Archive for dog care

Many owners will tell you that owning a pup is just like having a child; they get into mischief, they always want to play (putting their favorite ball or toy in your lap when you’re trying to work), and even try to eat dessert before dinner time, which ruins their appetite.

However, there are a few things your pup can’t do on their own, such as brushing their teeth before going to bed. And while the regular chew bone will help keep some issues at bay, it’s essential that every dog owner understand the importance of oral hygiene.

Your pup’s mouth

Jaws can sometimes be an intimidating sight for the new pup owner. Raising your pup to be okay with you handling their mouth is important and needs to be started as soon as possible. Of course, with that big, pink bologna tongue hanging out in there, things won’t seem so intimidating after all.

Like humans, dogs also have two sets of teeth in their lives, one set as a puppy and the other that grows when they reach four to six months. After their adult teeth come up, dogs won’t grow any more teeth and since there aren’t any canine dentures, it’s important that you help them take care of the ones they have.

There are four different types of dog jaw alignments, some of which can be more vulnerable to tooth problems. Be sure to consult with your veterinarian and discuss how often and what oral hygiene issues you may need to specifically look out for with your furry friend.

My, what big, dirty teeth you have!

Most dog mouths don’t have problems with cavities, but over time small problems can turn into serious issues, such as gum infections.

Tarter is one concern, and is especially visible to the naked eye. It doesn’t take much to spot tarter buildup, specifically around the molars when that rascal of yours takes to smiling.

Tarter buildup comes from calcium salts and hard water type deposits that accumulate on the teeth when eating and drinking (distilled water is ideal). Over time, buildup of tarter can lead to gum infection and eventual tooth loss, which is why it’s important to make sure your pup brushes their teeth regularly.

For those pups with a sweeter diet, such as treats that happen to “slide” off your plate on occasion, tarter may not be the only problem. Softer foods (often including sugary goodies) also tend to get stuck in the gum line, thus causing gum decay and recession of the gum, leaving your pup’s teeth even more vulnerable.

Brushing their teeth

Bones and chewable treats that are tough will allow them to remove the tarter buildup and debris from their teeth and gums. If you’ve noticed, some pups enjoy chewing on sticks as well. It’s not ideal, but it is an instinctive way that helps clean their teeth naturally.

In addition to chewable and dental treats, a good tooth brushing should be done every two to three weeks depending on your dog’s jaw type and diet (soft foods may require a tighter schedule).

But getting in your pup’s mouth and successfully brushing is a challenge on its own. Few pups are going to want to sit still for such an exercise, especially if they think it’s potentially a game they’ll incorporate a few evasive techniques (rushing in and out of the room or teasing).

Rather than jumping right into the brushing and scrubbing, you’ll need to get your pup used to you putting your fingers in their mouth. That’s going to be the hardest part, especially since dogs seldom put anything in their mouth they don’t chew on or eat.

Start by working their lips to allow you to see their gums and teeth. Don’t be fooled by that big pink tongue, as some will use it to try and block your view or even to try to intercept your finger or brush. At first, it’s likely they’re going to push your fingers out with their tongue and may try to chew a little. Remove your hand when they do. You want the situation to be as soothing as possible, so you don’t want to scare or intimidate them into fearing when it comes to getting their teeth brushed.

Getting your pup used to you handling their mouth is essential. If they don’t get used to you at least looking at their mouth (few will enjoy this), it’s going to be ten times harder to get in there and brush when it’s most important.

After they’ve successfully examined their teeth, offer them a treat (preferably something dental in nature) to reward them for good behavior. This will positively reinforce the situation, making it easier to inspect and brush their teeth in the future.

As your pup’s faithful friend and guardian, it’s your duty to make sure they enjoy a happy and healthy life. And everyone knows that happiness starts with a smile.

This has been a much debated question for years. Some say that dogs have no memories (playing catch with their pal) while some say that their pup does remember their past, and even dreams it sometimes.

As research on the subject raises awareness, it can be claimed that dogs do indeed have long-term memory. Like humans though, they don’t remember everything. This is because every dog is different. It’s like asking someone else to remember that time when you were out on the playground and so and so pushed you on the swing set. That experience may have impacted your life in some way that your brain felt necessary to keep stored away.

In most basic situations, dogs have to remember certain things. Say your pup happens to get a hold of some nasty weeds in the back yard and munches them down thinking they’re good. As a consequence, their belly is upset and they learn from the situation. Next time they see that particular weed (or smell it) they’ll avoid it. Why? Because they remember that it isn’t good for eating. It is a memory, even if it’s vague, that this particular plant is not yummy for their tummy.

Memories learned

This is perhaps what leads us to “educate” our four-legged friends. If they can’t remember what you’ve taught them, including the feeling of the experience, we might as well teach our pups the same old tricks every day when they wake up, which isn’t the case.

Consider this situation: Your pup knows they’re not supposed to loot the trash can for snacks. They don’t do it while you’re there, or at least while you’re not looking. The funny thing is when you do get back home and discover what they’ve done, what is your pup’s first instinct? Most likely, they’ll already be asking you to forgive them. They may whine all kinds of excuses, including it was just too good to be thrown away and I thought you said it was okay, but they remember that they’re not supposed to dig in the trash.

Remembering their way around

When it comes down to scientific studies, it has actually been proven that animals also have what is known as spatial memory. This is the reason why rats can run mazes, and why your pup will be a little aggravated when you move the furniture around (Hey, that table isn’t supposed to be there!). It’s because they possess the memory of what the world around them is supposed to look like, such as visiting a friend’s house and knowing exactly where everything is.

Of course, this same scenario can be very stimulating for a dog, like playing a game of hiding treats in new places. Such small changes are creative ways to help exercise their mind as they check all the places you might commonly hide treats – past history locations – and eventually they learn a new place that they’ll store away in their memory.

Past memories

In more advanced scenarios, especially when adopting a pup, some owners wonder if their new friend remembers their previous home or companions. Do they have memories of the past, like playing with an old friend, whether canine, feline, or human? This is far more difficult to prove as a fact, since dogs can only communicate (bark) so much.

Since it is often the feeling, positive or negative, that the dog associates with past scenarios, it makes it difficult to understand whether they are actually recalling a memory (visualizing the scene in their head) or simply the outcome of the situation and how it made them feel.

Take, for instance, dog-on-dog-aggression. This is a growing issue with many pups, especially if they find themselves at the center of an attack early in life. They may never see the dog that attacked or scared them again, but they will often associate the feelings of fear or intimidation with any other dog that physically appears or acts in the same manner.

What about dreams? Dogs do on occasion dream. Whether their paws are pattering the air or they are just woofing out a friendly hello to their pals, it is conceivable that their memories do influence what they dream about. Perhaps they remember chasing a ball through the park and catching a whiff of some strange new friend-candidate who just arrived and is ready to play too. Dreams have to come from somewhere, and what better source to tap than a great day with their best friends.

So comes the ultimate question: Does a dog have memories of its human companions, both present and past? In this case, it is likely that a dog will always remember those that they love and care about forever. After all, being with you is what they’ve been thinking about all day while you were away.

Puppies are adorable and lovable when you first bring them into your home. They listen, study, and follow you wherever you go. They listen to your instructions and often pick up on training surprisingly well. Then things change. That young pup you brought home suddenly decides they are going to do what they want.

Basically, your pup has become a teenager. This normally happens when a pup reaches their six month old mark, and will carry on until around eighteen months to two years, depending on breed. Unbeknownst to many owners, this is a naturally rebellious period in their lifetime, but is commonly misdiagnosed as a behavioral problem, such as tearing things up and not listening to you (sound familiar?).

Attitude adjustment

What every owner needs to know (especially if it’s your first time raising a puppy) is that this isn’t just a phase they’re going through. Sure, they will eventually outgrow it, but what they learn during that time period will affect their behavior for the rest of their doggy lives.

During this time of your dog’s life, they will test you – and all others in their family, at every turn. Everything they will do is a test of your authority. If they feel they can get away with doing something like nibbling or ignoring, it will be a habit almost impossible to break later on in life.

Be persistent in your training

One effective strategy you can do with a rebel pup is not to let them have their way. They will test your boundaries, such as grab a snack from unsuspecting hands or go over to the neighbor’s yard when they know they’re not supposed to. They’ll even test you when you’re not present, like open up the cabinets and looking for their treats while you’re at work.

This brings us to consistency. If you enforce your training or commands only some of the time, then your pup will begin to realize they only need to listen some of the time. For their safety and that of others, it’s essential that they listen to you every time.

Take for instance, the simple act of calling them over to you. Your pup looks up but they don’t come. In fact, they decide to go right back to playing with their fluffy octopus toy. In this situation, it’s easy to simply let it slide because they’re obviously enjoying some time to themselves. But during their rebellious age, that simple act can assure them that they only have to listen to you when they think it’s favorable for them.

Being stubborn 

This dog characteristic could basically be summed up as stubbornness. To deal with this means that you have to be more stubborn than they are.

Now this doesn’t mean you have to drag them around or play rough when they aren’t listening. It means that you have to display that you are the one with the authority. Rather than letting your pup play and ignore you when you’re calling them to come inside, it’s time to go get them and bring them inside.

To help increase their reactivity to you and your authority, obedience commands should be regularly practiced, even if it’s only for ten or fifteen minutes a day. Have them put the ball down because it’s not play-time – it’s time to listen. By doing this simple act, you let them know when it’s time to listen and when they are allowed to play and do what dogs do naturally – play.

Patience is a puppy parent’s virtue

Many owners get irritated during this time in a pup’s life. Perhaps it’s because they don’t know what’s going on or simply mistake it for behavior issues. It is a behavior situation, but it’s nothing you can’t work through, as many pet parents will tell you.

So never be discouraged that your pup doesn’t listen to you. They are listening, but they’re just testing you by rebelling a little. You have to be patient during this process. Indeed it can be extremely frustrating to deal with a “teenage” pup, but that is a part of being a pet-parent.

A well-trained companion is something that has to be worked at. Time must be invested, and patience must be practiced. But as long as you understand what it is that your dog is going through, and you have an idea of what they are thinking (go back to your own adolescent years), you can rest assured that your pup will grow into a well-mannered, highly trained, and extremely happy life-long companion.

One of the most annoying problems a dog faces is the very tiny and dangerous tick. These nasty parasites love to feast on our healthy pups, and are renowned for infesting both humans and dogs alike. Although they may be tiny in size, they present a great danger to your dog’s health and comfort.

Aside from the natural annoyance and forcing your dog to scratch that one spot incessantly, ticks are dangerous mostly because they’re a host for bacteria and diseases, which are easily transferable to your dog. Such diseases include Lyme disease, Ehrlichiosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Anaplasmosis, and Babesiosis.

Finding ticks

As your dog’s protector and companion, you need to be able to locate these nasty critters before they start causing harm. There are certain locations to beware of, such as tall grass and dog parks. After a visit to such locations you should always do a careful inspection of your dog’s body.

Keep in mind that ticks love to attach themselves to warm areas where blood is easily accessible. They are often found in skin folds which make perfect hiding places. Other, far more visible areas are behind and in the ears, and on their belly, often close to the groin.

What you’ll need to do is run your hands along their body (with and against the fur), searching for any lumps on the skin. In more sensitive areas, especially with long-haired dogs, you’ll need to part the hair to inspect closely.

Getting rid of ticks

When you do find a tick, you’re going to need to remove it as safely as possible. Don’t just pull it off with your fingers or try methods like the hot match, nail polish, or alcohol, since these can injure your dog. First of all, you’ll want to wear latex gloves, since the tick can turn and latch onto your skin after you remove it. Plus, it’s far more sanitary.

It is preferable to use tweezers, but your fingers will work as well. Just make sure you do not squeeze the tick, since it would inject bacteria and any diseases directly into the area, causing unnecessary infections. Then, slowly pull the tick directly away from the site. They will sometimes tug a small portion of your dog’s skin away with it, but is no cause for alarm. If the head doesn’t release, you can use tweezers to remove it, but it will naturally fall out without any complications. Afterwards, apply a disinfected cloth to the area to stop bleeding and then clean the area with water and a little soap.

It’s generally a good idea to keep the tick’s body in a sealed container in case any signs of ailment do affect your dog, especially if you live in an area renowned for tick infestation. Your vet can use the tick to more accurately diagnose your dog’s condition to ensure the swiftest and best treatment possible. Watch the spot for several days after, to see if there’s any sign of infection or other issues.

Prevention is the best solution

As with most medical situations, prevention is the key to keeping your dog safe and healthy. The best thing you can do is keep your yard clean (doggy droppings hanging around are breeding grounds for fleas and ticks) and regularly mow your lawn. The harder you make it for the ticks to get to your dog, the safer your pup will be.

It’s also a good idea to wash your dog regularly with a tick and flea shampoo. Tick and flea collars are recommended, just be sure that the manufacturer is trustworthy, and the same goes for topical repellants, which don’t always have the best results. There are numerous brands out there, but not all of them are healthy solutions for your dog.

Some natural remedies are often appreciated, though it’s always best to consult with your veterinarian to make sure your dog won’t have allergic reactions to them. While some remedies, such as lemon juice and water are the common ones, one healthy remedy is Brewer’s yeast. It naturally detours ticks from latching on for a snack, and is great for your dog’s skin and coat health. It even works for humans too.

Ticks can hop a ride on your dog in some of the most unexpected places. You might be visiting some friends, or even walking along in the park. Just be sure that you regularly check your dog for ticks and other parasites, and take precautions that will detour those nasty parasites from ruining your dog’s health.

Have you ever noticed your dog roughhousing with others? Do they growl and yip when you play tug-o-war? What about other dogs? Perhaps they’re a little verbal when they can’t catch up with their new friends? Or they go at it with other dogs, rolling and wrestling with them at every opportunity.

The fact is that some dogs are naturally more verbal and play a little rougher than the rest. But, on the other hand, there are dogs that are shy about their play habits, which do raise a little concern for dog owners.

Dog roughhousing 

Basically, your dog is just out to have fun. In most cases, they’re just playing, like players do in physically intensive games. They shout and play rough too. Dogs are naturally the same way and enjoy a good time. Even when playing with your dog, you might hear a little growling and grunting, especially when they bring you their ball and want to play keep away instead of fetch, growling when you try to take it away. Your dog is simply excited, and in most cases will settle right down upon command.

When should it concern you?

However, there are still dangers to this situation. Because not all dogs like to play rough, you and your roughhousing companion will eventually encounter others that don’t like the way your pup plays. When dogs start yelping, it doesn’t necessarily mean they’re hurt, but it does mean they don’t like the way your dog is playing. There are even owners that won’t want their dog to partake in the activities, which is something you should consider out of respect.

As a result, not every dog is going to want to play with yours, even if your dog wants to play with them. And there’s no reason to put yours or anyone else’s dog in that type of situation. Unfortunately, this often means you’ll have to work out safe visits to the dog park or other open play areas, where other dogs will get along with their play styles.

But, the real problem with this is that other dogs may have aggression issues. You can’t presume to know the intentions of every dog, and it can be difficult to stop aggression once it begins. And in the case of a roughhousing dog, a playful “gruff” may result in a responsive aggressive attack by another dog, which is never a good thing.

Take precautions

Initially, the best precaution is quality training. It’s understandable that in a play-situation such as a dog park with countless distractions, it can be difficult to maintain verbal control over your dog. However, it’s something you should consistently work towards. If your dog is of the roughhousing nature, introduce them into the crowd while still on their leash. At this time, it’s good to practice simple commands, such as sit and stay before they can be allowed off their leash. This helps give you control of the situation, especially if there are other dogs at the area that don’t want to play as rough as yours.

You’ll be able to spot them out and help navigate your dog away from them; instead of seeking a compatible friend they can play with.

While in a play arena, especially a dog park, always keep an eye on your dog and watch for other dogs approaching your spot. Does your dog know them? Are they familiar? New dogs introduced into the crowd may not enjoy your dog’s roughhousing, so be aware of any new pups.

It’s also recommended that you keep a chest harness on your dog, which allows you to get them out of sticky situations in a hurry without having to struggle to get their collar. The harness will give you a good hold on your dog without injuring them (the choking action while pulling on a collar) and it’s much easier to pick them up, depending on how small they are and how much weight you can lift.

All dogs like to play to some degree, but not all of them want to play rough with others. With a few precautions and proper handling, both you and your dog can find the right friends to play with on a level that’s enjoyable and safe for them.

By Mike Hickmon

If you have a new puppy or perhaps an older dog, you will know just how difficult it can be to keep their toilet habits in check. This is why it is important to implement dog housebreaking into your home; your dog should have a proper place to go to the toilet. If you have an older dog that is perhaps having accidents around the house, then this is easy to solve.

One way you can solve the problem with dog housebreaking is to place incontinence pants onto your dog. This might sound like a silly idea, but if you have an old dog then sometimes they may dribble around the house without you knowing about it. This can be smelly and a pain to clean up all the time, so by popping a pair of these pants onto your dog while they are relaxing in the house, both you and your pet can relax. Just make sure you remove the pants before you take the dog for a walk!

Another way to implement dog housebreaking when it comes to older dogs is to invest in a training mat which you might use for puppies. This will act as a kind of over large litter tray for your old friend. This way your dog will have somewhere suitable to do his business, without having to leave the house and make you angry by peeing on the carpet.

All you have to do is to introduce your dog slowly to the mat and use plenty of praise and encouragement. If you see your dog using the training mat, then make sure you treat him with a biscuit and tell him what a good boy he is. This will make him want to use the mat again and again.

Dog housebreaking can be a tricky business when it comes to older dogs, but there is advice out there which you can get. This advice can come from your vet who will be able to tell you some good methods to housebreak your dog again, your local pet store might also be able to help you and the internet is a great place to get advice on dog housebreaking. You can even purchase for a few dollars, downloadable information guides on potty training puppies and older dogs and this kind of guide is invaluable if you want to successfully train your dog.

If you would like more details on dog housebreaking, then please go to Doggy-Whisperer.com. This site covers everything having to do with puppy potty training, with more articles, tips, and testimonials for all your dog housebreaking needs.

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When training your puppy, it’s important to give your pup a sense of security and direction. Setting aside a specific area for your dog to do his business will not only make potty training easier, but also faster than if you had tried to use multiple potty places.

To set aside an appropriate place for elimination, take a look at your home. Do you have enough space to accommodate your puppy indoors and outdoors? What areas can you use according to your neighborhood guidelines? Do you have a yard that’s fenced in or is safe for your puppy to use? All of these questions are things you must ask yourself when potty training your pup.

For indoor security during colder months or for spaces that lack porches, consider paper training as a safe bet. Set aside a specific area in your home with newspaper and instruct your dog to do his business. If you happen to have a bit more space or if you have porch access, you can always try the Porch Potty as an option. This compact potty training area is easy, convenient and perfect for your puppy.

Keeping up with your pet supplies can be just another thing you don’t want to have to remember. After a long day at work and going to the store, the last thing you want to do is have to go “to the store” again. Consider home delivery of your pet supplies!

Here’s why dog owners should not make their dogs wait.

Everyone has to go potty. But not every potty area is convenient, especially for a dog. Most owners have to take their dog outside to potty, whether it’s out in the yard or out for walks. Regardless of where, the question is always – when?

The body naturally wants to eliminate waste. But what happens when we don’t let it? What happens when we don’t permit our dog to regularly take care of their physical necessities? Not only is it harmful, but it’s just plain mean not to let your dog potty when they need to. Consider if you had to hold in your bowel movements for a long time. Wouldn’t you feel uncomfortable? Perhaps even in pain?

Every good dog owner understands the importance of letting their dog take care of nature’s call, but it’s just as important to understand why.

Age and size matters

Not all dog’s bodies are designed the same, and every dog has different habits. As for puppies, they should not be forced to hold their potty for any longer than two hours. It goes up an hour after their first birthday. For the most part, three hours is a good schedule of elimination for the average adult dog and eight hours is the maximum hold time. Senior dogs tend to have less bladder control as well, so be sure you address their timely needs.

Do keep in mind that if you have to go, it’s likely your dog has to go too. This is one of the best ways to gauge potty time for your dog because it acts as a regular reminder about what’s necessary.

Feeding and drinking schedules play a part in potty needs. If they eat, they will need to potty, usually within the hour. Dogs are creatures of habit and will regularly need, or at least want, to go out during specific times of the day.

Physics apply – namely larger dogs have a higher bladder capacity than smaller dogs. Small dogs, therefore, need to be provided potty opportunities more often.

The waiting one

As far as your dog is concerned, they show signs whenever they need to potty. Circling, pawing at the door, coming to get your attention are all signs. A dog relies on their owner to help them fulfill a happy day. Initially, a dog feels the need to urinate when their bladder is half-full. The body senses the swelling of the bladder and informs the dog that it’s ready to be relieved. A dog may start to show signs of needing to go before it is vital that they go. This is to give you adequate time to make arrangements to allow them to relieve themselves.

Remember that if they can’t eliminate in the proper area, they will do so wherever they feel most secure – such as behind furniture. This is mostly because they understand that what they’ve done isn’t according to the rules, but as far as their body is concerned, they needed to do what is only natural.

Obstruction of potty time

The important thing to know is that when a dog is forced to hold their potty for extended periods, it can cause physical damage to their body.

A dog that can’t potty will often avoid eating or drinking as well, resulting in dehydration and malnutrition. If your dog isn’t eating, it could be because they are sick, but it is often due to constipation. Rawhide bones have a tendency to build up in the intestines, causing blockages. If they can’t potty for long periods, it can result in an impacted colon, requiring laxatives or even surgery to remove and repair the damage.

The bladder is something completely different. A bladder infection, or cystitis, is an inflammation of the bladder due to bacterial or fungal infection. When your dog is forced to hold their urine for extended periods, it gives the urine time to build bacteria. Resulting infections can occur which will only cause your dog to need to potty more frequently until treated properly.

Give them an option if you can’t be there to provide the opportunity. If you spend long hours away from home, consider an indoor litter box so they can potty at their own leisure. This will help keep them from overwhelming their body or even secretly eliminating behind the couch.

Some dogs can hold it in for a long time, but that doesn’t mean that it’s okay for them to. Take care of your dog properly and make sure they stay happy and healthy.

Keeping up with your pet supplies can be just another thing you don’t want to have to remember. After a long day at work and going to the store, the last thing you want to do is have to go “to the store” again. Consider home delivery of your pet supplies!

When training your puppy, it’s important to give your pup a sense of security and direction. Setting aside a specific area for your dog to do his business will not only make potty training easier, but also faster than if you had tried to use multiple potty places.

To set aside an appropriate place for elimination, take a look at your home. Do you have enough space to accommodate your puppy indoors and outdoors? What areas can you use according to your neighborhood guidelines? Do you have a yard that’s fenced in or is safe for your puppy to use? All of these questions are things you must ask yourself when potty training your pup.

For indoor security during colder months or for spaces that lack porches, consider paper training as a safe bet. Set aside a specific area in your home with newspaper and instruct your dog to do his business. If you happen to have a bit more space or if you have porch access, you can always try the Porch Potty as an option. This compact potty training area is easy, convenient and perfect for your puppy.

Keeping up with your pet supplies can be just another thing you don’t want to have to remember. After a long day at work and going to the store, the last thing you want to do is have to go “to the store” again. Consider home delivery of your pet supplies!

Caring for a dog is much more than just feeding it daily. One of the saddest things in the world is a neglected animal – especially a doting dog. Dogs love and need bundles of attention and tender loving care. Their whole day revolves around when they can expect some love and attention from you, their owner. Basically, your dog gives you a lifetime of unconditional love, friendship, and loyalty. In return for all of his/her love and affection he/she counts on you to provide all his/her necessities such as food, water, a safe shelter, exercise, veterinary care and much more.

A good place to start when caring for your appreciative pooch is with identification tags. Outfit your pooch with a collar and ID tag that includes all your vital contact information such as your name, address, and an easily reachable telephone number. No matter how careful of an owner you are, there’s always a chance your lovely companion may become lost at some point. A collar and ID tag will greatly increases the chance that you and your pet will be happily united again.

After you have collared and ID tagged your dog, you should think about vaccination. It’s extremely important to follow local laws for licensing your dog and vaccinating him/her for rabies – not only for your pooch but for your own well being too. A great place to look for information is your local animal shelter or humane society. These agencies can give you information regarding legal requirements, and where to have your passionate pooch vaccinated.

Not only does your doggie need vaccinating, it also needs regular check-ups with a veterinarian. A dog is just like you or I, it needs regular check-ups with his/her doctor to ensure the proper health of your pet. If you do not have a veterinarian, ask your local animal shelter or your loving pet-owning friend for a referral and check out the provided information on choosing a veterinarian.

Once you have found a veterinarian both you and your dog love, then it’s important to think about spaying or neutering your dog. This always makes me think of Bob Barker and his passion for spreading the importance of spaying and neutering through word of mouth on the hit game show The Price is Right. Dogs that have this routine and minor surgery tend to live longer, be healthier, and have fewer behavioral problems such as biting, running away, and general aggression. By spaying or neutering your dog, you are also doing your part to reduce the disheartening problem of pet overpopulation.

Now that we have addressed your pets’ medical needs, you should think about proper nutrition. It is vitally important to give your pooch a balanced diet with constant and consistent access to fresh clean water. Your veterinarian can give you information about the proper type of food, and the amount that will keep your companion healthy and happy. He or she can also give you information on how often to feed your dog, because various breeds require different amounts of food.

When caring for your dog you have to think of proper shelter. A fenced yard with a doghouse is an ideal setting for your pooch. Remember that if your dog is large and active, it typically needs more space and room outside to run and play. However, dogs should never be left outside alone for extended periods of time. This all goes back to the deep down need dogs have for love and attention. Dogs truly need and crave companionship and should spend most of their time inside with the family – since they are a vital family member.

Just like you or I, your dog needs plenty of exercise and movement to stay healthy. Make sure he/she gets enough exercise to keep him/her physically fit but not exhausted. Many dog owners agree that playing a game, or with use of throw toys with their canine companion, along with twice daily walks provide sufficient exercise for your pooch. If you should have any questions or concerns with this, once again it is wise to check with your loving veterinarian for their advice on the proper amount of physical activity suited to your dog.

Many experts agree there is also a simple rule to remember when thinking of care for your dog – off property, on leash! Even if you have a valid license for your dog, an official rabies tag, and a collar and ID tag, your companion should still be on a leash. Your dog should not be allowed to roam outside of your home or fenced yard – ever. It may sound harsh but it is the best bet for you, your community, and your dog to keep control of your pet at all times. The old saying “it’s better to be safe than sorry” applies here.

Along with keeping your dog on a leash, many experts believe it is important to enroll your canine companion in a dog training class. Positive training will allow you to control your companion’s behavior safely and humanely. Not only will this bring some control to your hands, it provides a terrific opportunity to enhance the bond you share with your pooch. The humane society, as well as your veterinarian, can provide information on reputable dog trainers.

Lastly and most importantly in thinking about proper dog care is love – and lots of it! Be loyal to, loving, and patient with your faithful canine companion. Your pet needs you and loves you – that is something you must remember. Make sure the expectations you have of your dog are reasonable and healthy. Also remember if you do encounter some behavioral problem, the vast majority of them can be solved with a little time, effort and supporting love. If at any time you are struggling to meet all the things that are required to love and care for your dog, you must contact your veterinarian or local animal shelter for advice and direction. If for some reason you can’t handle the responsibility of loving and caring for your animal, someone else gladly can and will.

Christine Beals is a professional writer who provides information for dog training and German Shepherds for Savvy Cafe.

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