Before bringing a dog home, it is important to know how to care for them. You have to meet his physical and emotional needs; this means providing nutritious meals, providing clean water, shelter and the ability to live in a safe home. You also need to keep your dog happy by giving him plenty of time for play, exercise and stimulating his mind. Being the owner of a dog involves a great responsibility, it is not a commitment to be taken lightly; however, all of this work helps you build a bond of trust and love with a new, important family member.
Steps
Part 1 of 5: Feeding the Dog
Step 1. Offer him high quality food
Read the label of the food you choose. The first two ingredients on the list should be a type of meat and not a by-product of the same or grains. This way, you can rest assured that your food is high in protein and not just fillers.
Ask your vet for some advice; he is sure to tell you the right food for your pet or portion sizes
Step 2. Feed your dog on a regular schedule
You should prepare two meals a day; evaluate the correct amount of food you should give him each day (usually, you find these values on the food package itself) and divide it into two meals. The first half should be provided in the morning, and the second in the evening.
A consistent eating routine also aids in training for physiological functions. The dog should "go to the bathroom" 20-30 minutes after the meal
Step 3. Avoid offering him too many treats or human food
This behavior promotes overweight or health problems; respect the rule of giving him treats only during training. It can be a difficult rule to follow, especially if the puppy looks at you with "pleading eyes"; in any case, do not give in!
Don't give him unsuitable food. There are several foods that are not only bad for the dog, but are even dangerous for his health. Don't offer him chocolate, avocado, raw bread dough, raisins and fresh grapes, onions, or xylitol (the calorie-free sweetener)
Step 4. Make water available to him
The dog doesn't just need food to survive; water is just as important, if not more so; you must therefore make sure that he always has some available. This does not mean that you should give him water when it is not feasible, for example in the car, but if possible you should always leave him a bowl of clean, safe water.
Part 2 of 5: Taking Care of Your Dog's Health
Step 1. Contact a good, reliable vet
A valid method for choosing a doctor is to evaluate whether he answers your questions promptly, comprehensively and to observe how he interacts with the dog. You will need to bring your four-legged friend to him for regular checkups; so, if your chosen doctor is always too busy, you will have to go to another doctor. Feel free to switch professionals even after you have them visit your dog.
Remember that you should also have the number of an emergency clinic or clinic that is open 24 hours a day, even on weekends
Step 2. Get your dog vaccinated
Your vet will inform you about common diseases in your region and which ones you will need to vaccinate the animal against. Typically, vaccinations are updated through regular booster injections, which can be annual or three-year, depending on the type.
Most countries force owners to vaccinate their dog against rabies; however, even if it is not a legal requirement, it is always worthwhile to proceed to protect the animal and yourself from this deadly disease
Step 3. Consider getting an ID chip implant
During the procedure, a small microchip is inserted between the dog's shoulder blades, under the skin. This device contains a unique identification number, which has been registered, and your personal contact details. In the event that the animal is stolen or lost, this chip allows you to prove your right of ownership.
Step 4. Apply pest preventive products regularly
It is important to treat the animal with common anti-roundworm medications; the frequency of administration depends on the dog's lifestyle. An animal that lives mainly indoors runs a lower risk of intestinal parasitosis than a hunting dog and this detail affects the frequency of treatments by the veterinarian who must deworm it. A low-risk dog might only need a course of medication two or three times a year, while a high-risk dog might be treated monthly.
- Consider other problems as well, such as Dirofilaria immitis.
- Apply flea products and insecticides against ticks if you live in an area where they are present.
Step 5. Consider neutering or spaying your dog
This procedure reduces the risk of certain health problems, such as breast cancer (if spayed after the second heat) and pyometra (presence of pus in the uterus) in females, while in males it prevents aggression and disease. prostatic. It is also another responsible behavior, as it prevents accidental mating and overpopulation.
Know that castration or sterilization actually increases the risk of some pathologies; for example, the dog may be more prone to certain tumors and thyroid alterations, in addition to heart disease. Therefore carefully consider the opportunity to submit the animal to this surgery
Step 6. Take out insurance
If you are having trouble coping with veterinary costs, you can take out private health insurance for the animal. In exchange for a monthly premium, the insurance covers most of the costs related to the treatment needed in the event of an accident or illness (but only up to a certain ceiling). The price and services offered vary widely by insurance product.
Be prepared. Determine how much money you can spend each month on an insurance premium and ask different companies for quotes to understand the type of coverage they offer
Part 3 of 5: Taking Care of Your Fur
Step 1. Brush the dog
How often you need to do this varies widely based on the breed and how much hair the animal sheds. Brushing your four-legged friend regularly reduces hair loss and gives you an opportunity to check his physical condition. The goal is to keep the fur in good condition and tangle-free; you may need a comb and brush to avoid knots and loosen the weaves.
If the dog sheds a lot of hair, you can buy a specific shampoo at pet stores; use it to wash the animal once a week until the phenomenon subsides
Step 2. Keep his coat clean
Dirt causes secondary skin infections, so be prepared to bathe your dog with a mild canine shampoo if it is really very dirty. Most dogs don't need more than one bath a month or so, but this rule varies widely based on breed and activity level.
Know that dog hair can grow and must be trimmed by a groomer. If the fur is too thick or long, it can irritate the skin between the toes or prevent proper vision; in addition, it is very likely to hold a lot of debris, such as twigs and grass, which can cause discomfort
Step 3. Trim the dog's nails
It could be a tricky operation, but paw health is key. Proceed slowly and steadily, being careful not to cut the living dermis, the inner part of the nail; Injuring this area makes your dog very, very reluctant for future "pedicures".
Train your loyal friend to associate nail trimming with something positive. Offer your puppy a treat after the procedure or take him for a walk in the park. Whatever you do, keep an upbeat attitude when cutting, no matter how hard it is
Part 4 of 5: Games, Socialization, and Exercise
Step 1. Make sure that the animal can move a lot
Provide him with the opportunity to do a lot of physical activity based on his race. Small breed specimens (such as those defined as "toys") may get tired playing fetch or with a ball, while a Labrador needs long walks, at least 30-45 minutes twice a day, to discharge all their energy. You may also have an animal that does a lot of physical activity without getting tired, such as Terriers who are often able to run all day without getting tired.
- An abundance of movement allows you to burn off excess energies which, if accumulated, lead to behavioral problems, such as chewing on objects, digging holes or barking too much.
- Remember to walk the dog. You should take at least two short walks or one long per day; the length of the route varies according to the type of dog you own.
- No owner wants their pet to escape. If you have a garden and want to leave it free outside, make sure the fence is sufficient to hold it back; make sure it is high enough to prevent the animal from climbing over it.
Step 2. Stimulate his mind with reward-based training
Just like humans, dogs get bored too. To allow your specimen to live a happy existence, you must also entertain him from a mental point of view. Stimulation could be provided in the form of obedience training. It is important to teach him to sit, stand still and approach on command.
- Most dogs love the attentions of individual training sessions, which also have the advantage of strengthening the bond between the animal and the owner. If you choose a reward-based method, where the correct behavior is rewarded but the wrong is not punished, the experience will be very satisfying and positive for the puppy.
- Train it for 10-20 minutes twice a day, depending on the bird's ability to maintain focus. Always end each session with something positive.
- Give him a treat every time he obeys the command. You can use small treats (but remember not to feed them too much) or choose to show them a lot of affection when they behave right. The choice of reward depends only on what motivates the dog.
Step 3. Get him to socialize
Dogs need to learn to relate to other dogs, animals and people in order to become a balanced adult specimen. Make sure your puppy comes into contact with different people, sounds, smells and environments as much as possible from a few weeks old. All the experiences he lives up to 18 weeks of age (when the "window" of socialization closes) will be considered normal in the future and not as a source of fear.
If you have an adult specimen, try presenting different situations to him anyway. Be careful not to overwhelm him with experiences and not to scare him if he doesn't feel comfortable. It takes patience to expose the dog to the object that triggers the fear, while keeping it at a sufficient distance not to alarm it. Reward him for his quiet behavior and, over time, bring the object closer and closer. Don't forget to reward the dog at each stage so that he begins to develop a positive association with the object
Step 4. Allow him to play and show behavior normal for his race
For example, bloodhounds like Basset hounds and Chien de Saint-Hubert like to follow scents. Give him plenty of time to smell the environment; you could also turn the occasion into a game and leave a scent trail for the dog to find and follow.
Part 5 of 5: Treat the Dog with Respect and Love
Step 1. Register your dog, put on the collar and tag
This way, you can be sure it will be returned to you in case it gets lost or strays from you. Each Italian Region has issued different provisions regarding the identification and registration of dogs. In the past, a tattoo was sufficient, but since 1 January 2005 the microchip is the only valid and mandatory national identification system for all races; when the tattoo on the animal is no longer legible, the owner must proceed with the new registration. Your local kennel or veterinarian can help you with the canine registration procedures and to find out if constant use of a collar and tag is required. Remember that there may be local ordinances regarding "dangerous" breeds, such as Pit Bulls or certain guard dogs.
Step 2. Treat him with respect
Never punish him with physical force and do not humiliate him in any way; this also means giving it a respectful name, because those like "Beast" or "Killer" influence the way people approach the specimen.
If he misbehaves, always reevaluate what happened and ask yourself what actions you did (or didn't do) that may have contributed to the event
Step 3. Remember that the dog has basic needs that need to be met
For example, he must be able to carry out his physiological functions regularly without dirtying the house or himself. It is inhumane to keep a dog locked in a kennel for hours, without human contact and without the ability to urinate or defecate.
Step 4. Make sure he has access to a comfortable place to sleep and don't leave him outside when temperatures are extreme
Exposure to hot summer days or freezing winter days without adequate protection could damage it and even kill it. It's best to keep him indoors when the weather is extreme, but if that's not possible, make sure he has access to a good, sheltered bed and plenty of water.
Step 5. Establish a relationship of love and mutual respect
Dogs love you forever if you treat them right. Spend time with your furry friend to find out about their personality and what makes them behave the way they do. The more time you spend with the animal, the more fulfilling your life together is.
Whatever you do, never hit the dog or subject him to abuse. The worst punishment for these animals is to be scolded once the action is done and finished; dogs forget and don't understand why you are scolding them
Advice
- Check the Ministry of Health website regularly to be informed of any recalls of dog food products.
- If the dog is sometimes aggressive, approach slowly and carefully. Do not catch him from behind, because he could interpret the gesture as an attack and could bite you.
Warnings
- Never hit him! It is cruel behavior and causes the dog to fear you. Instead, you should show your disapproval by stopping treats and using the positive reinforcement method to promote good behavior.
- Pay attention to her behavior, as she can often let you know that something is wrong. If you notice a change in behavior or behavior that seems worrying to you, take your pet to the vet for a checkup.
