Longlivedog.com – The dog-human bond is one of the most powerful things on earth. According to recent studies, dogs are able to reduce stress levels and increase feelings of well-being. They’re also great for mental health, providing companionship for people who may be lonely or have less social interaction.
So if you’re considering getting a dog, there are a few things you need to know. This blog post will cover the basics of dog ownership and what you need to do before bringing home your new friend.
Choosing the Right Breed of Dog for You
There are many dogs to choose from when it comes to breeds; the right one for you will depend on your lifestyle and personality. Consider what you’ll be using the dog for, whether you’re looking for a watchdog or a companion, before picking a breed.
The AKC recognizes more than 2,000 different breeds of dogs, but the best way to find the perfect one is by talking to your veterinarian and reading up on specific
species. If you don’t have space for a dog in your home, consider adopting one from a shelter or rescue organization that specializes in small dogs. Here are some tips to help narrow down your options:
- Dogs need regular exercise.
- Think about what size dog is best for you. Most breeds come in different sizes; some smaller species (like Shih Tzus) can be great apartment dogs, while larger breeds like German Shepherds need plenty of room to run and play.
- Consider whether you’re looking for a purebred or a mix. While both types of dogs can be great, there are some risks with purebreds that are only sometimes present in mixtures.
- Think about temperament. Some breeds, like Labs and Golden Retrievers, are known for being friendly and easygoing, while others, like Boxers and Pit Bull mixes, are more likely to have intense personalities. If you need to know if a particular breed is right for you, talk to your veterinarian or a dog trainer.
Feeding Your Dog Well
New dog owners should know a few things about feeding their dogs well.
First, make sure to provide plenty of fresh water. Dogs need at least one cup of water per day, and more if they are working hard or exercising.
Second, feed your dog a high-quality diet tailored to its size and breed.
Third, keep in mind that dogs will consume as much as one-third of their body weight daily in food, so make sure to give them enough food to satisfy their appetite.
Finally, be sure to supervise your dog while it is eating so you can make sure it’s getting the proper amount of nutrients and hydration.
Choosing the Right Dog
There are a few things to think about when choosing a new dog, but the most important thing is compatibility. The dog you choose should be able to get along with other animals and children in your home. It’s also important to choose a pleasant and friendly dog, not one that is shy or difficult to handle.
It would help if you also considered the breed of the dog because some species are traditionally better suited for particular environments (like apartment living). And finally, it’s essential to get your new puppy started on basic obedience training as soon as possible so he can become a well-behaved member of your family.
Grooming Your Dog
When you first bring your new dog home, there are a few things you will need to do to help ensure their well-being. One of the most important things is to get them groomed! Not only does grooming help keep your dog clean and healthy, but it also helps socialize them and keep them from becoming destructive. Here are a few tips for getting your new dog groomed:
- Get an introductory coat clip – This is the minimum you will need when starting. An introductory coat clip will attach to your dog’s hair at the back of its neck and hold it in place while grooming.
- Groom regularly – Grooming should be done at least once a week, but ideally every two weeks or more as needed. This will help keep your dog’s coat clean, free of mats and tangles, and healthy looking. It is also essential to ensure that all skin is cleaned correctly – including around their eyes and ears.
- Use a good beard trimmer – Beard trimming can help keep your dog’s fur neatly trimmed around its mouth and chin area. If done correctly, this can help minimize the amount of drool that goes down their throat during playtime.
- Use a shampoo designed for dogs – We recommend using Dog Shampoo from Kurgo as it is specifically formulated for dogs’ coats, skin and ears without leaving any residue or odor behind.
Training Your Dog
If you’re considering getting a dog, there are some essential things to know: Getting your dog’s rabies shot is mandatory. Ensure you also vaccinate them for distemper, hepatitis B, and leptospirosis. You should also invest in training your dog.
This will help prevent problems such as chewing objects that are not supposed to be chewed (like couches), jumping on people, and barking excessively at people or animals they don’t know.
Playing With Your Dog
A German Shephard named Maximus survived being left on the freeway side for over an hour after his owner had to leave him at the vet because he was in a pet carrier! New dog owners need to know some basic things to have a successful relationship with their furry friends. Here are six tips:
- Get a suitable pet carrier or kennel for your new dog. This is especially important if you live in a city or town where public transportation is available.
- Feed your dog regularly, and only let them beg for food sometimes. It’s best to keep them from giving them any food during their first few days home, just so they get used to not having access to it all the time. Be sure that they have plenty of fresh water too!
- Set rules for your dog’s behavior – this will help keep both of you safe and happy. For example, make sure that your dog knows not to jump up on people, be aggressive when playing with other dogs (especially if they’re strangers), and never let them roam free outdoors unsupervised.
- And please remember that no matter how cute and loving your new pup maybe – they can still bite! Make sure you understand your dog’s behavioral cues before bringing them home so that any trouble spots can be avoided in the beginning stages of their relationship.
- Crate train your pup – this will help establish good early house manners and keep them safe during those first few months.
- Don’t punish your dog for biting or chewing – this will only make them fearful of you and lead to increased aggression. Instead, give them a gentle “time out” or take them outside for a quick walk to calm down.
- Always remember that your dog is an individual – no two dogs are exactly alike, so don’t expect them to respond ideally to all of the same rules as your last dog did. And most importantly – enjoy your new furry friend!
Tricks for Keeping Your New Dog Safe
If you’re new to dog ownership, you should know a few essential things. Here are six tips to keep your new dog safe:
- Get the basics down: Start by understanding your pup’s personality and temperament. This will help you build a strong relationship with him, which is critical for your safety.
- Crate training: Crating is one of the best ways to train a puppy or young dog not to go roaming around the house unsupervised. When he’s inside his crate, he’ll learn that staying put is the best way to avoid punishment.
- Teach your basic pup commands: Once your pup knows how to sit, stay, and come when called, you can start teaching him other tricks, such as rolling over or peeing outside the designated area.
- Stay hydrated: It’s essential to ensure your dog has plenty of fluids in case of an emergency (i.e., if he gets lost). A good rule of thumb is to give each pet 1/2 gallon of water per day minimum, more if they’re working hard like Mastiffs or Siberian Huskies.
- Feed them right: Feeding your dog nutritious food IS essential for their overall health and well-being! Make sure their diet includes plenty of high-quality protein sources, grains, and fresh fruits and vegetables.