|
Your dog gives you a lifetime of unconditional love,
loyalty, and friendship. In return, she counts on you to
provide her with food, water, safe shelter, regular
veterinary care, exercise, companionship, and more. Take
care of these ten essentials, and you'll be guaranteed to
develop a rewarding relationship with your canine companion.
1.
Outfit your dog with a collar and ID tag that includes your
name, address, and telephone number. No matter how careful
you are, there's a chance your companion may become lost—an
ID tag greatly increases the chance that your pet will be
returned home safely.
2.
Follow local laws for licensing your dog and vaccinating him
for rabies. Check with your local animal shelter or humane
society for information regarding legal requirements, where
to obtain tags, and where to have your pet vaccinated.
3.
Follow this simple rule—off property, on leash. Even a dog
with a valid license, rabies tag, and ID tag should not be
allowed to roam outside of your home or fenced yard. It is
best for you, your community, and your dog to keep your pet
under control at all times.
4.
Give your dog proper shelter. A fenced yard with a doghouse
is a bonus, especially for large and active dogs; however,
dogs should never be left outside alone or for extended
periods of time. Dogs need and crave companionship and
should spend most of their time inside with their family.
5.
Take your dog to the veterinarian for regular check-ups. If
you do not have a veterinarian, ask your local animal
shelter or a pet-owning friend for a referral and check out
our information on choosing a veterinarian.
6.
Spay or neuter your dog. Dogs who have this routine surgery
tend to live longer, be healthier, and have fewer behavior
problems (e.g., biting, running away). By spaying or
neutering your dog, you are also doing your part to reduce
the problem of pet overpopulation.
7.
Give your pooch a nutritionally balanced diet, including
constant access to fresh water. Ask your veterinarian for
advice on what and how often to feed your pet.
8.
Enroll your dog in a training class. Positive training will
allow you to control your companion's behavior safely and
humanely, and the experience offers a terrific opportunity
to enhance the bond you share with your dog. Check out our
information on choosing a dog trainer.
9.
Give your dog enough exercise to keep him physically fit
(but not exhausted). Most dog owners find that playing with
their canine companion, along with walking him twice a day,
provides sufficient exercise. If you have questions about
the level of exercise appropriate for your dog, consult your
veterinarian.
10.
Be loyal to and patient with your faithful companion. Make
sure the expectations you have of your dog are reasonable
and remember that the vast majority of behavior problems can
be solved.
|
|
