Caring for a dog and sharing time together can be very rewarding, but before you rush out to buy that cute looking puppy with the oversized eyes that is looking longingly back into your eyes, what guidelines should you be aware of? What steps are you going to need to take to ensure that you and the dog have a long and happy life together?

Assuming that you are capable of enduring the initial toilet training and the basics of dog behaviour, what are the main factors of sharing a happy life together with your new found best friend? Well, here are a few suggestions!

First, training. You must train the dog, either yourself, under the supervision of a dog trainer or pass the dog to a dog trainer for a sympathetic training style. This might sound cruel at first, but you at least need to have your pet trained in the basics. For example, if it’s a large dog then you might not want it jumping up onto your furniture and likewise you probably don’t want it to jump it and greet nervous visitors with a lick across the face, whilst his paws are resting on their shoulders.

Other essential basics include recall. When you are out walking your dog in open space, he must be able to respond to a basic command to return to you. This might be when he has seen another dog to play with, an animal to chase or because he has just stepped onto the road as a car is approaching. Recall can save you having to hunt for your lost dog, it might even save its life.

Second is feeding. Many dogs do actually become over fed through too much nourishment and too little exercise. Take the situation in hand at the start and provide a suitable amount of quality food. Limit treats to just occasional treats, especially as chocolates and high fat food can ultimately kill your dog.

Along side feeding, plenty of exercise is also needed to keep them fit and healthy. This is where many people struggle with their busy life styles and cannot find the required time each day to allow their dogs to exercise freely. Walks on the lead at night do at least give them the basic exercise, but dog also need time off their leads in open spaces where they are free to roam and play with other dogs. In winter, this might seem impossible due to your working hours, but many services have sprung up to assist here, such as the London Dog Walker. Here they will collect your pet from your house, take it for a walk in a local park and a play with some of its friends and then return it home to you.

London dog walking isn’t unique, it happens in many cities and can be a great relief for the owner to know the pet is being cared for, whilst great for the pet as it allowed out of the house for a play. Well worth considering!

Feed your dog well, be the boss and train it and make sure it is well exercised. It’s the start to a health relationship with man’s best friend and you!

Read about how to house train dog on this blog.

Bookmark to: