Are you planning to keep a dog at home? Dogs are loyal and loving pets and usually give us more attention than we give them. However, dogs need a lot of care to stay healthy and happy. If you're planning to keep your dog at home, there are a few things to consider to ensure he stays healthy and lives a long life.
Step
Part 1 of 4: Getting Prepared Before Getting a Dog
Step 1. Make the house safe for dogs
Even if there are many items that seem harmless (or you don't think they will attract the dog's attention), it's a good idea to remove small objects and human toys from the floor or other accessible places in a room that is (likely) frequented by people. dog.
- There are a variety of products in your home and yard that are harmful to dogs and should be kept out of reach by storing them in cupboards or places that are inaccessible to dogs. Some fairly common products include household cleaning products, insecticides, fertilizers, and rat poison.
- There are several types of houseplants and outdoor plants that are toxic to dogs, such as rhododendrons, chrysanthemums, and Japanese flowers. Get to know plants in your home and garden, then contact your veterinarian or visit sites like the ASPCA and the Pet Poison Helpline for a complete list of plants that are toxic to dogs.
- In addition to plants, medicines for humans and animals are also toxic to dogs, especially if consumed in large quantities. Some of the foods we eat, such as chocolate, onions, raisins, grapes, and even sugar-free gum, are also toxic to dogs. These types of food should be kept out of reach of your dog.
Step 2. Assign a special room for the dog
Before bringing a dog home, the first thing to determine is a special room or place for dogs. Think about what rooms your dog can enter, and what rooms they can't. Rules like this should be established from the start so your dog doesn't get confused.
- Dogs need special areas for eating and sleeping, as well as ample space for playing and exercising. At first, you may want to limit the number of rooms your dog can enter so that you can observe him closely enough to get to know him and understand his behavior well.
- A kitchen or other easy-to-clean room can be a great place to store food and water bowls. Once you've decided on a place, you should always keep the bowls there.
- After that, determine the bed for the dog. Some people allow their dog to sleep together in a bed, while others prefer to buy a dog bed or kennel for dogs to sleep in separately. However, keep in mind that if your dog is allowed to sleep in bed with you, it will be much more difficult for you to tell him to sleep alone.
- The size and activity level of the dog determines the space needed for play and exercise. Usually, the larger the dog, the more space it will need.
Step 3. Purchase all the equipment needed
When you buy a dog from a pet store (or bring it home from a shelter), you probably already have some equipment. However, you'll still need a collar and chain that's appropriate for your dog's size, as well as the first toy or two. You'll also need a food and water bowl, and dog food of course.
If you know the type of food your dog of choice is eating from the start, it's a good idea to stick to the same type of food, at least for the early days of breeding. Being in a new place can be stressful for a dog, and changing food types/patterns can provide added stress. You can change the type of food for your dog later, but make sure the changes are gradual over 5-7 days. That way, you can prevent health problems such as diarrhea or stomach pain that usually occurs when the type of food is changed quickly
Part 2 of 4: Meeting His Basic Needs
Step 1. Buy dog food with high quality ingredients
You can also make your own dog food. Do not give too much sugar intake, fried foods, and snacks for humans. These types of food can harm your dog's health over time. Also, NEVER give chocolate to dogs.
- In general, large breeds of dogs require special formula for large breed puppies until they reach one year of age. After that, you can give food to adult dogs and replace that food with food for older dogs when they reach 6 years of age. Dogs of small and medium species should be fed puppy formula until they reach about one year of age. After that, you can give adult dog food.
- If your puppy is overweight, you can replace formula with adult dog food (which is low in calories) before 12 months of age.
Step 2. Feed regularly
Different species of dog, different food needs. If your dog is under one year old, he will need to eat several times a day. For most species, this feeding frequency can be reduced to twice a day when the dog reaches six months of age. It's not uncommon for dogs to only want to eat once a day as they get older and their activity declines.
Try to feed it at the same time every day. This way, he will know when he eats, and you can see the portion or amount of food he has eaten. This is important to know, especially when you want to train him to urinate and prevent obesity, or when his appetite decreases
Step 3. Observe his appetite and eating habits
The right portion needs to be measured so you can know the amount of food that can be finished by him. Let him eat for about 10-15 minutes, then take his bowl until the next meal. If he does not finish all the food provided, there is a chance he will feel hungrier and can finish his meal at the next meal.
- One effective way to tell if a dog is eating enough (or too much) is to observe a dog's weight and physical appearance. In some of the more active dog species with distinctive body shapes, the appearance of ribs on their bodies is not uncommon. However, in most dogs, visible ribs indicate that he has not eaten enough. Also, if you can't feel his ribs when he's holding him, there's a good chance he's eating too much. Ask your vet if you have any questions about a normal weight or physical appearance for your dog.
- Providing free food (food is always available) does make it easier when you need to feed your dog. However, this kind of feeding pattern is not recommended. With this pattern, dogs who like to eat are prone to becoming overweight. Meanwhile, dogs who have difficulty eating usually will not feel happy when it is time to eat. Therefore, keep feeding on schedule.
- Puppies who are overweight need adjustments to their feeding and exercise routines. It's a good idea to consult with your vet before making any changes.
- When your dog reaches about eight years of age, you will need to replace his diet with food for an older dog. This change prevents the excess caloric intake and weight gain that often occurs in older dogs who are no longer active. In addition, it is important that you always provide your dog with drinking water.
Step 4. Always have water available
It is important that you make sure the water bowl is always full. The dog should be able to drink when he is thirsty, and he can drink any amount of water, without risking any harm. You can put some ice cubes in a bowl to keep the water cool and refreshing when it's hot outside.
Step 5. Make sure your dog gets a lot of exercise
He has to run and play often to stay healthy and happy. In general, take your dog for a daily walk for at least 30 minutes. However, these activities are usually not "strenuous" enough for high-energy dog species.
- It's not enough to just take your dog outside to go to the bathroom. Make sure he can expend his energy every day.
- The intensity of exercise a dog needs depends on his age, species, health condition and overall energy level. Small dogs of energetic species need more exercise than older, low-activity dogs. Keep in mind that some dog species don't need as much exercise as others.
- If possible, find a place where you can let go of the leash and leash, and let your dog run around and stretch.
- To prevent bone and joint damage or deformities in young dogs, it is recommended that you refrain from running them or engaging in strenuous exercise, such as jumping from high places. Always ask your veterinarian for recommendations for suitable exercise for your dog.
- Interaction through a variety of games can stimulate your dog, both physically and mentally. In addition, you can also build a stronger bond with your beloved dog.
- A dog day care center can be a great place for your dog to exercise, while interacting with dogs and other people, depending on your dog's activity level and personal schedule.
- Insufficient exercise can trigger boredom in dogs. This boredom itself can cause behavioral problems, including destructive behavior. In addition, less exercise encourages obesity which triggers various health problems and, of course, needs to be avoided.
- In addition to exercise, mental stimulation is also important for maintaining a dog's health. Try providing him with games every day, giving him practice, and using a dining area with special puzzles to prevent boredom.
Part 3 of 4: Taking Care of His Health
Step 1. Comb and trim the fur
Different dog species, different hair care strategies. In general, a dog's coat needs to be brushed once a week to remove any tangles or loose hair. Dog species with long coats may require more frequent brushing or grooming (and possibly periodic trimming) to prevent tangling. Some dog species get stifling hot in the weather/summer and will feel more comfortable having their coat shaved when the temperature starts to rise. Find out the most suitable treatment based on the condition of your dog's coat and nails.
Check for lice when you comb the fur, and remove them with a flea comb. You may also need to give your vet anti-flea medication
Step 2. Bathe your dog every few weeks
Unlike humans, dogs don't need frequent baths. However, if his body starts to smell or get dirty from wallowing in the mud (or other debris), you'll need to give him a bath. Use warm water and a mild, natural shampoo specially formulated for dogs. Also, look for products that won't irritate your dog's skin.
- Dogs usually like to run around after being bathed. Therefore, try to limit the time to bathe him so that your dog can run outside afterward.
- Bathing and combing the dog's hair is an important treatment to find out if there are wounds or lumps that require medical attention on the dog's body.
Step 3. Make sure you schedule a vet check-up
These checks can prevent or detect health problems early on. A visit to the vet usually includes a physical exam and stool, as well as a liver fluke test. The doctor may also recommend regular blood tests to find out health problems that have not arisen and need to be treated early.
- Some of the common treatments or treatments that veterinarians usually recommend include heartworm prevention, regular deworming, and flea prevention, depending on the season and where you live.
- Make sure your dog gets the immunizations it needs. With the right immunizations, he will grow up to be a happy and healthy dog. Standard immunization for dogs includes a rabies immunization given at 12 weeks of age (or later) every 1-3 years, depending on applicable local laws or veterinarians' advice. Distemper, parvovirus, and hepatitis immunizations are usually given together. Puppies need to have four immunization shots every three weeks starting at six weeks of age, and annual immunizations as they grow older, based on veterinary advice.
Step 4. Sterilize your dog
Sterilization is a procedure that prevents unwanted pregnancies, and can prevent a variety of health and behavioral problems. In male dogs, neutering prevents testicular cancer, prostate disorders, the habit of marking places with urine, and aggressive behavior. In female dogs, neutering can reduce the chances of mammary gland tumors, as well as eliminate the risk of infection and uterine cancer.
Ideally, puppies should be neutered at six months of age. Discuss this procedure with your veterinarian when you take your dog for regular checkups, or on your first visit to the vet after adopting an adult dog
Step 5. Observe your dog's overall health
By knowing his normal eating habits, activity level, and weight, you can see the changes that occur, and easily monitor his health. Monitoring your bowel habits on a regular basis also helps you spot changes that signal health problems in the first place. Check her body regularly for lumps or sores. Also, pay attention to changes in the way he walks or moves.
Consult your dog's condition with your veterinarian when you notice any changes to his normal condition
Part 4 of 4: Giving Practice
Step 1. Train your dog to defecate in its proper place
When bringing a new puppy (or adult dog into the house), the first thing to do is to teach him to poop outside, not inside. Dogs (at any age) can be trained with the right direction.
- Until trained, there are several rules that need to be followed to facilitate the training process. Limit the areas your dog can go to so that you can pay attention to the signs he is showing when he needs to go to the bathroom, and get him out of the house immediately. Set a schedule for taking him outside. You need to take it outside in the morning, after meals, whenever you get home after traveling, and before bed.
- Puppies poop more often when they are young and can hold urine for an hour. Every time he grows a month, his resistance to holding urine also increases by an hour.
- Put a leash and leash on your dog, even when he's indoors, so you can watch him closely until he's trained. When taking him outside, make sure he keeps the necklace and chain on so you can teach him to go to certain places and make sure he does go there to pee.
- You can use commands like “Come on!” while teaching him to go to a certain place. If he starts to enter the house, you can say “No”, take him outside, and tell him to “Go” to where he was taught. Always give praise if he manages to go to the designated place.
- If he's pooping indoors, make sure you clean the area where he's pooped or peeed thoroughly so he doesn't have to go to the same place to defecate.
- Never hit or scold your dog while he is urinating in the house. He will only be afraid of you.
Step 2. Train your dog to enter and stay in his crate
That way, he can feel comfortable and at ease when you're not at home. In addition, the cage can also be an alternative place to prevent incidents of urinating in places that are not supposed to be.
For this method, make the cage fun by adding treats or toys. Keep him in the crate for less than four hours for each training session (or shorter for very young puppies). When removing him from the cage, immediately take him outside and place him in a watering area. Don't forget to give him a compliment when he manages to go to the toilet you've set
Step 3. Teach the dog to play carefully
In general, dogs have good personalities and can play with children. However, sometimes dogs like to bite and scratch too hard while playing, so it's important that you teach them to play safely. Reward him if he manages to play carefully, and ignore him when he starts to bite. Eventually, he will learn that playtime is more enjoyable when he can be more careful.
Step 4. Teach him not to bark too much
Barking is a normal activity for dogs and is a form of communication. However, the habit of barking too often is actually annoying and is something that many dog owners want to change. There are many different types of dog barking and some require specific actions to stop them. The process of this practice needs to be followed slowly and gradually, and requires a lot of patience.
- There are some general guidelines for teaching your dog not to bark at the little things. As a first step, you can identify the factors that trigger the barking, and then eliminate those triggers (eg by closing a curtain or placing certain objects out of sight). If he doesn't stop barking, place him in a quiet room or in his cage without any stimulation, and let him calm down. Give him a reward after he manages to stop barking.
- A natural instinct may prompt you to scold him when he starts barking, but that kind of reaction makes him think you're “barking” with him.
- If your dog barks compulsively, try increasing the amount of exercise and playtime.
- Ignore your dog if he barks for attention and don't give gifts until he stops barking.
- This problem is difficult to fix and may require the help of a behavioral expert or experienced trainer. Special shock necklaces should only be used after you have consulted a trained professional.
Step 5. Teach some basic commands and tricks
Basic commands like sit, be still, and come can keep her safe because the dog won't wander too far and get lost when left to play outdoors without a leash. In addition, the command also reminds the dog of its "position," and helps strengthen the relationship with you.
Other commands can provide separate entertainment for you and your dog as they interact and play. You can train it to sit, come when called, still, lie down, and roll over
Tips
- Sterilize your dog to prevent unwanted breeding. Spaying can reduce the risk of uterine and ovarian cancer in female dogs. In male dogs, neutering can reduce the chances of testicular cancer. In addition, male dogs that have been neutralized are also usually less aggressive.
- If you want to have a dog, it's a good idea to adopt him from a shelter. That way, you can put an end to the suffering he feels in the shelter.
- After getting a dog, buy and attach a collar. Make sure you also attach a name tag and a harness to the necklace. If possible, implant an identity microchip in the dog.
