Pick out the right kind of food for your dog’s size, age, and breed. Different types of dogs have different nutritional needs. Most dog food packages detail how much food should be given daily depending on the size of the dog. Make sure to buy food with high quality ingredients. Dogs have sensitive digestive systems and can become ill if they aren’t fed high quality food. Don’t feed dogs human food, especially junk food that’s high in salt and sugar. A good rule of thumb is to look at the first ingredient on the dog food package. If it is a meat - not cornmeal – this food will be higher in those essential proteins your dog needs daily. Consult with your veterinarian about how often your puppy or dog should be fed to meet its metabolic needs. [2] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source
If your dog spends a lot of time outside, it needs a place to take shelter when it rains, snows, or gets too hot or cold. Do not leave your dog outside in inclement weather. Many dogs enjoy sleeping in kennels lined with comfy blankets with a few toys. Others prefer to sleep on a dog bed in their masters’ bedroom, or in a special spot somewhere in the house. [3] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source
At the very least, walk your dog twice a day for 20 minutes. This is especially important if your dog has to stay cooped up in the house or apartment all day while you’re gone. [6] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source While you are walking your dog, make sure to know the leash law in the area. Do not let your pet off-leash unless the area is enclosed and your pet is protected from traffic. [7] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source Dogs love going to dog parks and other facilities where they get the chance to run freely. However, be sure your pet is fully vaccinated before taking it to an area with other dogs. Diseases like parvovirus can stay dormant in the environment for several months putting unvaccinated puppies and dogs at risk when exposed to that environment. [8] X Research source
If your dog has not been spayed or neutered, consider having the surgery done. It’s a measure recommended by the ASPCA as a way to prevent the population of stray dogs from growing. [10] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source Your dog should receive a rabies vaccination as well as other mandatory shots.
Microchips can help identify your dog if it gets lost. Many companies actually offer services that’ll notify you if your dog has run astray. [12] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source For example, make sure your dog doesn’t fight with a wild animal by keeping it on a leash in areas where leash laws are in effect. Many wild animals carry dangerous diseases like rabies and leptospirosis. It is a good idea to bring your dog to a veterinarian if your dog comes into contact with a wild animal. [13] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source Keep your house and yard free of dangerous objects your dog might try to eat, like electrical wires. [14] X Research source Puppies are the most likely to chew on dangerous objects. A good way to make sure they stay safe is to place them in a small, puppy-proofed kennel area when you are not there to monitor their actions. Use this time to train them to chew on their toys only. [15] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source
Take your dog to the same spot outside every time, so it will associate that place with going to the bathroom.
How to sit How to stay How to come
Rolling over Begging Shaking hands Playing dead Fetching
Research shows that dogs enjoy being petted even more than receiving praise. Pet your dog every day to show your dog how much you care. [22] X Research source
Positive reinforcement is the best way to get your dog to behave the way you want. Reward good behavior. [24] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source Punishing your dog creates fear and general discontent.
If you take your dog along in the car, open the window so it can enjoy the air. Just make sure it’s not down so far that the dog can jump out. If you take your dog along to places you like, make sure you follow leash rules and pay attention if dogs aren’t allowed in a certain place.
Many dog parks are members-only, requiring pet owners to fill out an application before they’re given a pass to enter the park. This is to make sure that all the dogs in the park have received their shots and prevent the spread of disease. [26] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source
