Caring for Your Dog:

Becoming a dog owner is a big responsibility. While dog ownership is a rewarding and fun experience, owning a dog takes a commitment. Your dog gives you a lifetime of unconditional love, loyalty, and friendship. In return, she/he counts on you to provide her/him with food, water, safe shelter, regular veterinary care, exercise, companionship, and more. Take care of these ten essentials.

1.    Give your dog proper shelter. The first decision is where to keep your dog. Will this be an indoor or an outdoor dog?  A fenced yard with a doghouse is a bonus, especially for large and active dogs; however, dogs should never be left outside alone or for extended periods of time. Dogs need and crave companionship and should spend most of their time inside with their family. An indoor dog should have a designated spot for a bed. Provide a supply of toys and a play area.
2.    Outfit your dog with a collar and ID tag that includes your name, address, and telephone number. No matter how careful you are, there’s a chance your companion may become lost—an ID tag greatly increases the chance that your pet will be returned home safely. Many dog owners choose tattooing or injected chips to aid in recovery if the dog is lost or kidnapped.
3.    Follow local laws for licensing your dog and vaccination. Check with your local animal shelter, municipality or vet for information regarding legal requirements and where to obtain tags.
4.    Follow this simple rule—off property, on leash. Even a dog with a valid license and ID tag should not be allowed to roam outside of your home or fenced yard. It is best for you, your community, and your dog to keep your pet under control at all times.
5.    Take your dog to the veterinarian for regular check-ups. If you do not have a veterinarian, ask your local animal shelter or a pet-owning friend for a referral. Be alert to signs of illness in your pet. Any change in behavior or appearance can signal an illness or injury. Know what is normal in urinary and bowel habits so you can spot irregularities. Check your dog’s teeth and ears on a regular basis.
6.    Spay or neuter your dog. Dogs who have this routine surgery tend to live longer, be healthier, and have fewer behavior problems (e.g., biting, running away). By spaying or neutering your dog, you are also doing your part to reduce the problem of abandoned dogs.
7.    Give your dog a nutritionally balanced diet, including constant access to fresh water. Ask your veterinarian for advice on what and how often to feed your pet. Dogs should not be fed table scraps. Human food is not appropriate for pets. You should especially avoid raw meats and bones that may splinter and get stuck in her throat.
8.    Enroll your dog in a training class. Positive training will allow you to control your companion’s behavior safely and humanely, and the experience offers a terrific opportunity to enhance the bond you share with your dog.
9.    Give your dog enough exercise to keep him physically fit (but not exhausted). Many find that playing with their canine companion, along with walking him twice a day, provides sufficient exercise. If you have questions about the level of exercise appropriate for your dog, consult your veterinarian. The social interaction with family is also important to your dog.
10.    Grooming. Purchase a dog brush to give your pet a regular brushing. This not only keeps her coat in good condition, but you can also look for fleas, ticks, mites, and skin problems. Use a dog shampoo for bathing. Don’t forget their teeth. Some chew toys will aid in keeping teeth free of tartar and plaque.

Be loyal and patient with your faithful companion. Make sure the expectations you have of your dog are reasonable and remember that the vast majority of behavior problems can be solved. If you are struggling with your pet’s behavior, contact your veterinarian or local animal shelter for advice.