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There are a few things in life more rewarding than adopting a dog. Your pooch will offer you years of love and loyalty, as long as take care of him. However, taking care of a pet involves more than just making sure their bowl is full and their litter box is scooped. With our basic care tips tucked under your bold, you’ll be prepared to offer your dog the best life he could ask for.
Take the Time to Train Your Dog
One of the important parts of being a responsible dog parent is taking the time to train your dog. You fido won’t come already knowing how you would like him to behave, so you need to train him so he knows what to do. Training your dog will not only help create healthy pet manners, but it also plays an important role in keeping your pet healthy, happy and safe. For example, teaching your dog to come when called can help prevent him from getting lost or running out into the road. Dog training is also known to provide mental and physical stimulation for your pet. Training with positive reinforcement is also a fun enrichment activity for dogs and a way to engage their brain, explain experts.
As a responsible dog parent, you’ll want to include dog training in your daily routine. Whether it’s having your dog wait for you to walk through doorways instead of allowing him to bolt through or making your dog sit before feeding him, you can create habits that can help keep your pup’s manners sharp. For tips on how to train your dog, click here.
Take Your Dog on Daily Walks
Dog walks are crucial for your pet’s exercise and socialization routine. As a responsible dog parent, you will want to put your athletic shoes on and take your dog for daily walks. You’ll benefit from the walk too!
As for how often and how long you should walk your dog, it will depend on him. Some dogs only enjoy short walks to do their business while others may need to go for longer runs to burn off all their energy. For these dogs, it can be helpful to include games such as fetch in their daily routine. When planning outdoor walks with your dog, one thing to keep in mind is the importance of using a dog harness. It’ll help you keep your dog safe and under control.
Are harnesses better than collars for dogs, you may ask? Well, a dog harness makes it much easier to manage and control dogs, including those with bad leash manners. Its better control makes it especially beneficial on busy streets or in crowds. It is also a great training tool for puppies that haven’t eat learned to walk on a lead. The harness will prevent him from getting tangled up in the leash and possibly hurt in the process. Even for large dogs, a harness allows much better control and is also easier on your arms and back.
You will find a variety of harnesses for dog available on the market. Front-attaching harnesses are better for larger dogs as they lead from the front. A back attaching harness won’t allow you to have as much control over your dog and may lead to worse pulling behaviour since your dog doesn’t feel the guidance necessary for training. However, back-attaching harnesses are considered a better option for small breeds because they’re more sensitive to pressure. Front-attaching harnesses can be painful for small breeds.
It’s extremely important that the harness fit your dog well to avoid causing pain and rubbing against the tender skin under your dog’s arm. Learn how to measure a dog for a harness here.
Make Time for Engaging Playtime
Playtime is the best way to build and strengthen the bond between you and your pooch. It will help you create a positive and happy relationship with your pet while also providing your dog with a great opportunity to burn off his energy. Play is also very helpful at preventing dogs from getting bored and frustrated, which could lead to behaviour problems. So make sure to set aside time to spend each day actively playing with your dog.
Not all dogs enjoy the same types of play, which means you’ll have to figure out what gets your pooch up and moving. Experiment with a variety of dog toys until you find what your pet like.
Keep your Pet Groomed
This is a big part of being a responsible dog owner. A well-groomed dog is a healthy dog!
Your dog should be bathed on a regular basis with products specifically formulated for pets. Make sure you follow the directions of the label and rinse the skin and coat thoroughly. To clean your dog’s ear, you should use a cleaner formulated for dogs. Regular ear cleaning will prevent the build-up of dirt and debris that could lead to ear infections.
Brushing your dog is also important. Consider brushing the hair coat of your dog several times a week to keep his hair from getting matted and to remove dead hair and potential allergens. You should also check your dog’s nails to make sure they are a healthy length. Overgrown nails can result in pain and discomfort for your pet. If your dog doesn’t tolerate getting his nail cut well, reach out to your veterinarian.
