Dogs are not just pets-they’re family. And given their long lifespan, dogs need a lot of care and attention. Some people forget that pets are not human. You need to treat them differently than you would a person. Pets need food, water, and attention. They also like to do things like go outside and walk around with their family. A dog needs exercise to get rid of its energy, but it depends on you in every aspect of its life.
Having any type of dog is as challenging as it can be rewarding and our bonds with them grow through time. If you’re a first-time dog owner, the first few months can be a bit tough as your pet gets used to its new environment and routine. But with some useful tips from dog care experts, it’ll be easier to share your home with this family member.
Train your dog
Dogs are not born knowing how to fetch, sit, stay, or do anything you would like them to do. They learn based on prior experiences and what you teach them. If you use positive reinforcement, the dog will learn to do something or stop doing something for a treat or praise from you. The good people at DailyDogStuff.com want to remind you not to overdo it with training because dogs can get sick of the same thing after a while and will stop listening. They love new challenges and hate repetition, which is why training should be a fun process to do with your dog.
Dogs have a very sensitive sense of smell, which is why they are naturally attracted to so many things around them. The best way to avoid this from happening is to take the dog for walks as often as possible and socialize it with other dogs or people so it can learn to trust those around it. If a dog is not socialized enough or does not get walked regularly, it can become destructive and end up costing its owners a lot of money in damages to the house and other pets.
Caring for your dog’s health
Even more important than giving your dog what they need daily is getting them medical attention when necessary. Dogs have a long lifespan and require around-the-clock care to keep them healthy. They should be given their shots regularly, which is why you should schedule an appointment for your dog as soon as possible with your veterinarian.
Dog care routines can vary depending on the type of breed
Some are more active, while others are less so. Each breed has its own social behaviors and also different needs for food, water, toys, or exercise. If you want to know what will be best for your new pet or family member, then you should do some research on the type of breed that would fit into your lifestyle best.
There are many things a responsible owner should know, and this is just a pinpoint of what to take into account:
- Do not make the dog do anything they don’t want to
- Don’t use high pitch tones while training your dog, it only raises their level of excitement
- Do give your pet enough food and attention
- Don’t overdo training on a repetitive task
- Use a proper training leash, flexy, or anything similar that allows you to slack but does not help in discipline
- Make sure to give your dog plenty of exercises
- Don’t pull or tug on their leash to restrain them, use light pressure and keep your arm high so they do
Learn how to keep them amused
It is very easy to overdo training because the dogs love new challenges and hate repetition. You should not train your dog more than twice a day or on a repetitive task, otherwise, they will get bored and stop listening. There are some things people mistake for love and praise, but it is better to avoid it (or stop doing it) than completely ignore the advised approach.
Offer them several toys to play around with and they should be fine for the most part. Dogs are naturally attracted to things that smell good, but this does not mean they need to chew on them. Teaching them what they are allowed around the house will allow you to leave them alone while you go to work or run errands.
Dog care is a lot of work and is entirely worth it. Our pets can be a mirror reflection of our lives, and if they are happy you are doing something right. Dogs are not as needy as other pets such as cats, and this is why owners should be thankful for it. The least you can do is take care of them properly and give them the love and attention they deserve.