Puppies are to be given a better start in life, thanks to a new initiative for dog breeders and owners.

A happy life

The Puppy Plan has been developed by dog behaviourist Carolyn Menteith, in conjunction with The Kennel Club and Dogs Trust, to prevent behavioural problems in later life.

It is a step-by-step socialisation plan that starts at the puppy's birth with the breeder, who will then pass on the progress to the new owner in the form of diary entries, photos or videos.

“Many breeders and owners understand the importance of socialisation, but there is not as much advice or support for either party which covers the puppy from birth through those important early weeks,” says Caroline Kisko, Communications Director for the Kennel Club. “The Puppy Plan will deliver a comprehensive programme that ensures the breeder and new owner have all the support possible to prepare puppies for a long, happy, healthy life.”

Hard to train

The Puppy Plan will be run as a pilot scheme at first with the Kennel Club Assured Breeders. It will then be rolled out across the Dogs Trust centres who will incorporate the scheme into the basic training, which they already provide for puppies born on site as well as to those that are brought in for rehoming.

According to Claire Baldwin, Dogs Trust Chief Executive, many of the dogs which they receive have been difficult to train due to being under-socialised as young dogs. "It is hoped the trial is a success and in time can be implemented to anyone and everyone who breeds or is involved in dogs," she says. "It will be very interesting to see the results of this in our rehoming centres as the Puppy Plan becomes more widely used.”