Many canine behaviour problems could have easily been prevented through correct socialisation in the first 16 weeks, according to Dogs Trust.

The foundation has a puppy plan that leaves little room for guesswork for anyone raising a litter of puppies.

The 16-week socialisation and habituation plan follows the puppies’ natural physical and emotional development, exposing them to audio, visual, physical and social stimuli in a comprehensive, step-by-step and formalised way.

It helps get rid of behaviour problems such as aggression, noise phobias, separation anxieties, over-reactivity and learning problems.

The biggest cause of death in dogs under two is euthanasia due to behavioural problems.

After holding a series of seminars in October and February, when breeders and canine carers were invited to learn about the puppy plan, Dogs Trust and the SPCA are offering those who buy or adopt a puppy from responsible sources that have implemented the puppy socialisation plan a one-year free pet insurance from All Care Insurance Ltd.

The puppy plan, along with new regulations on the breeding and sale of dogs, would bring a revolutionary change in breeding, selling and adoption practices of puppies in Malta, Dogs Trust said.

For new owners to be able to get their one-year free insurance, proof of the puppy plan needs to be presented to Dogs Trust in the form of a journal, pictures and videos of the daily tasks in the puppy’s first eight weeks of life.

People are encouraged to register their interest by contacting Dogs Trust before confirming the adoption or purchase of the puppy in order to avail themselves of the offer.

The charity can be contacted on 2142 1500 or via e-mail on office@dogstrustmalta.com.

More information is obtainable from www.dogtrainingmadeeasy.org/the-puppy-plan.