Hello, my name is Amy and I really love dogs. I am currently studying animal care but I particularly want to work with dogs as they are my favourite animals. Here, I have written a helpful guide for all dog owners, or people who are considering getting a dog or working with them, to know how to take the best care of their dog.
Feeding: Dogs need to be fed daily, although be careful not to feed them too much food. The recommended amount is two meals per day, although younger dogs may eat more and senior dogs may eat less. It is also good to get in the habit of feeding your dog at the same times each day. Here are some foods to feed your dog (some foods may vary in suitability for dogs of different ages):
· High-quality, balanced premium commercial dog food. Note that different types of dog food will be suitable for dogs of different ages.
· Fresh human-grade raw meat.
· Human-grade raw meaty bones (never feed dogs cooked bones as they can be harmful to them).
· Small amounts of cooked, finely-cut vegetables eg. pumpkin or carrots.
· And of course, make sure they have plenty of water to drink. Dogs should never drink milk as this can cause gastrointestinal upsets.
Training: It is important to train your dog to be obedient and well-behaved. Here are a few of the main things you need to do when training your dog.
· Rewards- Giving small treats as rewards for good behavior helps to motivate your dog and teach them that what they’re doing is the right way to behave. The reward needs to be given immediately after the dog does what you command them to do, as this is how the dog associates the reward with the behavior.
· Be consistent with verbal commands- don’t use more than one phrase as a command for the same behavior, as it can cause confusion. For example, saying both “sit” and “sit down” can confuse a dog, so pick a phrase and stick to it.
· Be mindful of both your own and your dog’s mood- the dog and trainer both being calm increases chances of success. If either you or the dog are getting frustrated, take a break from training. Don’t shout at your dog as this intimidates them and makes them trust you less.
· Train on an empty stomach- don’t start training immediately after feeding your dog a large meal, you should wait a few hours first. If your dog is hungry, they will be more motivated and focused on performing actions to get treats.
· Discourage barking- dogs may bark at their trainers if they are frustrated or want attention. If your dog barks at you when you don’t want them to, the best way to respond is by ignoring the dog until the barking has stopped. Do not give treats or attention in an attempt to stop unwanted barking as this will reinforce the behavior and teach the dog to do it more often.
Cleaning: All animals, including dogs, need to be kept clean so that they can stay healthy. Here are the key things you need to do to keep your dog clean and hygienic.
· Bathing- like humans, dogs need to be bathed regularly, as they can get dirty very easily, especially when they are playing outside. Make sure to use shampoo- there is special shampoo designed for dogs which you can buy.
· Grooming- it is important to make sure your dog’s fur is neat and tidy and in good condition. Long-haired dogs in particular require a lot of haircuts and brushing to make sure their fur doesn’t get too long and so it doesn’t become matted.
· Clipping nails- again, just like humans, dogs need their nails clipped regularly so that they don’t become too long and cause trouble for the dog.
· Environment- it is important to keep not just your dog, but their home clean so that they stay healthy. This includes cleaning out any cages you may use to transport them, as well as the areas of the house where they live, and even keeping their bed and bowls clean.
· Brushing teeth- dogs need their teeth kept clean just like humans do. It is important to check your dog’s teeth and brush them regularly.
Playtime: Playing with your dog every day is important to make sure they don’t get bored, and it also ensures that your dog gets exercise. The amount of playtime your dog requires will vary depending on their age- young dogs are more energetic and need to be played with a lot more than older dogs do. Here are some good ways to play with your dog:
· Balls- dogs enjoy playing with balls, particularly smaller ones such as tennis balls which are good for playing fetch with.
· Squeaky toys- dogs like playing with squeaky toys, which you can find in a variety of shapes and sizes. These are entertaining and stimulating for dogs.
· Chew toys- these are a special type of toy designed specifically for dogs to chew, which also have the additional benefit of helping to keep your dog’s teeth and gums healthy.
· Treat toys- some dog toys are designed for treats to be hidden in them, which can create a stimulating and rewarding experience for your dog. However, these should not be offered to your dog too often so as not to give them too many treats.
· Walks- Dogs need to be taken out for walks daily as it is the best way for them to get exercise (younger dogs will require more than one walk per day). This is also a stimulating and enjoyable experience for dogs which can allow them to socialize and meet other dogs.
All of the above tips for taking care of your dog are important to your dog’s physical and mental well-being in many different ways, and they all work collectively to ensure that your dog is living the best life possible. This information is a combination of my own knowledge and experience as well as research and information I have found through various educational sources. Dogs are very important to their owners and I hope these tips help you to become a better owner, friend and family member to your dog.
Thank you for taking the time to read.
-Amy Tanner (digital marketing and animal care support)
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