Anyone who turns up their nose at the phrase, “dog is a man’s best friend” clearly did not own a pet growing up because if anything can make a bad day great again it’s the cuddles and unconditional love from your four-legged friend the minute you step into the house.
While dogs are fun and have an energetic spirit that never seems to fade, we can’t forget the fact that that little face brings responsibility. Just because they can take your mind off of deadlines at work, or month-end bills that are soon to arrive, even if only for that moment, taking care of a dog, or any pet in general, is going to take work.
The home will certainly have a renewed sense of spirit, new and exciting sounds (some good while others not as much) but the main objective is enjoying your pup while maintaining discipline and obedience.
House training.
I believe that for anyone to ‘hear’ what you are saying the last thing you should do is to shout at the top of your lungs. While you may think that this tactic works, and in very rare cases it could do, but for the most part people simply switch off or tune out until the person shouting has finished, and you are back at square one.
The same principle applies to dogs, and even more so due to the communication barrier, you need to be patient yet firm, and teach in a way that suits their personality. Like us dogs are all unique, they have their preferences, and adapting lessons and training accordingly will not only make it more interesting for them, but the results will be that much easier and quicker.
A few quick tips to help get you started and make things easier, and the best technique is routine and consistency.
- Outside. Take your puppy outside at least every 2 hours, this way they get used to urinating outdoors, and especially in the mornings just after waking up and before bedtime.
- Same spot. Going to the same spot each time, you can begin the first few times on the leash, which will help establish an understanding of what needs to be done when going to that spot. After a while, once you’ve done the walk a few times he will more than likely go to the place on his own and you only need to supervise.
- Reward. Immediate positive reinforcement and the occasional treat,, once the deed has been done, is a good way to solidify what is expected. Be sure to do it there at the designated place and not indoors as it could cause confusion, see here https://dogcare.dailypuppy.com/praise-dog-training-5981.html for some ideas on what to say and how.
- Nighttime. When it is night time be sure to collect your dog’s water dish around 2 hours before bedtime, this way they are less likely to need a toilet break during the night. If they do need to go out do so quickly and efficiently without causing too much fuss and with minimal interaction so that they don’t get excited.
Nutrition.
As your pet gets used to its new environment it will begin to explore and will certainly be using up a lot of energy, even if it means only chasing the birds around the garden while the kids follow behind. But as they grow they will need a substantial food meal plan filled with nutrients and minerals to aid their developing muscles and bodily functions.
And while each pup is special and different in its own way there are tailored characteristics guides you can look at that will help you create the perfect menu and well-balanced dinners that your dog is sure to enjoy. We can all use a helping hand from time to time, and if food and ingredient guidance is the way forward to a healthier pet then we have nothing to lose.
Research and reading up on food items and products that are beneficial to your dog can be exciting if you are a food whizz in the kitchen, trying new recipes or ingredients is always fun and it keeps meals interesting for your pet. Bear in mind though that changing from one ingredient to the next could cause your furry family member to get an upset stomach so transition gradually.
A balanced diet.
Wanting to give your dog the best of everything is understandable, but when it comes to food you need to think about the quality versus the cost of a product. Just because it costs double that of other brands doesn’t necessarily mean it is better, read packaging labels and the ingredient lists.
Yes, you could opt to make your own menu (see some advice in this link on how to go about it), but be sure to avoid some of the more common mistakes first-time pet owners make. Food that is raw or hasn’t been fully cooked through could lead to E. Coli poisoning or Salmonella, then there are ingredients such as certain nuts and fruit, or products that contain sweeteners that have severe health consequences if your dog finds them lying around.
Naturally, if you have children you too will need to educate them and help them understand which foods are dangerous for dogs and that as much as they’d like to share their chocolate ice cream with them they should not.
It is all a learning process, and the more homework you do on your dog breed the better for everyone and your pup will thank you for it.
