Essential Needs for Your Dog

Every dog needs basic home care like we do. Here are some important things that every dog needs.

Food & Water

Your new family member has nutritional needs, so make sure you provide the recommended amount of a good quality dog food. Most dog food companies provide this information on the side of the bags. If you are uncertain, call your vet. Besides food, your new dog also needs a lot of water to prevent dehydration, especially in the summer months. Clean your dogs water bowl every day and fill with fresh water as needed.

Exercise

All animals need exercise. This is to insure that your dog builds strong healthy muscles and doesn't get overweight. A daily walk of 45 minutes to one hour is a good walk that will be of benefit, not only to your dog, but to you too. If your pet doesn't feel like walking, or if you have an older dog that just can't do the walk, then just play fetch around your yard. As long as movement is involved, your pet will benefit from it.

Behavior

It's really important that you teach your dog what is right and what is wrong. If you have a puppy make sure he or she learns that while still young. In order for good behavioural training to be effective, you should use a reward system. Award your pet with a treat if he or she does something right and give a firm no when they do something wrong. Striking your pet will instil fear and behavioural training will become more difficult.

If you want your pet to share your furniture with you, fine, just remember that pets on the furniture mean fur and fur mean vacuuming. Never let your pets on the furniture if you aren't willing to spend time vacuuming up all the fur. If you decide you would rather not have your dog on the sofa then a firm down accompanied by a gentle push off the couch will eventually give your dog the right idea. Remember that consistency is the most important part of training.

House training a New Puppy

Puppies are notorious piddlers. For every cup that goes in a gallon comes out. Usually on your rug. Whether you paper train or outdoor train is up to you. If you want to paper train, the best method is a thick pad of paper on a linoleum floor somewhere near the door if possible. Right after each meal and each drink, place the puppy on the paper. Then y ou play the waiting game. Each time the little fellow goes to the paper, praise him profusely and offer a small treat. When you see him piddling on your carpet, say no in a firm voice and gently place him on the paper. Once again, consistency is very important with housetraining. Since puppies have very little control over their bladder until they are 3 months old, housetraining can be a long and sometimes frustrating process. Outdoor training is a bit easier. Every hour on the hour take the puppy outside. Puppies like the great outdoors and will usually sniff and piddle or poo in a very short time. Once again reward your puppy with a good boy and a small treat. Consistency is the secret here too.

At night

Personally, I believe that puppies are far better off crated at night. A last romp with the family about 11 pm, a trip outdoors and then into the crate. Offer the puppy a toy and a blanket, turn off the lights and head to bed. Puppies will usually only cry for three or four nights and some don't seem to mind their crate at all. Up at 6 and outside again and puppy will be night trained in no time.

If you are not crating your puppy then corralling him in a box or a blocked off area of the house is okay too. Line his sleeping area with paper and offer him a toy and a blanket, lights out and with any luck, he'll go to sleep. The best way to handle a whining puppy is to ignore him. Once he associates whining with you coming to the rescue, you will never get any sleep again.

Grooming

Grooming is really important to your dogs' health and your pet will appreciate the extra time that you spend with him. Most dogs don't really need a bath very often but if you live in the country then there are times when a bath is essential. When giving your dog a bath, use a mild shampoo and gently place a cotton ball in their ears to keep the water out. Make sure you rinse very well and dry the dog after the bath. Some pets actually like the blow dryer and in the winter this is a nice warming thought. After your pet's bath, always comb or brush your pet to prevent matting and knots. Long haired dogs can suffer greatly from mats that will pull and twist at their skin if not taken care of immediately. After the bath is also a good time to clip your dogs nails. Keeping the nails short will ensure against ingrown toenails which can be very painful and require a trip to the vet. Use a good quality clipper with a nail guard so you don't clip too much off. Clippers are available at any pet supply house.

Daily grooming is a good habit to get into even if it is only a 10 minute brushing after supper. By grooming your dog on a daily basis you will also be able to notice any changes in your dogs body that shouldn't be occurring.

In Conclusion:

Owning a dog is like having a child. They require regular meals, grooming and attention. With love and care your pet will become a cherished member of your family for many, many years to come.