Socialise your Puppy!

Lately here at GSRV we have seen a lot of teenage dogs coming into our care. These dogs are often under socialized and lacking experience with the world outside of their back yard. They become too much for their owners to deal with and they often do not have the time to deal with the behavioural issues that result from this lack of socialization.

The critical socialization period for a puppy is 6-16 weeks, between 6-8 weeks is an extremely important time for puppies to learn social cues from their mum and siblings, if a breeder rehomes a puppy before this time, it is not only illegal but detrimental to the pup’s future and is a big red flag that the puppy is not coming from an ethical breeder. Whilst the breeder should start exposing pups to different scenarios, it is ultimately up to the new owner to do so once vaccinations have taken place. The experiences your puppy has during this critical period of learning development can influence and shape their behaviour well into adulthood.

We always recommend attending puppy classes that teach both you and your puppy key skills, but it is the responsibility of the owner to go beyond puppy classes and keep exposing their pup to the outside world. By doing this, it will help build your pup into a confident and well-adjusted dog.

Here is a list of just some of the things your pup should be exposed to while they are young. Please, help us create a generation of well exposed, well socialized dogs!

Socialisation Checklist

Senior Dogs

As dogs get older, they experience changes very similar to humans - greying hair, reduced reflexes, diminished hearing, eye sight & sense of smell, as well as a lack of energy and more need for rest. In large breed dogs, these signs can begin to show around 8 years old or sometimes earlier. Just like humans, the ageing process varies with each dog.

For more information, please download the PDF below.

Senior Dogs Information

Pets and Hot Weather

Heat stress is caused by a significant increase in body temperature. It can escalate quickly into Heatstroke, which can have tragic results. It’s vitally important we all know the keys signs of heat stress and react immediately.

For more information, please download the PDF below.

Hot Weather Information


Fireworks and Storms

One of the most prevalent phobias in animals is of the loud noises associated with fireworks & thunderstorms. In their panic, pets can display destructive behaviour, escape from their homes & even injure themselves. Some of the signs of noise phobias include: trembling, shaking, clinging to owners, barking excessively, cowering, hiding, soiling the house, pacing, panting, & refusing to eat.

For more information, please download the PDF below.

Fireworks and Storms information

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease characterised by a chronic breakdown of cartilage in the joints. Without the cushion of cartilage, bones rub directly against one another, causing pain and inflammation. Most cases develop as a result of abnormal rubbing within the joint, caused by joint instability (e.g. after ligament damage), damage to or abnormal cartilage development, or damage caused by trauma (e.g. fractures).

For more information, please download the PDF below.

Osteoarthritis Information

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