There is nothing more fun and rewarding in life than bringing a dog into your family. Your dog will give your family years of love and loyalty – as long as you provide him with food, shelter, responsible care and love in return.
With these 10 essential care tips safely tucked under your belt, you’ll be ready to give your dog the best life he can ask for.
1. Give your dog an identification tag. Every pet should wear a collar with an identification tag with your name, phone number and address. It’s a fact of life that dogs can sometimes get out of the house or yard and may need some help getting home. If your dog has some sort of identification, it will greatly increase the chances of his safe return to you.
2. Talk to your veterinarian or local animal shelter about the rules and regulations governing pet ownership in your area. Learn about the types of licenses and vaccines needed to make your pet legal and know the latest health necessities.
3. Whenever you take your dog outside his house or yard, be sure to keep him on a leash. No matter how well trained your pet is, you can’t guarantee control of your dog in every situation. Some breeds, like the Siberian Husky, were bred to run and will do so at the first opportunity. Keeping your dog on a leash is best for you, your dog and your community.
4. Dogs are social animals that like to be with their families, which is why it’s important that your dog stays indoors with you. While fenced-in yards and dog houses are good ideas for your pet, they are not a substitute for people’s company. Give your dog a comfortable outdoor space, but don’t leave him alone outside for too long.
5. Just as people need regular checkups to stay healthy, your dog needs to go to the vet once a year for a thorough checkup. If you don’t already have a veterinarian, there are many resources to help you find a good one, including local animal shelters, or friends with dogs. Maintaining a normal relationship with your veterinarian is key to keeping your pet healthy.
By having your pet spayed or neutered, you are doing more than just helping to control animal overpopulation. Dogs that are “fixed” tend to live longer, be healthier, and have fewer behavioral problems like biting. Spaying or neutering your pet should be your first step on the road to responsible pet ownership.
7. A responsible dog owner will make sure his pet has a nutritious diet every day. Your veterinarian can recommend a food for your dog and advise you on the proper portion size. Your dog also needs to have fresh water readily available 24-7.
8. You wouldn’t think of not training a child to behave appropriately, and your dog needs the same care from you. One of the best ways to learn how to train your dog in a positive way is through a training class. Not only will you learn how to properly control your pet, but you and your dog can enjoy the experience of closeness and the opportunity to socialize with other dogs and their owners.
9, Your dog needs to stay fit in order to stay healthy, and it will depend on you to see that he gets enough exercise. Finding enough time to play with your dog, along with a walk or two a day, should get your dog companion to the level of physical activity he needs. If you have questions about how much exercise your dog needs, you can talk to your veterinarian about what is right for him.
10. You can bet your dog will give you enough love and loyalty, and that’s exactly what he wants from you in return. It’s important to show patience when you’re working with your dog. If he exhibits some behavior that you can’t control, you can contact your veterinarian or animal shelter for more advice and guidance.
A dog can be a great addition to your family. With proper care, he will be a welcome member of your family for many happy, healthy years.
Source: Adapted from American Humanist Association
