Do you want to know how to look after a dog?
Dogs? Who would not love them? But along with those irresistible faces and wiggly tails comes a lot of challenges that make taking care of a dog as overwhelming as it is joyful. With tons but frustrating information out there, it can be difficult for pet parents to know what advice to follow.
Where should you get your puppy? How will you get him to sleep through the night? How long does it take to toilet train your puppy? What is the difference between dog nipping and biting? How can you successfully introduce a new pup to your kids?
All these questions and many more will be answered on this site. But I want to focus on something that is just as important – explaining the how’s and the why’s. Understanding how your puppy experiences the world and why it behaves in a certain way can help you take care and raise the dog correctly.
First and foremost, aspiring pet parents need to consider some factors when deciding a dog. You need to ask yourself if the dog is right for you. Basically, dogs are joyful animals that bring fun into your household, but you must also take care of their needs. You should also be aware of the costs like food, vaccinations, veterinary expenses, and others.
At some point, you may also think of choosing a dog based on its gender. For instance, unneutered young males can be problematic when raging sex hormones occur, while females go into heat at least twice a year, which may mean extra work for you. Choosing whether purebred or mixed-breed, long/wiry/smooth/curly coats and small/medium/large size breeds are also factors to think about.
Adding a new friend to your household requires you to dog-proof your home and yard, to purchase baskets and beddings, feeding bowls, collars, leashes, and harnesses. You also need to learn a few checks to help establish the overall well-being of your dog. Introducing your dog to the children, older people, strangers, and other pets require work and attentiveness on your part.
Caring your canine companions will now discuss the types of food, providing enough water, giving suitable treats and chews, avoid harmful foods, and setting a routine to make your dog active. Establishing proper hygiene is also essential. As a pet parent, you need to know the appropriate ways of cleaning the eyes and ears, trimming the claws, bathing a dog, keeping grooming equipment, shedding, and hand stripping.
Dogs are animals that look up to a strong leader, and that should be you. It is essential that your dog understands this from the start. If you are positive and consistent with what you are doing then, you can have an obedient pet.
The ways to implement the house rules for your dog is to ensure you apply effective discipline and reward good behavior. You can also do things for your dog such as newspaper training, toilet training, quiet time in a crate, sit/walk/heel/lie down/give items, and deal with excessive barking/aggression/begging/stealing food.
Definitely, there is a time for fun and exercise you can share with your dog. There are games to play, like tennis balls, field trials, fly balls, tug-of-war, and agility training. You can also take your dog to travel by taking it for several regular short trips and sometimes boarding kennels if you need to go away.
Of course, your dog’s health matters. Although the best way to ensure your dog is in good health is to take your dog to the vet, it would be wise that you also know how to carry out regular observations on your own. You need to check each part of the dog’s body, such as the anal area, feet, eyes, ears, mouth, and skin. You also need to treat your dog for fleas, mites, and worms regularly during the warm summer months.
Lastly, beware of any signs of distress and pain of your dog. You must look for the signs of changing eating habits, pale gums, lifting a leg, excessive panting, and excessive licking. If you think you cannot handle it on your own, it’s time to call a vet.
I hope you somewhat foresee how the site can help you to raise and take care of a dog. While this site is your go-to source of information when you wonder how to tame your dog or put it to sleep, it also helps you understand how amazing your dog is. Yes, taking your dog is challenging, but these challenges are worth it once you see your bundle of energy running around and feel that love your dog gives you. This site will surely be with your every step of the way.
