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How to Be a Responsible Dog Owner
Do you think you are a responsible dog owner? Are you a first time dog owner? Well you're in the right place. These are all the things you should do to be a responsible dog owner and keep your dog happy, healthy, and safe.
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EditSteps
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1Neuter or spay your dog as soon as it is old enough. Do this both to prevent unwanted litters adding to the numbers in shelters, but also to prevent adolescent behaviour problems.Ad
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2Keep your dog leashed in public at all times. This will prevent your dog running away, or jumping on other dogs or people. -
3Provide your dog with healthy food and clean water. Do not let your dog "graze," but always keep fresh water available. If you go on long trips, take water for your dog to drink when you stop. -
4Clean your dog's water and food bowls daily.. This is important if you want your dog to stay healthy. -
5Make regular stops if you take your dog on a long road trip, so that he can get out for some exercise and have a drink of water. Never leave your dog unattended in the car! -
6Check that your backyard is secure when your dog is outside. Check for holes in the fences or gates, especially if you have a small dog. If your dog has puppies, you might want to put wire over gates with gaps in them as very small dogs may be able to fit through the bars. Also, if you have a young dog, make sure he can not access any electrical wires or cords. -
7Take your dog to the vet at least once a year. Regular check-ups are needed to ensure your dog is healthy and so that it can be treated for any problems. -
8Brush your dog regularly to keep its fur from getting tangled and matted. How often will depend on the type of coat your dog has. -
9Obedience train your dog to ensure a well-mannered family member. Training will strengthen the bond with your dog, prevent or correct unwanted behaviours, and create a well-balanced, happy pet. Check out your local directory for obedience schools in your area. -
10Provide chew toys to keep his teeth healthy and to relieve boredom. -
11Bathe your dog when necessary. You usually don't need to bathe your dog more often than once a month, otherwise its skin will become dry and itchy. -
12Take your dog for a walk at least twice a day to physically and mentally exercise them. A tired dog is an obedient dog. Without proper exercise, your dog will become bored and many behaviour problems may arise (chewing, excessive barking, jumping and hyper-activity). -
13Pick up after your dog. Dispose of your dog's waste in a proper manner. Consider using biodegradable bags.Ad
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EditTips
- Responsible owners proactively protect their dogs and prevent them from being placed in situations where the dog needs to protect itself.
- Know your dog's fears and dislikes and do your best to prevent the fear from developing into aggression.
- Remember to clip your dog's nails - don't rely on pavement to keep them short.
- If you can't physically keep your dog in line of sight with children, then separate them.
- Professional, certified, trainers have hundreds of hours invested in education and observation and can offer correct steps to correct issues.
EditWarnings
- Pretty Christmas Poinsettias are poisonous to dogs. Holly bushes are poisonous to dogs and cats, and cats are oddly attracted to them. Some other common household items that are poisonous to dogs are raisins, grapes, mushrooms, onions, macadamia nuts, chocolate (small amounts of milk chocolate is usually ok in larger dogs, but it is the dark, rich chocolate that can KILL any dog, especially baking chocolate), and caffeine.
- Keep garbage cans either out of reach (in a low cabinet or in a closed pantry) or impossible to get into (a can with a closed lid). Dogs ingesting garbage is much more serious than just a mess to clean up.
- Never, ever leave your dog in the car with or without the windows down. It is very dangerous.
- Some plants can be toxic/poisonous to dogs so keep all house plants out of reach.
- Prescription drugs can kill your dog. Aspirin may be given to a dog if your vet tells you it is all right and tells you the proper dosage. But Tylenol is poison. Also, some vets will recommend giving your dog Benadryl for a minor allergic reaction, but be very careful about this. Some Benadryl has Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) which is very toxic to dogs and requires immediate veterinary attention if ingested.
- Always keep your dog hydrated and when it gets really warm, provide shade for your dog as heat can frustrate dogs.
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Categories: Dog Obedience
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