If you have a dog, it goes without saying that you want to establish a happy and healthy relationship with him. Knowing how to understand your canine friend is the key to enjoying him. There are five very important things you need to know so you can begin to create the perfect relationship with your new pet.
#1 Tip – Veterinarians
First of all, you are going to have to visit a veterinarian sometimes. That is a given. Your new dog will need vaccinations, checkups and he might get sick sometimes. Vets cost money and it might be a good idea to check out pet insurance. The cost depends on what procedures or treatment your dog needs. The main thing is to relize that you will have to spend money on your pet. So find out what you can expect to spend every six months on vet bills, vacinations, flea control products, etc and start saving!
Second 'need to know' - whos in charge?
Ok, so who is the boss? You or your dog? Dogs like to pretend they run things, but reality is, you are the boss. You have to set and enforce rules on a consistent basis. Dogs are smart; do not let them make you think otherwise. They know just what to do and how to get away with it, if you let them. You need to take control and show them who the boss is. They can kind of be compared to kids, if you let them get away with something, they will keep doing it, period.
Third 'need to know' - routine is king
Dogs are a creature of habit. They know when to expect their food, what you expect them to do, and how you expect them to do it. Keep your dog happy and
follow a routine with them. Make sure meal times are always at the same time, they will see you coming. You should also make sure your dog has the same place to sleep each night and so on. They love routine, even if you find it boring, they relish in the routine you both set for each other.
#4 Tip – Exercise and Food
We require food and exercise and so do our dogs. You should feed your dog healthy food and not too many treats or table scraps. Save those for a special occasion or to reward your dog for something special. Your dog needs exercise to maintain a healthy body and stay free from diseases.
#5 Tip – The Excited Puppy
Puppies love to chew things. If you have ever left an excitable puppy and a shoe alone together, you know what I mean. They will chew anything from clothing to electrical cords or television remote controls. This can be dangerous as well as inconvenient. You need to keep things out of the dog’s reach and teach them that only chew toys are to be chewed. You should ensure that your puppy or dog has a few chew toys of varying shapes and textures, so he does not get bored and chew your furnishings instead. You can buy chew toys from your veterinarian or any pet store. Use proper dog chew toys to ensure they are non-toxic.
David Lee is the owner & designer of several pet sites. Find info on
Dog Health Questions,
Dog Food Nutrition,
German Shepherd training,
German Shepherd Rescue or
Pet steps.
