Bringing home a dog can be a joyful experience, there are many benefits to keeping pets but, with the enjoyment that a four-legged friend can bring to your household, come responsibilities.
A dog will take up a lot of your time and energy, and you need to be able to give them the care and attention that they need.
Here are some important things that you need to be able to do for your new dog.
Keep On Top Fleaing And Worming Treatments
Dogs love to run around and sniff other dogs and they are never happier than when they are rolling around in the mud. All of this behavior can lead to them picking up parasites such as worms and fleas. These can be very uncomfortable and unhealthy for your dog. It is important that you keep on top of preventing this. You can use a monthly treatment such as Nexgard for small dogs that will deter parasites from your dog.
Make Sure That They Get Lots Of Exercise
Your dog needs exercise. The amount and type of exercise that they need will depend on their breed and size. Your dog will need to be walked every day. Whether that is a short thirty minute walk, or a much longer walk, regular exercise is vital for their physical health, as well as their mental health. Dogs are intelligent and need stimulation. With all of the sights, sounds, and smells that they will encounter when they are out on a walk, they will get plenty of enrichment.
Pick The Right Food
Just like with your kids, you need to make sure that your dogs eat healthily. The wrong diet could cause them to put on weight, and this could have a negative effect on their heart, breathing, and their joints. The right food will help prevent obesity. Not all dog food is going to be good for your pet. Many brands will fill their food with preservatives and fats. Find a good brand that uses natural ingredients and contains a good balance of nutrients.
Make sure you don’t overfeed your dog and avoid giving them human food too much. Many human foods can be especially bad for your dog.
Training Your Dog
When you get your dog, you will need to devote time to teach them what you expect from them. You might have ground rules, for example, you may want them to sit down away from you while you are eating, and you may not want them to jump at people. You can teach your dog good manners as well as a host of commands. The best way for you to do this is through positive reinforcement.
By rewarding your dog when they perform an action that you have asked them to do, you will be sending a stronger message than if you were to scold them for doing something wrong. Positive reinforcement training for dogs will ensure that your dog learns to behave well without having a negative effect on them
