Dog tips

[VivienneWestwoodsKnickers]

VivienneWestwoodsDog has rolled in badger shit two days in a row. The stench is awful. Washing with shampoo did nothing.

However, the new routine works:

a good rinse off, coat wet dog in tomato ketchup, leave to soak in for 20 min, rinse, pour white wine vinegar (optional extra step) over the affected areas, and rinse again and taa daa, slightly pink stained (hilarious!) non-stinky dog.

Any other tips for dogs you wish someone had told you sooner?

Don't get one?

In all seriousness, don't think 'Oh, he's only puppy!' during early training. Check out what is age-approrpiate and expect your endearing little hooligan to get with the programme.

And before you even get a puppy, start saving all your manky old bath towels against the day your dog rolls in something truly disgusting.

Research, research and more research about the breed/cross you want. If you're paying for a dog (opposed to giving a donation for a rescue) then make sure the breeder has done everything possible. ALL (and there will be loads) possible tests are all clear/desired scores. Puppies have been handled, socialised (but not over socialised), vet checked (and chipped) etc. So much for breeders to do in those early days.

Don't neuter until fully mature, meaning growth plates have sealed, not when they are sexual mature, so could be upto 3 years for some breeds.