Headstart programme

The Blue Cross encourages the development of friendly, well-adjusted cats and dogs by promoting early socialisation techniques.

Socialisation is fun
Socialisation is easy, good fun and prevents all of the common behaviour problems seen in cats and dogs. Poor socialisation is the biggest contributor towards behaviour problems, particularly nervousness and aggression with children, strangers and other animals.

A range of leaflets, audiotapes and CDs, known as Headstart, have been designed by The Blue Cross animal behaviourists to help both owners and breeders achieve this:

Headstart for kittens:
- Socialising your kitten leaflet (cost £0.75)
- Socialising a litter booklet (cost £1)
- Weekly Socialisation Chart: Wipe off chart to help you plan and regulate a kitten’s social programme, ensuring all vital areas are covered (cost £2)
- Sounds Familiar: Audiotape or CD containing all the sounds a kitten needs to hear to cope in the modern world (cost £4 each for tape or CD format)

Headstart for puppies:
- Socialising your puppy leaflet (cost £0.75)
- Socialising a litter booklet (cost £1)
- Weekly Socialisation Chart: Wipe off chart to help you plan and regulate a puppy’s social programme, ensuring all vital areas are covered (cost £2)
- Sounds Familiar: Audiotape or CD containing all the sounds a puppy needs to hear to cope in the modern world (cost £4 each for tape or CD format)

For more information, or to request an order form, please write to: The Blue Cross, Headstart Programme, Shilton Road, Burford, Oxon OX18 4PF, or call 01993 825500.

DVD guides on introducing your pet to the family
If you have a new cat or dog in the family, or know someone who does, we have produced a range of DVDs to help. The Blue Cross: A new dog in the family and A new cat in the family are informative and entertaining DVDs, packed with practical advice on how to settle in a newcomer to the family.

To buy a copy, send a cheque for £3 per DVD, payable to 'The Blue Cross', to: The Blue Cross, Shilton Road, Burford, Oxon OX18 4PF.
Mark your envelope 'A New Dog' or 'A New Cat'.