Just like any other living creature, dogs have basic needs that must be met in order to stay healthy, happy, and well-behaved. As the owner, you are responsible for providing the necessities of life. Do not worry; it is not too difficult. However, you still have to put in the effort and take the time. The results will be fantastic, because you are sure to get the figure of a loyal friend in him.
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Part 1 of 7: Choosing Food
Step 1. Try dry dog food
These foods are usually less expensive in the long run, and are good for dental health because of their plaque-crushing properties. In addition, because they are dry, these foods are also easier to store. However, it doesn't taste as good as wet food, so some dogs may refuse or don't want to eat it at all. If you give dry food, make sure you provide fresh water, because the dog will not get the fluid intake from the food.
Step 2. Find out if your dog prefers canned food
Canned food is much tastier and provides fluid intake. However, owners who provide canned food should be careful about keeping the dog's teeth healthy. These foods can increase plaque and tartar on the teeth.
- They also tend to be more expensive than dry foods.
- You will also be more bothered by having to throw away the can.
Step 3. Try semi-wet food
This food is not as bothersome as canned and dry food. These foods are easier to store and clean than canned foods, but they can also build up plaque and tartar on your teeth. The price may be more expensive than dry food.
Step 4. Talk to a veterinary nutritionist about a raw food diet
This type of diet is acceptable for dogs, although it may take more time to prepare and maintain it. If you want to give your dog raw food, make sure you contact a veterinary nutritionist first. Dogs should still get all the nutrients he needs. Dogs' nutritional needs are different from humans.
Step 5. Never give certain human foods
There are many types of human food that should not be given to dogs because they will become toxic. Examples include:
- Alcohol
- Avocado
- Grapes and raisins
- Chocolate
- All foods containing Xylitol sweetener
- Coffee and tea
- Fruit or apple seeds
- Garlic and onions
- Walnuts and macadamia nuts
- Dough made with yeast
Step 6. Read the dog food composition section
The most important factor here is the quality. The way to be sure is that you must be able to read and understand the ingredient label. Most dogs can usually eat commercial specialty food, as long as you make sure it's made up of healthy ingredients. You can see the list of ingredients that make up dog food based on the most dominant one contained in it.
- The first ingredient should be meat (as well as the second ingredient), then grains. Other products may be acceptable, but should be at the bottom of the order.
- Ask your veterinarian for advice on choosing food for your dog.
Part 2 of 7: Determining the Amount and Frequency of Feeding
Step 1. Follow the manufacturer's feeding advice
The biggest nutritional problem in pet dogs by far is obesity. Always follow the manufacturer's feeding advice. This means you should use a measuring cup to ensure proper servings each day. You can usually find this advice on cans or food packaging.
Follow the instructions and limit treats to one or two meals a day to keep your dog healthy
Step 2. Feed adult dogs once or twice a day
Dogs over one year of age should be fed twice a day, while older dogs can be fed only once a day.
Large breed dogs or those with large breasts should be fed small meals two to three times a day. This is important to prevent obesity. In addition, the dogs should not exercise immediately after eating, to avoid serious medical problems
Step 3. Feed the puppies more often
Puppies younger than three months should be fed three to four times a day, while those under one year of age should be fed two to three times a day.
Step 4. Adjust the amount of food based on the dog's body condition
Taking into account the condition of his body, measure whether the dog is at an ideal weight or needs to lose a few pounds. In rarer cases, he may have to gain weight. Dogs with an ideal weight will have a "dent" in his stomach. When viewed from the side, this belly will curve towards the hind legs. From above, his body will be in the shape of an hourglass. When you feel the ribs, you can feel the bones easily even though they are covered with a layer of fat.
- The curve of a dog's skinny belly will be extreme and you'll be able to feel the ribs very easily – if he's short-haired, these ribs will be clearly visible. If your dog is thin, try increasing his food portions by 10% each day.
- Overweight or obese dogs will not have a belly curvature. The ribs are also difficult or almost impossible to palpate. If your dog is like this, reduce the portion of his food 10%.
- Check your dog's condition again in four weeks. If he is still thin or fat, adjust by an additional 10%.
- Consult a veterinarian if you are concerned.
Part 3 of 7: Training Dogs
Step 1. Take him for a walk
In addition to a healthy diet, exercise sessions will also keep your dog fit and well stimulated mentally and physically. At least, take him for a walk twice a day. Watch your dog in these moments, and interact and play with him. Make the sightseeing sessions interesting by visiting different locations.
- The length of the trail will depend on the age and breed of the dog: puppies and small dogs should only go for short walks (maximum 15 minutes), while larger or more athletic ones can do it for an hour a day.
- Brachycephalic breeds (with snub noses, like bulldogs), do well with short walks (about 10 minutes), three to four times a day.
- Dogs should still not exercise vigorously until they are gradually trained. It's the same as in humans.
Step 2. Talk to your vet about the possibility of training a dog with a medical problem
If he suffers from certain conditions such as arthritis or diabetes, be careful when exercising. Joint pain in dogs like this can make it reluctant to walk. Talk to your vet about a light exercise regime, as well as treatments or pain-relieving options that might help your dog.
Older dogs with arthritis can only be walked in short sessions (about 10 minutes), three to four times a day
Step 3. Play a game with it
Another way to train your dog while having fun is by playing interactive games. Throw and catch is a good game, as long as it's done in an enclosed area to ensure the dog doesn't run away.
Blowing bubbles to chase is also another fun game. You don't have to spend a lot of energy
Step 4. Check the weather conditions before leaving the house
Make sure the weather won't significantly affect your dog's exercise. If it gets too hot, it may get hit by a heatwave. If it's too cold, he can get frostbite.
Part 4 of 7: Taking the Puppy to the Vet
Step 1. Bring him to eight weeks of age
If you have a puppy, this is a mandatory period for his first visit to the vet. If he's older and hasn't been to the vet, schedule an appointment right away to have him checked and vaccinated. This is important for his health.
Make sure you vaccinate your dog against rabies, as this deadly disease can be transmitted to humans. Many provinces require rabies vaccination
Step 2. Schedule an appointment for the first batch of vaccination rounds
On the initial visit, you should schedule two appointments. The first is for initial vaccination, while the next is additional vaccination (within three to four weeks thereafter, depending on veterinarian advice). In this way, the puppy's immune system is ensured to be "ready" to fight all diseases that come.
- Your vet will discuss the vaccines needed for your area of residence. These basic vaccines include those for distemper, rabies, and possibly Lyme.
- Vaccines are usually added annually or biennially. Veterinary clinics will generally alert by post or email (or text message and telephone) within a few weeks of the routine vaccination deadline, after the first.
Step 3. Give drugs to prevent heartworm attacks
Another serious health problem is heartworm disease. This dangerous pest is spread by mosquitoes and resides in the hearts of dogs, causing suffering and ill health. Dogs should be checked to make sure that they are free of these pests. Preventive treatment should also be started as soon as possible as soon as your dog is given permission. This form of prevention is usually in the form of injections every six months, or pills taken once a month.
If your dog is positive for a heartworm infestation, your vet will discuss several treatment options, which usually include further blood tests, X-rays of the heart, and injection of hard drugs (which are painful) and oral medication
Step 4. Discuss deworming methods with your veterinarian
He will also suggest certain routines for your dog. Puppies are usually given deworming treatment at their vaccination appointments, to make sure they are free of hookworms and hookworms – which are common intestinal pests in puppies.
The dog's poop will be checked at a follow-up appointment, to make sure it's free of intestinal parasites
Step 5. Consider spaying your dog
This operation helps control the problem of overpopulation of dogs and prevents certain problems: such as fighting between male dogs, reproductive tract cancer, and stopping male dogs from mating with human legs. If he hasn't been spayed or neutered, schedule the operation with the vet.
Part 5 of 7: Keeping Dogs Healthy at Home
Step 1. Keep your dog's teeth clean
Just like humans, dogs develop plaque on their teeth. This plaque must be removed. Purchase a dog toothbrush from your vet or pet supply store, as well as specialty toothpaste. Do not use human property, which usually contains fluoride and is harmful to dogs.
- Use a small amount of dog toothpaste on your fingertips. Apply along the gums of the upper teeth to get the dog used to it.
- If the dog accepts this action, do the same the next day, with a small amount of toothpaste on the brush. Rub along the gum line on the upper back teeth and adjust the angle so that it points slightly upwards. This is important so that the bristles of the brush reach under the gums.
- Rub from back to front. Make small circles along the gum line for about 30 seconds.
- Ideally, brush your dog's teeth every day. At a minimum, several times a week.
- You can also try feeding teeth cleaning food, which is designed to remove plaque when your dog chews on it. Snacks like cowhide or tooth-cleaning treats work in a similar way.
Step 2. Trim the dog's toenails
Have your vet or nurse demonstrate how short you can go before trying it yourself. Be careful not to hit the quick (which contains blood vessels and nerves and will bleed if cut).
- Have someone hold the dog still for the first few slaughtering sessions.
- Start with the back toenail. The hooves here are usually shorter and the dog will also feel more comfortable holding it on the soles of its hind paws.
- Find a quick or approximate location before cutting off the toe. Be careful when the approximation is near. Cut at least two or three millimeters in front.
- Continue on the entire sole of the foot. Praise the dog when he manages to be nice in this process.
Step 3. Brush the dog well at regular intervals
Dog hair needs to be brushed, regardless of length. This is a good way to develop a bond with him. In addition, you can also monitor the health of the dog's skin.
- Purchase a stripper-type comb for long-haired dogs. This comb is useful in helping to get rid of hair loss. Comb at least once every two days. Otherwise, the dog's coat may tangle and form painful clumps. These tangles are not only ugly, they can also infect the skin underneath.
- Use a soft-bristled brush for short-haired dogs. This brush is useful for removing loose hair and stimulating the skin.
Step 4. Check the dog's skin as you brush it
Brushing time is a good time to look for parasites (fleas) on your dog's skin, lumps, or bumps. Also look for hair loss, inflammation, scratches, or other injuries.
If you see fleas, take immediate action to treat your dog, bed, and home before the problem becomes difficult to treat. Topical treatments and home insecticides are the best ways to deal with the problem of exploding tick populations. The staff at your vet's office or supply store can provide effective advice on getting rid of fleas in both your dog and your home
Step 5. Bathe the dog once a month
If he needs a bath, use an all-purpose shampoo. Follow the directions on the bottle. Do not exaggerate. Most dogs only need a bath a maximum of once a month. A dog's skin gets dry more easily if he bathes frequently.
If your dog gets dirty or smelly faster, you may need to bathe him more often. Use your discretion and contact your vet if you have any questions
Part 6 of 7: Training a Dog at Home
Step 1. Choose a location for the dog to defecate
The most important lesson a dog can teach is to make sure he poops in the right place. This location is better if it is outdoors and not frequented.
Step 2. Take the dog out regularly at first
When you start training, give him plenty of opportunities to pee. Frequently invite him out of the house, up to every half hour. Puppies especially have small bladders and must urinate frequently.
Step 3. Watch for signs that your dog needs to go to the bathroom
Watch him when he needs to pee while in the house. These signs may include gasping for breath, body bulging, sniffing, or barking. Immediately take him out of the house if you do these things.
- Make sure you compliment her excessively when she's pooping outside.
- If your dog accidentally urinates in the house, don't scold or hit him. Just clean the dirt and try again.
Step 4. Give direct, high-intensity praise
When your dog is pooping outdoors, give him praise and pat him. Give snacks too. Make sure you do it right away so your dog can associate all of these actions with going to the bathroom.
Step 5. Bring a bag to remove any hard dirt
Make sure this bag is always ready. You can't ignore the dirt. Besides being disgusting, dirt left carelessly will spread disease.
Step 6. Confine the dog to a small indoor space until it is trained
Until you're sure he's trained, lock him in a small room (bathroom, playroom, laundry room), with a floor that's easy to clean.
This strategy is especially important if you can't always keep an eye on it. Training a dog at home requires constant supervision
Step 7. Provide crate training for the dog
Cage training makes use of cages to keep the dog out when you're not around. Don't worry: if he is trained to use the cage, he will find it a place to rest from the daily distractions. Place the cage in the living room and open the door and leave a comfortable blanket inside. Encourage the dog to get into his own crate by throwing treats in it. After he has done this several times over the course of a few days, close the door and let it sit for 10 minutes. Gradually increase the length of time until he can rest in it (without crying) for up to four hours.
- Make sure the crate is the right size for the dog. The dog should be able to stand normally without bending over. The cage should also be spacious enough so that he can turn around comfortably in it.
- Never leave your dog in the crate for more than four hours. Don't use the cage as punishment or he will never enter it.
Part 7 of 7: Socializing Dogs
Step 1. Reward good behavior
Dogs must learn to adapt to each other-as well as people-in order to live well. As the owner, it all depends on you. Unfortunately, bad behavior is the most important reason that dogs are dumped and placed in animal shelters. The best way to practice it is to use rewards. In this system, the dog is rewarded for obeying the owner's request. This gift is in the form of a small snack and a compliment.
- Dogs are loyal animals and love to be praised. The reward system is a quick method of training dogs.
- Ignore most bad or inappropriate behavior, unless it endangers the other party or himself.
Step 2. Introduce the dog to normal household activities
Socialization means learning to be part of a healthy community of dogs and humans. Begin socialization exercises early by introducing your puppy to sounds and activities in the house, in a non-threatening way.
- Do not chase the dog with the vacuum cleaner or hit him with a broom.
- Take the dog for a walk in the car so he gets used to riding it. Introduce him to the view through the car window.
Step 3. Take the dog to the park
Parks are good places to interact with fellow dogs and humans. Keep the leash on, especially in the early days of your visit to the park. DO NOT remove this leash unless you are sure that it can be friendly to other dogs and people.
Step 4. Try taking a puppy socialization class
One of the most productive ways to introduce him to fellow dogs, humans, and the normal sounds and sights, is to take him to a socialization class. These classes are usually run by an educational community, dog club, or pet supply store, and are a great time for dogs and their owners to learn together. Look in the local newspaper or online to find classes near you.
If you must work on socializing your older dog, try enrolling him in obedience classes
Tips
- Before adopting or buying a dog, make sure you have the time, money and resources to properly care for it. Otherwise, you will be unfair to him or other humans, especially if you can't make time each day to care for and play with him.
- Have fun with your dog! Good attitude will be imitated by him.
Warning
- Dogs that are constantly "running away" while being trained, especially when at home, may have certain medical problems.
- Never hit a dog. This will only make him fear and hate you, so that your relationship with him can be damaged.
- Discipline a dog only when you catch him doing something prohibited. He couldn't relate to the punishment given after he finished misbehaving.
