Settling into your life with your dogThe first issue that has to be sorted out is the sleeping arrangements. Decide where you want the dog to sleep and prepare a place – a blanket in the kitchen corner; a dog bed in your bedroom or wherever. It’s best not to change the dog’s sleeping place after a few weeks; it’ll only confuse it. It’s also a good idea to leave an old piece of clothing with the dog at night, especially during the first few weeks. Set basic house rules and be consistent about what behaviour is acceptable and what is not. If you don’t want the dog in the sitting room, make it clear from the start. Stop behaviour like digging in the garden, pulling washing from the line, jumping on people, stealing food from kitchen counters from the start. It’ll make for a much smoother relationship in the long term. Be firm and consistent and reward good behaviour. Dogs love treats and praise from their owners! Dogs love to eat, so feeding your dog should be fairly straight forward, unless the dog has health issues. Some breeds have specific needs, so be aware of these particularly if you get a small dog. There are a multitude of dog foods available, from those in the supermarket to the specialised and scientific brands sold by vets and pet shops. If your dog has skin problems, a change of food will often solve it. Your vet or pet shop will be able to advise you. Sauces and wet dog food can be added to the dry food as a treat. Dogs don’t need human food so be careful to feed the dog leftovers. Chew products available at pet shops are good to clean teeth from tartar and keep the dog busy. A healthy dog will enjoy life and be a pleasure to have around. A good relationship with and regular visits to the vet is important. Inoculations should be up to date at all times. External parasites like ticks and fleas cause discomfort, but there are effective and easily administered treatment against these available at vets and pet shops. Indications that your dog is sick include loss of appetite, listlessness, a fever and discharge from the eyes or nose. In larger breeds hip dysplasia is a crippling condition so talk about this to your vet as soon as you suspect the dog may be suffering from it. The eyes, ears, teeth and nails of your dog should be inspected regularly and kept clean and in good condition. A dog should be socialised and trained in basic obedience from a young age. Teaching a puppy, or even an older dog, basic obedience will make life much easier for you and your dog. No matter how much you love your dog, if it’s uncontrollable and disobedient you will not have a good relationship. Puppies can start walking on a leash when you bring them home, and taught basic commands like stay, sit, fetch. Formal training should not be started before the dog is about six months old. You can also do off the leash training, particularly if you intend walking your dog at places where it can be let off the leash. You can also take your dog to a Dog school, where there will also be opportunities to socialise. The importance of socialising your dog can’t be emphasised enough. Many, many problems with dogs are the result of a dog not being socialised from a young age. Take the puppy into social situations, encourage people to touch it, allow it to be comfortable around children. Whatever your life style, teach your dog to fit in. But; always remember you’re the human and you’re dealing with an animal. The ultimate responsibility to keep everybody around your dog safe lies with you. As long as you have your dog, you’ll have ongoing responsibilities towards the dog and humans around it. Continued care for shelter, food, attention; or arranging it if you’re unable to provide it is a must. It’s not the dog’s fault. Control of your dog around other people and animals is your responsibility as long as you have the dog. This should not be a burden, but part of the special relationship between the two of you. As the dog gets older its needs will change and it may develop health problems. Don’t resent it; remember we all get old eventually… Wishing you and your four legged friend a happy, long and satisfying relationship! |
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