sprocker spaniels

Minimum Age For A Puppy

Before bringing your beloved puppy home, it's important that the puppy is over 8 weeks of age. Puppies still require their biological mothers before they are let go to their new home. This period of 8 weeks allows the pup to be socialised correctly, their personality formed and be taught learnt behaviours.

If you’re suspicious that the puppy is being sold before 8 weeks of age, then please report them to us. 

Microchipping Advice

By law, your dog will need to be microchipped. Your dog's microchip forms part of their permanent form of identification. It is vitally important that your details are kept up-to-date; so that you're able to be contacted, should your dog, unfortunately, go missing.

The implantation of the microchip is a simple process. The chip will always be placed around the neck of the dog.

Since 6th April 2016, it's now compulsory that all dogs over 8 weeks old must be microchipped and the seller's information details are registered on the database. Microchipping is the responsibility of the breeder and they must have all the correct information updated on the database before the puppy or dog is adopted or bought.

You must make sure you receive the microchip documentation with the chip number and then arrange to change the microchip details into your name.

Vaccination Advice

Puppies are safe from majority of infections for the first few weeks of them being born. From being a young pup their immunity is passed on from their biological mothers milk. However, this changes when they reach the age of eight weeks old. 

All puppies should receive 2 vaccinations, the first between 8-10 weeks of age and the 2nd vaccination 2 weeks later around the age of 10-12 weeks. Older dogs may also need booster vaccinations and this is normally recommended by the vet. It's important that you check with the seller what vaccinations the puppy or dog has had and ask for the relevant paperwork. It's worth noting that puppies should have had their first vaccination before they leave their mother. If the seller has not provided a vaccination plan, then this becomes your responsibility to make an appointment with the vet for both vaccinations. A puppy needs to have vaccinations 7 days before allowing them to interact with the outside.

The cost of your puppies vaccinations will vary depending on what type of dog breed they are; normally they cost in the region of £30 to £60. This cost is minor in comparison to the life threatening diseases they can catch should they not be vaccinated correctly. 

Neutering Advice

Neutering your pet is an important decision that should be made very early on in the puppies early years. Male dogs are neutered around the age of six to seven months and female dogs are normally spayed around the age of six months old.

Neutering your pet is a great idea if you’ve decided against your dog from having puppies in the future and has many health benefits.

The process is always carried out under general anesthetic. As with any surgical procedure, there are some risks involved and if you have any concerns you should consult your vet before. Your dog will have some slight discomfort after but can be easily nursed back to their normal selves with some love, care and any medication prescribed by the vet.

KC Registration Advice

If the following advert stipulates that the puppy or dog is KC Registered, this means the dog has been registered with the Kennel Club. Registration with the Kennel Club allows you access to lots of information and advice on pet welfare, training, breeding and many other pet welfare subjects.

With this, the seller should provide you with the pedigree certificate which shows all of the dog's details and the dogs lineage and ancestors. It is your responsibility to ask the seller for a copy of this certificate before buying or adopting the puppy or dog. It's worth considering to check the documentation and phoning the Kennel Club to verify the registration.

Being part of the Kennel Club also allows you to show your dog and compete in many events throughout the country.

If this advert indicates no registration with the Kennel Club, this will mean that the puppy or dog will not come with a pedigree certificate from the Kennel Club.