National Puppy Day UK falls the same day as Mother’s Day this year. National Puppy Day was created in 2006 by animal behaviourist and pet lifestyle expert Colleen Paige. She wanted to celebrate the magic puppies bring to our lives, educate the public about puppy farming and promote adoption.
National Puppy Day is celebrated on 23 March each year. Read on to learn more, including ten ways to celebrate puppies of all breeds and ages. But first, let’s remember the event’s purpose and raise awareness.
- The problem of puppy farming is also known as Puppy Mill
- Consider the option of adopting a puppy.
- Consider the option to buy a puppy; here is a List of Tips for You
- Here are ten fun activities you can do on National Puppy Day
- 1. Support donations to animal rescue or puppy adoption charities!
- 2. Create something for your puppy
- 3. Cuddle, cuddle and cuddle; on National Puppy Day, cuddle all the time.
- 4. Train your puppy if you haven’t done so yet.
- 5. Let your puppy play and have fun like crazy.
- 6. For National Puppy Day, give them a stimulating toy
- 7. Keep your puppy healthy at all times.
- 8. Get distinctive shots of your dog and immortalise this day forever.
- 9. For National Puppy Day, buy him some sweets, but do not overdo it.
- 10. Socialise your dog with other dogs.
The problem of puppy farming is also known as Puppy Mill
Puppy mills are a well-kept secret of the pet trade industry. They supply animals to pet shops and pure breed enthusiasts without worrying about the millions of animals that will die in shelters. Puppy mills keep animals in cramped, rough and dirty conditions without proper veterinary care or socialisation.
A puppy mill is a commercial dog breeding operation where profit takes priority over the welfare of the dogs. As a result, they often keep dogs in overcrowded and antigenic conditions, and the puppies from these mills may have behavioural and health problems.
These operations contribute to the overpopulation and suffering of animals and the euthanasia of healthy, adoptable animals in shelters. For animal lovers, ending the puppy mill practice is a top priority. We can all contribute to it by raising awareness, making ethical decisions about where to find our dogs, and encouraging others to do the same.
Consider the option of adopting a puppy.
Adopting a puppy from a shelter or rescue rather than buying one from a breeder or pet shop has several advantages. First, it reduces the cash flow to puppy farms through unscrupulous pet shops or retailers. Your dog will probably already be spayed or neutered, health-screened and may already have vaccinations, saving you time and money.
Shelters often have a good sense of a puppy’s behaviour, personality and specific needs, which can help you choose a pet that fits your family and lifestyle. Adopting a puppy can save the lives of two dogs: yours and another who can now have the new shelter space available rather than being put down.
Here is a list of dog welfare charities that Frenchie Breed sponsors for free on their site and shares on social media:
- Dogs Trust
- RSPCA
- RSPCA Radcliffe
- Fresh Fields
- French Bulldog Saviours Rescue
- Scottish SPCA
- Spaniel Aid UK
- Adopt a Bull Terrier Rescue
Indeed, there must be other charities or Facebook groups that help pets to be rehomed, but these are the ones we are most familiar with, and we share pet adoption announcements weekly.
Note: if you know of others, please list them in the comments below, and we will add them.
Consider the option to buy a puppy; here is a List of Tips for You
Some people buy from a breeder rather than rescue a dog from a kennel for many practical and personal reasons. However, choosing a dog is a private matter. If you prefer to buy a puppy, here is a list of six valuable tips:
1. Buying is only advisable from experienced breeders
Buying is only advisable from professional breeders who test their breeding stock for hereditary diseases and know how to raise physically and mentally healthy puppies.
2. Choose the dog that suits you best
Every dog has its character, and every breed has its characteristics. Whether you buy or adopt a dog, always spend as much time as possible with it to get to know it and understand whether it suits you.
The first question you must ask yourself is, “Do I have the space and time to keep this type of dog?“. Some dogs need more space and movement; others are content with a small environment and a few walks.
It is good to reconcile your lifestyle with the right dog.
If you plan to adopt a dog from the kennels, ask the people in charge to help you choose and give you a chance to get to know your future puppy. You will see that they will be happy and helpful and even recommend it to you.
If you have decided to buy a purebred dog, the same applies, except that some breeds, by genetics, are more predisposed to certain lifestyles. Moreover, it is not necessarily the case that small dogs are suited to a balanced life: for example, the Jack Russell is an energetic dog, always on the move; it would undoubtedly suffer more than, say, a Pug that is suited to a flat, if it did not have a space, such as a garden, to let off steam.
3. The puppy must be at least three months old.
When you decide to adopt or buy a puppy, you must be patient and wait at least three months before taking it home.
This period is needed for the puppy to learn social and behavioural life. If the dog is taken away from its mother before three months, it may have aggressive and maladaptive behaviour. If the puppy’s mother is no longer around, the breeder must educate the pup.
4. Always ask where the puppy came from
You often hear sad stories of puppies arriving from abroad that, after being purchased, start to present physical and behavioural problems: they may have been taken away from their mother too early, transported in trucks in the heat or cold, they may have genetic, physical problems, etc.
So, if you want to rely on a ‘private person’ when buying a dog, try to turn to people you trust; otherwise, you risk being swindled and ending up with a puppy full of problems.
If, on the other hand, you want to play it safe, go for breeders who have all the papers in order.
5. Make sure it is well.
When you meet the puppy for the first time, there are a few ways to find out how he is. First, observe him; check that he is lively, his eyes are clean and bright, his coat is shiny, and his tummy is soft (and not swollen).
Once you’ve got him, take him to the vet (with the relevant papers that the kennel or breeder has given you) for any vaccinations, a check-up and, if he doesn’t have one, for microchipping.
6. Watch out for the contract.
When buying a dog, drawing up a contract with specific characteristics in writing is a good idea. Getting off an instant, but if you prevent it, it is easy to be compensated.
If you are buying a puppy, ask the seller if they would agree to complete a Puppy Contract, which can be downloaded free of charge from the RSPCA website, Or you can download another contract template free of charge from The Puppy Contract.
Pets are considered ‘goods’ in the eyes of the law. The Consumer Rights Act 2015 states that goods must:
- The ‘puppy’ must be of satisfactory quality.
- It must also be fit for a particular purpose.
- Be as described
Your rights under the Consumer Rights Act relate to purchases from commercial sellers (e.g. pet shops).
If these consumer rights are violated, you may have the right to refuse the goods and receive a refund or request a replacement.
Proving whether a pet is satisfactory and fit for purpose can be difficult. Any dispute would boil down to the delicate question of what was reasonable for the seller to know. Therefore, when buying a pet, remember to look for any problems or issues before committing to purchase.
Here are ten fun activities you can do on National Puppy Day
There are still no precise rules or traditions for celebrating National Puppy Day, so give your imagination free rein and put as much love into it as you want.
1. Support donations to animal rescue or puppy adoption charities!
Adoption and rescue activities are a great way to celebrate National Puppy Day. Make a positive impact in your local community while providing a loving home for a needy puppy. Why not adopt a puppy yourself or encourage a friend to do so? Perhaps you’d like to browse puppy adoption sites and repost social media links to some worthy dogs.
Another way to support doggy adoption is to donate time or money to your local animal rescue or shelter. Of course, your financial donations will always be welcome, but your impact could multiply if you get other community members to participate. For example, you could organise a puppy-themed fundraiser or doggie supply drive for a local shelter or rescue organisation. It helps to gather the necessary items and raise awareness about the organisation in your community.
Many shelters welcome volunteers. You could help with tasks such as walking dogs, cleaning cages or participating in fundraising events. Sometimes, shelter dogs need someone to sit with to help them socialise well with people. You and the puppy might find sitting and quietly reading a book relaxing. What a great volunteer gig!
2. Create something for your puppy
Regarding puppy-related crafts and projects, there are many options to choose from. One idea is to create a toy for your puppy. Weaving old T-shirts or sewing a ‘stuffed’ animal without stuffing are simple family crafts. You could also bake homemade dog biscuits using safe ingredients.
Children can have fun choosing a fabric and making a homemade blanket for their furry friend. A puppy-themed treasure hunt is a fun activity for children and puppies alike.
3. Cuddle, cuddle and cuddle; on National Puppy Day, cuddle all the time.
This is National Puppy Day, so focus on what your pup will enjoy. Grooming is a crucial way to pamper your puppy; it helps keep his coat shiny and his skin healthy and free of parasites. Some puppies enjoy baths and routine grooming activities such as cleaning their ears, and you may even be able to distract them enough that they don’t notice you clipping your nails. If your puppy has long or tangled hair, it would be nice to comb or cut it gently. Cut the hair away from their eyes so they can see and check to make sure no stray hairs have entered their eyes.
Puppies also enjoy gentle massages and cuddles. Puppies are always itchy when wearing fur. Gently scratch them all over and see which spots they prefer. The ears, shoulder blades, the end of the rib cage and the base of the tail are often sweet spots. Special bedtime items like a cosy bed, blanket or crate pillow can help them feel unique and comfortable.
4. Train your puppy if you haven’t done so yet.
National Puppy Day is an excellent opportunity to think about your training goals for your little friend. It teaches basic obedience commands such as sit, stay, come, stomp and down. It is also helpful to potty train, crate train and socialise. These goals are essential in teaching puppies to behave safely in a home and interact with other dogs and people.
Several methods can be used to train puppies. Positive reinforcement involves rewarding puppies with treats, praise or games for performing a desired behaviour. This method is often considered the most effective and humane way to train puppies. Clicker training involves using a small hand-held device to mark the exact moment that outperforms a desired behaviour. A reward or praise then follows the clicker. If you are planning a dog training course, this article is for you.
Leash and collar training is a method that involves the use of a leash and collar to guide a puppy into the desired position or behaviour physically. Crate training involves using a crate or carrier to confine a puppy when unsupervised. The puppy is gradually taught to accept the crate as a safe and comfortable place to stay. This approach is also recommended for breaking up a young dog’s home.
Socialisation is also essential. Exposing puppies to different people, animals and environments in a controlled and safe manner will teach them to cope with new experiences, turning them into well-adjusted and confident adult dogs.
Some puppies train more quickly than others. Patience and consistency are crucial, as is the flexibility to try different approaches. Training is not a ‘once-only’ activity but an ongoing process. If you have problems, consider enrolling your puppy in lessons with a professional.
5. Let your puppy play and have fun like crazy.
Puppies love to play but enjoy different types of play depending on their personalities and breed characteristics. For example, a hunting breed might enjoy other games than a dog bred to be a guard dog. Smaller, more energetic breeds might participate in agility trials. Consider whether a particular game might create undesirable behaviour, such as chewing on your shoes or biting your children’s ankles. If so, modify the activity or make a different choice.
Some common ways that puppies like to play include:
- Catch: throw a ball, toy or stick and praise him for returning it.
- Tug of war: pull a rope, toy or old t-shirt and playfully growl at each other. Remember to let the puppy win sometimes.
- Hide-and-seek: help your dog find human friends or other dogs in hiding. It is an excellent opportunity for them to use their sense of smell.
- Agility training: teaches your doggie to navigate an obstacle course of tunnels, jumps and intertwining poles.
- Chewing: puppies will chew anything. Give them safe chew toys, but regularly discard old toys if your dog is starting to break off pieces of them.
- Swimming: Some breeds, such as retrievers and water spaniels, like to play and paddle in the water.
- Playing with other puppies: Dogs like to socialise and play with their canine friends; this helps them learn how to interact with other dogs. It will undoubtedly make meeting dogs on your future walks more enjoyable.
6. For National Puppy Day, give them a stimulating toy
Buying a toy for your puppy is super fun! However, it is crucial to choose safe and suitable toys for their age and size. Also, consider your sanity. Your puppy might love squeaky toys, but these can wear on a human’s nerves.
Some of the best types of toys to give a puppy include:
- KONG toys can be filled with treats or peanut butter to entertain a puppy for long periods.
- Rope toys are great for teething puppies or playing tug-of-war.
- Soft, plush toys are excellent for cuddling and comfort.
- Puzzle toys, which can be filled with treats, offer a fun challenge for intelligent puppies.
- Durable rubber toys are excellent for playing fetch. In addition, they can withstand a puppy’s sharp teeth.
Be sure to supervise your puppy while playing with the toys. Replace worn or damaged toys to avoid ingestion of unsafe materials. Here’s what to do to deal with boredom and variety in dogs.
7. Keep your puppy healthy at all times.
National Puppy Day is a great reminder to ensure you care for your dog’s medical needs. New puppies have several medical conditions, including deworming. In addition, puppies should receive vaccinations to protect them from common diseases such as parvovirus, distemper and rabies. Your vet will provide a schedule of when your puppy should receive each immunisation. Fleas and ticks can cause itching and skin problems in puppies, so using flea and tick prevention medication as your vet recommends is essential.
Spaying or neutering the puppy is essential to prevent unwanted litters and reduce the risk of certain cancers and other health problems. In addition, microchipping is an excellent idea. It is a small, permanent identification device inserted under the puppy’s skin. It can help identify your puppy if it gets lost. Dental care is also crucial for puppies and adult dogs, as dental problems can lead to other health problems, such as heart disease.
Regularly brushing your puppy’s teeth and providing proper chews can help maintain his dental health, preventing subsequent surgical cleanings or extractions. You might also be interested in Dog Insurance: What is it? Why is it Worth Taking out Dog Insurance?
8. Get distinctive shots of your dog and immortalise this day forever.
Take lots of photos and videos during the holidays and your dog’s years of life. Capture them while they play, sleep, play pranks and obey (or disobey) commands. Perhaps you would like to create a memory book with photos; your notes were written about your puppy and other souvenirs, such as your dog’s paw print.
Keeping a diary is also a good idea to remember all the details of your puppy’s life and growth. For a fun way to see changes over time, use the time-lapse function on your phone’s camera to document your puppy’s growth. Or you could make a video montage of your photos and video clips with music. Here are some tips on how to photograph your dog efficiently.
9. For National Puppy Day, buy him some sweets, but do not overdo it.
Most of us know that the way to a puppy’s heart is through its stomach. So, every good puppy needs a treat now and then. But don’t overdo it. As a general guideline, treats should not exceed 10 per cent of their daily diet. Pro tip: fool your puppy into thinking his regular, healthy, nutritious kibble is a treat. Put less in the bowl at mealtimes, and keep a handful in your pocket to reward your good dog!
Besides regular kibble, some of the best types of treats to give a pup include:
- Small, soft training treats that can be easily broken up. These treats should be low in calories and protein to support your puppy’s growth and development. Examples of such treats you may already have in your fridge include boiled chicken, cheese or small pieces of fruit and vegetables.
- Freeze-dried liver treats, rich in protein and packed with flavour, are an excellent reward for training.
- Homemade treats with natural ingredients, such as pumpkin or sweet potato, are a great option for puppies with food sensitivities or allergies.
Giving puppies leftover food to people is a bad idea. Puppies require a specific, balanced diet appropriate for their age, breed and size. Table feeding can create a nutritional imbalance, leading to obesity and dental and digestive problems. In addition, some common foods, such as chocolate, grapes and sultanas, are toxic to dogs. Feeding puppies human food can also lead to behavioural problems, such as picky eating and begging.
10. Socialise your dog with other dogs.
Socialising your dog with other dogs and people is essential so that they interact safely and politely. Puppy training classes are one of the best ways to socialise your dog under the guidance of a trainer who can help you learn the best ways to avoid problematic behaviour.
Dog parks are also great places to socialise with your dog in a relaxed environment. Of course, oversee your dog because even if he is OK, he may still meet another dog who is not well-socialised and could hurt your pet. You can also socialise your dog by taking him for walks in new neighbourhoods and workplaces that accept pets.
You can even invite friends and family to your home and form a regular dog-walking group with friends with dogs. You can discover all dog-friendly events and festivals in 2023 in this article.
Thank you for reading the article to the end. Your reading contribution was significant to us.
Affiliate Disclosure: The Frenchie Breed website may receive a small commission from the proceeds of any product(s) sold through affiliate and direct partner links at no cost to you.
Follow Frenchie Breed on Google News
Post a Comment