Hi everyone,

I've already posted about my new puppy and how to introduce him to my cats and everyone was very helpful so I thought I'd ask here for some more advice.

Harry is a CKCS and the previous CKCS I had had a little coat for walks in the winter. As Harry's first walk will be at 12 weeks (is this right?) and in winter, should I buy him a coat for now and then upgrade to a larger one as he grows? I'm concerned that he might get cold if I don't wrap him up warm as we live on the Severn Estuary and it can be quite blowy. Where is the best place to buy him a really warm coat, and which type should I choose?

Also my previous CKCS was un-neutered and we had no problems other than every now and again he got a little "amorous" with the furniture! What are the pros and cons of having Harry neutered?

And finally I spoke to my breeder who says that jabs should be at 9 and 12 weeks and yet when I asked my vet he said 8 and 10 weeks. Who's right?

Thanks for everyone's help

Jasperooni

Hi Jasperooni
we just got a bullmastiff puppy and had him jabbed at 8 and 10 weeks it has recently changed to that as they have thought the earlier the jab the earlier to socialize which is a must!!!
it USED to be 9 and 12 weeks though!!
Hope that helps pinky

Hi Jasperooni - it depends on what brand of vaccine your vet uses - Kavac can be used from 6 weeks , some breeders have the first jab done before they go to their new home, some have the parvo only as a separate jab - it seems to vary from vet to vet - my dogs were vaccinated at 8 weeks and 12 weeks (but it can be done at 9 and 12) Cookie - I didn't get until he was 12 weeks so he was vaccinated 12 and 15 weeks. I would go on my vets advice , as they are supposed to be up to date with current guidelines - YOu can still socialise your pup, carrying it around in town etc, most people cannot resist a pup and come over to say hello! HTH Julie:)

The times of vac's differs depending on your breeder and your vet. The norm as far as I know is for there to be two weeks in between followed by a further week after the final jab before your puppy can safely go down on the ground. I'd follow my vet for this though as they know what vaccine they use.

It's probably wise to have a coat for your puppy especially if it's wet and cold. Don't be in too much of a hurry to get him walking out though. Young puppies need socialisation but very little exercise over what they get by playing. Too much can cause harm on their young joints etc.

hth

Pam n the boys

Thanks everyone, I think I'll check with my vet and breeder. I know Harry had parvo at 6 weeks but he won't be having the other jabs until I get him so I'll see what my vet says.

Thanks for the advice on the coat and walks Pam. I assume it'll be ok for him to run around in the garden as no other dogs have ever been in it (just my cats)?

Any tips on whether to neuter or not? And where to get a really warm coat for wee Harry?

Jasper,
try www.countrymun.com for a warm coat. Speak to Irvin & tell him Sam sent you!!!

Thanks Sam, I'll have a look at that site!

Running around the garden is fine. Neutering - don't know how it can affect a CKCS. But I would forget all about it until he has grown up both physically and mentally then see if you need to have him done. Don't let your vet push you into it saying it's better to get it done sonner rather than later. That is not conclusively proven and it will wait a year or two for def - unless he has easy access to bitches who are intact;).

You'll only need a small coat for him - but wouldn't know where to recommend. Maybe someone else will be able to help there for you.

hth

Pam n the boys

Thanks Pam for all your help. There are no female CKCS in our area, in fact I haven't seen a single CKCS in the area at all! Which is why we're travelling to Cheshire to get little Harry! GSD's & Collie's seem to be very popular where we are as we live amongst lots of farms! I only asked about neutering in case my vet asked me, but to be honest I think I'd rather not.

The honest truth is that I've been looking for a CKCS black and tan for over a year now and I'm so excited about finally finding one and getting him I think I might burst!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Just to clarify - the breed of the bitch doesn't matter - if she's in season and your boy can get to her - he'll try to mate her, do his best to succeed and then unwanted puppies are likely.

I'm so glad you are looking forward to your puppy -it is such an exciting time - but seems to take forever:D

Oooh Pam you're right. I completely discounted the fact that he could try to mount any bitch! I'll have to keep a good eye on the little rascal! Luckily he won't be able to get out of our garden (hopefully!).

I first met Harry when he chose me at 3 weeks old ( he licked my chin when I picked him up and that was enough for me!) and it does seem to have taken an absolute age for him to get old enough for me to bring him home! Only two and a bit weeks to go now though!