Читать книгу Jack Russell Terrier: An Owner’s Guide - Robert Killick - Страница 42

On the big day, don’t go alone to pick up the puppy. Ideally, two people should collect him as he will need to be held and comforted in the car on the way home – he may never have been in a car before and nor will he have left his family. Take some towels and tissues with you in case he is travel sick.

Persuade the breeder to give you about seven days’ worth of the food that the puppy is accustomed to eating – this will prevent stomach upsets in the transitory period. The breeder should also give you a diet sheet, detailing how often and when he should be fed.

If the puppy is old enough to have already had his first vaccinations, get the certificates to show your own vet. If he has not been vaccinated, do not let him out of the car to urinate in lay-bys under any circumstances – they are hotbeds of infection and it is not worth taking unnecessary risks.

A dog is at his most vulnerable regarding disease when he is a puppy or a pensioner, so, in view of the cost of a puppy and the high fees charged by vets, it is a good idea to purchase pet health insurance. Some breeders will even provide this, at least for a limited transitional period, and the Kennel Club makes arrangements when a puppy is transferred to the new owner.

Fortunately, the average Jack Russell is made of stern stuff and he will seldom need the attentions of the veterinary profession, but you never know what the future may bring – accidents can happen.