As your dog’s owner and best friend, you want the best for him or her, who is another member of your family. It is important for dog moms or dads that their furry friends or children get everything they need. This way they will develop healthy and be happy dogs. Caring for your dog is more than just making sure her bowl is full of food and water. Or pick up his excrement and bathe him from time to time Puppy Dog Training.
At Smart Dogs we think it’s a good idea to make this checklist on how to care for your dog. If you have a dog at home, you can follow these recommendations to be a more responsible dad or mom.
- Should your dog sleep inside or outside?
Dogs are little animals that depend on their owners and masters for love and protection. Raising a puppy or caring for your dog means letting them be inside the home, at least most of the time. Take them for a walk and make them part of your family. Do not exclude them or leave them alone for too long in the patio, cellars, rooftops, etc.
Dogs left unattended in yards or gardens, even for a short time, can be stolen, poisoned, or abused. They can also suffer from stress and loneliness, heatstroke in summer and hypothermia and dehydration in winter.
Understandably, several communities prohibit and denounce the chaining of dogs. This is due to the danger and cruelty it represents.
Caring for your dog involves providing a clean and protected living environment. That is, giving it shelter from inclement weather and dangers, as well as good hygiene. These are basic principles for a quality life. In short, always indoors! With your own house or bed according to your size. If you want him to sleep with you, be sure to brush him and change your bedding regularly.
- Take the time to train it
You and dogs speak different languages. Loving, interactive dog training gives them greater freedom and a better understanding of our world. Untrained dogs are often punished for “inappropriate” behavior. Be the one who trains your dog yourself. Although raising a puppy can be a daunting task at first, you are the one who will need to know how to communicate. Seek help from a dog trainer or a trusted organization if you have problems.
Compassion, clarity and consistency are the most important elements of dog training. You should never include activities or devices that put you in danger or cause undue stress. An example of this is electric shock collars.
Being a responsible human for a dog means taking responsibility for training it . Dog training is an ongoing duty for pet owners. Dogs are not born or come into our lives already knowing how we would like them to behave. Therefore, we must train them so that they know what to do.
Obedience training helps instill healthy manners in dogs. At the same time it also plays an important role in keeping your dog happy, healthy and safe.
Teaching a dog to come when called is especially important and can prevent them from getting lost. In short, dog training is an essential part of dog care. Help them deal with other pets, tremors, fireworks, and vet visits. Otherwise, your dog could suffer a lot of stress and find these situations very scary. Consult all your doubts with your veterinarian.
- Give him a quality diet and prevent him from being an obese dog with health problems
Overweight and obesity in both people and animals can negatively affect health. Follow the dietary recommendations that your veterinarian will make based on your dog’s nutritional needs. This depends on size, age, activity level and breed. Remember to provide healthy treats instead of table scraps as a reward. Always avoid giving processed human food such as fried foods. - Make sure your dog is clean and brushed
Taking care of your dog involves bathing and brushing him. A groomed dog is an important part of being a responsible owner. From their coat to their nails, a well-groomed puppy helps ensure a healthy coat.
It is essential to bathe your dog regularly with shampoos and conditioners specifically labeled for canines. Follow the instructions on the label and rinse the coat well. Preferably, the ears should be cleaned with an ear cleaner approved for use in dogs and cats. Regularly cleaning your ears will prevent the buildup of dirt and debris that could lead to infections.
Brushing your pet is also important. Brushing your furry friend’s hair is one way to care for your dog. Do it several times a week and you will prevent your dog’s hair from getting tangled and shedding a lot all over the house. You should also regularly check your dog’s nails to keep them at a healthy length.
- Veterinary care
Sterilizing dogs helps stem the tide of overpopulation of street animals. Spaying females reduces the stress and discomfort they suffer during periods of heat. It also eliminates the risk of uterine cancer and greatly reduces the risk of breast cancer. Caring for your dog means considering sterilization. For male dogs, spaying them makes them less likely to be aggressive and prevents testicular cancer.
Your dog’s dental care is very important. For example, some breeds are prone to gum disease. The infection resulting from this condition leads to premature tooth loss. As if that were not enough, it can cause infections in major organs, including the heart valves. Simply put, veterinary monitoring is essential to caring for your dog.
- Spend time with him or her and talk to him or her
Playtime is an essential part of building and strengthening the bond between you and your dog. Especially if it is a puppy. Taking the time to play and talk, as well as giving affection, allows you to establish a positive relationship. At the same time, you provide them with a productive outlet for their energy. Even if you have two or more dogs that spend time and play together, your interaction with them is essential.
Playing helps prevent puppies from getting bored or frustrated and developing behavioral problems. As a responsible dog owner, you should set aside some time to play a little. Dogs are companion animals. Therefore, it is good for your mental well-being to have a positive interaction with your humans. All members of the household, animal or human, should participate in playtime and walks.
- Provide ample opportunities to exercise
All dogs need regular exercise. At least the minimum physical activity necessary to keep them fit. By exercising, your dog will be better able to participate in the activities he enjoys. Take your dog with you. Don’t leave it at home if you have family or friends plans outdoors. If you go to a restaurant or lounge, find out if the place is pet friendly, where your dog will be well received.
Take your dog on daily walks to the park. Dog walks are an important part of the dog’s exercise and socialization routine. As a responsible dog parent, you should have time to take your puppy for a walk every day.
Taking care of your dog means taking him for regular walks, but the frequency and duration depends on the dog. There are dogs that only enjoy short walks, while others may need to walk or run more to burn off all their energy.
- Get a QR code collar or GPS tracker for pets
As a mother or father of a dog, you must take all possible measures to take care of your dog. Part of it is making sure it is easily identifiable. From tags or plates with your data on their collars, to GPS tracking equipment. There are a variety of ways you can help ensure your dog never gets lost.
It doesn’t matter how responsible you are with the care of your dogs. If you have more than one at home, it can be difficult to keep track of them and control them 24 hours a day. There is still a chance that they will be lost. It is alarmingly common. Collars with advanced safety systems and GPS tracking devices can be helpful. Nothing like the peace of mind of knowing where your dog is if you suddenly lose sight of him for a few seconds.
- Pick up after your pet and clean the area
When you adopt a puppy or adult or senior dog, taking 100% care of him or her is your responsibility. Therefore, you must take care of the messes he makes.
Whenever you go for a walk with your dog, carry bags with you to pick up his poop. Coming out prepared can help you deal with the mess your dog made on a neighbor’s sidewalk or lawn. Be a responsible human when taking care of your dog. There is no excuse for not picking up after him.
- Socialization and safety
Pets like dogs become depressed if they are deprived of proper social interaction. Therefore, let them live and play with other dogs on walks and in parks. The life of a happy dog is not a long series of commands and shouts. Taking care of your dog means allowing him to socialize and live a little. Make decisions and take your time. Dogs are very sensitive and can be easily scared, so avoid yelling at them. Don’t fight or yell in their presence and make it easy for them to live with other dogs from time to time. These can be dogs from neighbors, friends or family.