There are few things in life that are more fun and rewarding than bringing a dog into your family. Your dog will offer 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 basic care tips tucked safely under your belt, you will be prepared to offer your pooch the best life he could ask for.
1. Give your dog an identification tag. Every pet should always wear a collar that sports an identification tag with your name, telephone number and address. It is a fact of life that dogs can sometimes get out of their houses or yards, and may need a little help getting back home. If your dog’s got some sort of identification, it will greatly increase the chances that he will be returned safely to you.
2. Talk to your veterinarian or local animal shelter about the rules and regulations governing pet ownership in your area. Know the type of licensing and vaccinations that are required to keep your pet legal and up to date on health essentials.
3. Whenever you take your dog outside the confines of his house or yard, make sure that he is on a leash. No matter how well-trained your pet might be, you cannot guarantee that you will be able to control your dog under all circumstances. Some breeds, like Siberian Huskies, are 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 creatures that like to be with their families, which is why it is important for your dog to spend time indoors with you. While a fenced yard and dog house are both good ideas for your pet, they cannot replace the companionship of people. Give your dog a pleasant outdoor space, but don’t leave him out there alone for long periods of time.
5. Just as people need regular checkups to stay healthy; your dog needs an annual visit to the veterinarian for a thorough examination. If you don’t have a veterinarian yet, there are plenty of resources that can help you find a good one, including the local animal shelter, or a friend who has dogs. A regular relationship with a vet is a key to maintaining your pet’s good health.
6. By spaying or neutering your pet, you are doing much more than just helping to control animal overpopulation. Dogs that are “fixed” tend to live longer and healthier lives, and have fewer behavioral problems like biting. Spaying or neutering pets should be one of your first steps on the road to responsible pet ownership.
7. A conscientious dog owner will make sure that his pet has a nutritious diet every day. Your veterinarian can recommend a food for your dog, and advise you on appropriate portions. Your dog also needs to have fresh water readily available 24-7.
8. You wouldn’t think to refrain from training a child in appropriate behavior, and your dog needs the same loving care from you. One of the best ways to learn how to train your dog using positive methods is through a training class. Not only will you learn how to properly control your pet, but you and your dog can enjoy the bonding experience as well as the opportunity to socialize with other dogs and their owners.
9. Your dog needs to stay physically fit to stay healthy, and it will be up to you to see that he gets sufficient exercise. Finding plenty of time to play with your dog, combined with a daily walk or two, should give your canine companion the level of physical activity that he needs. If you are in doubt about how much exercise is enough for your dog, you can talk to your veterinarian about what is appropriate for him.
10. You can bet that your dog is going to offer you plenty of love and loyalty, and this is primarily what he will want from you in return. It is important that you show patience when working with your dog. If he is exhibiting some behaviors that you are having trouble controlling, you can contact your veterinarian or animal shelter for additional advice and guidance.
A dog can be a wonderful addition to your family. With the proper care, he will be a welcome member of your clan for many happy, healthy years.
Read more at https://dogtime.com/puppies/8904-top-10-dog-care-tips-wahl#tjrUXxbAsmEwgRFy.99
There are few things in life that are more fun and rewarding than bringing a dog into your family. Your dog will offer 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 basic care tips tucked safely under your belt, you will be prepared to offer your pooch the best life he could ask for.
1. Give your dog an identification tag. Every pet should always wear a collar that sports an identification tag with your name, telephone number and address. It is a fact of life that dogs can sometimes get out of their houses or yards, and may need a little help getting back home. If your dog’s got some sort of identification, it will greatly increase the chances that he will be returned safely to you.
2. Talk to your veterinarian or local animal shelter about the rules and regulations governing pet ownership in your area. Know the type of licensing and vaccinations that are required to keep your pet legal and up to date on health essentials.
3. Whenever you take your dog outside the confines of his house or yard, make sure that he is on a leash. No matter how well-trained your pet might be, you cannot guarantee that you will be able to control your dog under all circumstances. Some breeds, like Siberian Huskies, are 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 creatures that like to be with their families, which is why it is important for your dog to spend time indoors with you. While a fenced yard and dog house are both good ideas for your pet, they cannot replace the companionship of people. Give your dog a pleasant outdoor space, but don’t leave him out there alone for long periods of time.
5. Just as people need regular checkups to stay healthy; your dog needs an annual visit to the veterinarian for a thorough examination. If you don’t have a veterinarian yet, there are plenty of resources that can help you find a good one, including the local animal shelter, or a friend who has dogs. A regular relationship with a vet is a key to maintaining your pet’s good health.
6. By spaying or neutering your pet, you are doing much more than just helping to control animal overpopulation. Dogs that are “fixed” tend to live longer and healthier lives, and have fewer behavioral problems like biting. Spaying or neutering pets should be one of your first steps on the road to responsible pet ownership.
7. A conscientious dog owner will make sure that his pet has a nutritious diet every day. Your veterinarian can recommend a food for your dog, and advise you on appropriate portions. Your dog also needs to have fresh water readily available 24-7.
8. You wouldn’t think to refrain from training a child in appropriate behavior, and your dog needs the same loving care from you. One of the best ways to learn how to train your dog using positive methods is through a training class. Not only will you learn how to properly control your pet, but you and your dog can enjoy the bonding experience as well as the opportunity to socialize with other dogs and their owners.
9. Your dog needs to stay physically fit to stay healthy, and it will be up to you to see that he gets sufficient exercise. Finding plenty of time to play with your dog, combined with a daily walk or two, should give your canine companion the level of physical activity that he needs. If you are in doubt about how much exercise is enough for your dog, you can talk to your veterinarian about what is appropriate for him.
10. You can bet that your dog is going to offer you plenty of love and loyalty, and this is primarily what he will want from you in return. It is important that you show patience when working with your dog. If he is exhibiting some behaviors that you are having trouble controlling, you can contact your veterinarian or animal shelter for additional advice and guidance.
A dog can be a wonderful addition to your family. With the proper care, he will be a welcome member of your clan for many happy, healthy years.
Source: Adapted from the Humane Society of the United States
Read more at https://dogtime.com/puppies/8904-top-10-dog-care-tips-wahl#tjrUXxbAsmEwgRFy.99
10. You can bet that your dog is going to offer you plenty of love and loyalty, and this is primarily what he will want from you in return. It is important that you show patience when working with your dog. If he is exhibiting some behaviors that you are having trouble controlling, you can contact your veterinarian or animal shelter for additional advice and guidance.
A dog can be a wonderful addition to your family. With the proper care, he will be a welcome member of your clan for many happy, healthy years.
Read more at https://dogtime.com/puppies/8904-top-10-dog-care-tips-wahl#tjrUXxbAsmEwgRFy.99
As puppies learn how to walk and play and pick up other puppy behaviors, they're also learning how to talk. Although puppies and dogs don't use words, they communicate what they're thinking and feeling through body language and other expressive behaviors. Understanding puppy body language will make it easier to communicate with your pup.
How to Read Your Puppy's Body Language
You might laugh or coo over your puppy's facial expressions, but their expressiveness goes far beyond the look on their furry face. From eyes to tail, pups use their entire bodies to communicate, says
The Spruce Pets.
Eyes: Squinting and droopy lids indicate happiness or pleasure, especially during an enjoyable activity like being petted. Wide-open eyes show alertness. Averting the gaze and avoiding eye contact signals submission or stress, while staring is a challenge and a sign that your pup is asserting dominance. Pay close attention to the pupils, too. The pupils of an aggressive pup dilate when they're about to attack.
Ears: While the size and shape of the ears can influence how easy ear language is to see and understand, the ears of pup on high alert are erect and face forward. Ears flat against the back of their head is a sign of fear or submission.
Mouth: A partially open mouth with a lolling tongue indicates a happy and relaxed puppy. Licking, or flicking the tongue as if to lick, shows appeasement. A puppy who grabs or nips at another dog's mouth or muzzle is trying to assert dominance. These gestures are pretty easy to read, but what's less clear is when a puppy exposes their teeth. Lips pulled upward to expose the canines is a sign of dominance and aggression, whereas lips pulled apart in a friendly grin is a sign of submission.
Posture: The way your pup carries themself speaks volumes. Confident dogs, and those asserting dominance, walk tall and hold themselves erect. Other dominant postures include bumping, pushing, leaning and looming over other dogs or individuals. Puppies who feel less secure will try to make themselves appear smaller by flattening the ears, lowering the head and tucking in the tail. Holding up a placating paw and rolling over to expose the tummy are also signs of submission or comfort with you.
Fur: Even your pup's fur can tell you their state of mind. Whether fearful or aggressive, a dog on high alert will raise their hackles (the fur along their spine will stand on end).
Tail: You might think a wagging tail signals happiness and friendliness. But depending on other types of body language, a tail wag could indicate other moods, says
The Spruce Pets. If your pup's hind end or entire body is wiggling, this is indeed a sign they are excited and happy to see you. However, a slower wag could express uncertainty and hesitation, while a tail that's held high and wagging quickly but in a narrow arc signals fear or aggression.
How Puppy Behavior Changes As He Grows
Teething: When puppies nip and gnaw around three weeks of age, that's a sign that their puppy teeth are growing. Intense gnawing and chewing, coupled with increased aggression, at around three to six months means adult teeth are coming in, says
Cuteness. This is a good time to get your pup a chew toy and place shoes and other valuable items out of reach.
Socialization: At around four weeks of age, puppies exhibit bravery and curiosity as they venture farther away from their mother and littermates to explore. This is a good time to socialize them by exposing them to new people, pets and experiences.
Adolescence: Around 12 weeks of age, expect your pup to try to assert dominance and push established boundaries as they figure out their place in the household. This is a time to be firm, but also to provide plenty of reassurance. By six months of age, your pup should feel more secure about their place in the family and settle into their role.
Sexual Maturity: Although it can vary slightly from breed to breed, puppies generally hit their version of puberty at around six months. Females exhibit physical symptoms similar to human menstruation. Male pups at this stage may mark their territory, attempt to roam away from home and mount just about anything in their path, says the
American Kennel Club. Spaying or neutering your pup is the best way to avoid unwanted pregnancy and reduce unwanted behaviors.
Recognizing the meaning behind certain puppy behavior and learning to read puppy body language are important skills for any dog parent. These skills will not only help you bond with your puppy, but they'll also help you attend better to your pup's emotional needs so he can grow into an emotionally well-adjusted dog.
Jean Marie Bauhaus
Jean Marie Bauhaus is a pet parent, pet blogger and novelist from Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she usually writes under the supervision of a lapful of furbabies.
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