In some fascinating news recently, I heard that Germany is planning to implement some new laws aimed at protecting dogs and improving dog welfare.
Under the planned rules, dog owners may have to take their dogs for walks twice a day for a minimum of one hour in total. Part of the planned new legislation could also be a ban on keeping dogs chained for long periods and not being allowed to leave dogs alone the whole day.
Rules are also being devised to crack down on puppy farms by banning breeders from looking after more than three litters at any one time and, even more importantly, puppies will have to spend a minimum of four hours a day in human company to ensure they get socialised.
There could also be a ban on showing dogs which have had their ears or tail docked in contravention of animal protection rules.
Dogs whose behaviour is not “species appropriate” could also be banned from dog shows.
A draft of the new regulations has been drawn up and could become law early next year.
There have already been many questions about this proposal, not least how can it be enforced? I can’t imagine police knocking on doors to check if you’ve taken your dog for a walk, and for how long – clearly there needs to be far more detail about this.
It is impossible to create a law that covers every eventuality and there would have to be substantial exclusions, such as not walking flat faced breeds in hot weather, limiting exercise for dogs post-surgery, or for older dogs, or dogs with medical problems, and not giving young puppies too much exercise so you protect their growing skeletons.
But the intent is excellent and I applaud Germany for trying to improve dog’s lives and improve their welfare.
Most owners care passionately about doing the right things for their dog and I’m sure you would find such a law no hardship, Kate P, as you already take your dog out for regular walks and never leave them chained up, or alone for too long.
The most exciting part for me are the rules around breeding and particularly, if it can be enforced, making sure all puppies have at least four hours in human company each day. Helping puppies to interact with humans from the start is the most important part of socialisation.
Breeders have a significant role to play in socialisation as the puppies stay with them for at least half the key socialisation period. Which is why it’s so important only to buy from reputable, caring breeders.
If that early socialisation is lacking or missing entirely, you, as the new owner, have to do a load of work to help your puppy catch up – and the clock is ticking.
Keep training and keep safe,
Carol