subject: The Top 10 Things Every Dog Owner Should Know [print this page] People love dogsPeople love dogs. There are about 78 million pet dogs in the United States. We're so used to having dogs and seeing dogs around that most of us assume owning a dog is easy. Well, yes and no. We know how to love a dog but when it comes to caring for a dog sometimes we need a few pointers.
Here are the top 10 things that every dog owner should know about owning a dog.
1. Do your homework before you get a dog. There's nothing sadder than an owner who gets a dog and finds out later on that it's not the right dog for them. They may have to give the dog away or turn him into a shelter. Many times when an owner can't keep a dog it could have been avoided if the owner had just found out some information before getting a dog. Decide what kind of dog you want, whether you want a small dog or a big dog, male or female, active or laid back, longhaired or shorthaired. All of these things will determine whether you're happy with a dog after you bring him home. Do the research before you get a dog and you have a much better chance of being happy with your dog when he comes to live with you.
2. Dogs can be expensive. Even if you're getting a rescue dog or a dog from a shelter, it costs money to take care of a dog. Dogs need dog food, vet care, toys, grooming supplies -- the list goes on. None of these things are cheap and when it comes to caring for your dog you should get good food and care, which can be costly. If your dog has a veterinary emergency it can be very expensive indeed. You should consider these costs before you get a dog. This doesn't mean that you have to be rich to own a dog, but you should know that the costs of things do add up week after week.
3. Dogs require time and attention. Lots of it. It's easy to spend time with a new puppy when you first bring him home but, often, after a puppy has been in the house for a few weeks and he starts chewing on things and being a pest people are less happy about him. Will you still want to spend time with him when he's being a problem? Are you still going to give him lots of attention when he's being bad? A dog may live to be 12-15 years old and he will need your time and attention throughout his life. Consider that commitment before getting a dog.
4. Dogs need training. As cute as they are, puppies won't stay puppies forever. They will grow up to be ill-mannered dogs unless you spend time training them. We all admire people who have well-mannered dogs but it takes training to have a dog like that. Are you willing to spend time training your dog?
5. Puppies need socialization. A puppy doesn't know very much when he goes to live with his new owner. It's up to his owner to socialize him and show him that the world isn't such a big, scary place. Socialization means introducing a puppy to strange new sights and people and helping him to build his confidence. Properly socialized puppies are less likely to develop behavior problems as adult dogs because they have the self-confidence they need to handle things.
6. Dogs need a good, appropriate diet. That doesn't mean the diet with the highest protein content or the latest fad diet. If your dog spends most of his time sleeping on your couch then feeding him a dog food that is 40 percent protein will probably result in behavior problems. Your dog won't have a way to expend the energy that you are feeding him in his diet. Choose dog foods that meet your dog's needs without going overboard. You can also feed your dog raw or homemade diets but if you do, please be sure that the diets are properly balanced.
7. Dogs need plenty of exercise. Many behavior problems can be attributed to a dog not getting enough exercise. If a dog spends most of his time in the house with nothing to do, he may go a little stir crazy. Take your dog out for runs. Enjoy some exercise with him. Dogs that get plenty of exercise are happier and less likely to develop behavior problems.
8. Your attitude affects your dog. Whether you are training your dog or simply living together, if you are angry, anxious, sad all the time, your dog will pick up on your attitude. You can have a happier dog if you change your own attitude. Certainly, when training your dog you should be calm and cheerful.
9. Keep your dog up-to-date on vaccinations and regular veterinary care. This includes flea and tick prevention and heartworm medication.
10. Be affectionate with your dog. Most dogs are very sensory-oriented and they enjoy hugs and affection. Don't be afraid to show your dog how much you love him. Give him hugs, play with him, scratch his ears. Your dog will let you know what he likes. Dogs don't hide their feelings so don't hide your feelings from your dog.
Keep these things in mind before and after you get a dog and you should have a much better relationship with your dog.
