority will have details of licensed breeders.
How do I deal with anti-social behaviour?
If you are concerned about the behaviour of a dog and it’s owner you can report your concerns to the Local authority or the Police.
Under the Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014 the Police and Local Authorities can issue Community Protection Warnings (CPWs). These state that the owner should stop doing certain behaviour. If this is not adhered to a Community Protection Notice (CPNs) can be issued. These can include specific requirements such as:
- wearing a lead or muzzle in public
- attending dog training
- ensuring that your garden is securely enclosed so a dog can’t escape.
To breach a CPN is a criminal offence and could lead to a level 4 fine (maximum of £2,500).
Please contact your Local Authority or call 101 to report and incidents.
Tips for responsible dog ownership and child safety
- Never leave children unattended with a dog, regardless of the breed, temperament, age, familiarity. All dogs are unpredictable.
- Never let children crowd or encroach on a dog’s space, whether yours or a stranger’s. Some dogs, especially those who are fearful or who may have been mistreated, could see that as a sign of aggression or dominance.
- Never allow children to bother a dog when it is sleeping or eating. Dogs can respond aggressively.
- Never allow children to approach a dog they don’t know. Teach children to ask permission from the dog owner before approaching to pet them.
- Ensure your dog has a quiet, calm space that it can retreat to, particularly for when it is overstimulated or tired.
- Don’t allow children to play with dogs and their toys unsupervised.
Responsible dog ownership and dangerous dogs | South Wales Police
How can I get my children involved?
Dogs on leads
Dogs worrying livestock
Countryside advice
Microchipping your dog
All dogs in the UK must be microchipped and registered by the time they are 8 weeks old. Your pet’s microchip must be fitted by a trained professional. You can ask your vet, local council or local rescue and rehoming centre if they can microchip your dog or cat. They might charge a fee. Your pet’s microchip contains a number, which will show up whenever your dog is scanned. You must make sure that your dog is registered on an approved database, listed here: Get your dog or cat microchipped (on gov.uk).