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1. Teach your
dog a trick.
Teach your dog to roll over, play dead or shake.
Dogs really enjoy the treats and attention from you and it is a
great way to show your dog off to new people. Trick training
can also build confidence in your dog as well put you in a
leadership role. |
| 2. Give your
dog a routine he can count on. Create a routine of care
and exercise. Your dog will appreciate knowing that he can
count on dinner to come around a general time as well as when he
will be taken out side to relieve himself. Your dog will have
less stress and behavioral problems such as chewing and digging. |
| 3. Learn to
read your dog. Learn to identify body language that
tells you how your dog is feeling about a person or situation.
Look at his ears, tail, eyes and the shape of his body. He may
be telling you he is scared, happy, shy or bored. Your dog will
be grateful when you can recognize his body “talk”! |
| 4. Give
your dog a massage. Learn a few massage
techniques and give your dog a daily massage. All dogs from
athletes to shy rescue dogs can benefit from positive touch.
Massage is great way to bring a dog and owner closer as well as
being a healing tool. The following are a few simple techniques
you can practice at home with your dog. |
| 5. Take your
dog for a hike. A hike or walk with your dog offers
your dog necessary environmental stimulation as well as
socialization with other people and animals. Find a challenging
hike to give your dog some great exercise or take a casual
stroll in your neighborhood. Make a habit of doing this often
and you will find you have a happy, well rounded companion. |
| 6.
Participate in a dog sport. There are several sports
you and your dog can do together such as Flyball, Agility, and
Lure Coursing. Talk to your local kennel club or humane society
about what is going on in your town. |
| 7. Avoid
having a lonely dog. Dogs are really pack animals and
enjoy being with their family. Keeping your dog outside is not
only lonely for your dog, but it can lead to digging, barking,
and chewing! Bring your dog inside and you will have a happy
and secure dog! |
| 8. Keep your
dog clean and healthy. Dogs need regular grooming just
as we do! A monthly bath and weekly brushing will help to keep
your dog’s skin and coat shiny and healthy. If your dog is not
used to regular grooming, try bringing out a favorite treat and
feed your dog in between strokes of a brush. Your dog will
happily learn to enjoy grooming time! Don’t forget to have your
dog’s nail trimmed every 6-8 weeks or you may risk injury to
your dog’s feet. Finally, take your dog to the vet once a year
for a check up! If you suspect a problem or something seems
wrong with your dog, don’t wait for a yearly check up; go see
your veterinarian right away! |
| 9. Keep your
dog identified. Make sure to have an ID tag on your dog
at all times and consider a microchip. This is a small chip
that is inserted by a veterinarian under the skin below your
dog’s neck and uses a scanner to read a number that belongs to
your dog only. This number can then be traced back you! In the
length of time you own your dog, there is a good possibility
your dog will get out of your yard or home. Dogs can travel a
long ways before being picked up by a stranger or animal
control. Without any identification, your dog could be at risk
for euthanasia in a shelter. Keeping your dog identified with a
tag and microchip ensures your dog has a good chance of being
returned to you. |
| 10. Don’t
create a dog fight. As much fun as a dog park
may be for your dog, some are a hangout for problem dogs. Be
sure to check out your local dog park to see if there are any
aggressive dogs visiting on a regular basis before you take your
own. Watch to see if owners are paying attention to their own
dogs and supervising them at play. Watch your own dog and use
your voice to interrupt any play between your dog and another
that might begin looking like unfriendly play. Sometimes just
motioning your dog to the water fountain will help to break up
potential problems.
If you should
encounter another loose dog while you are taking your dog for a
walk on leash, don’t pull your dog away from the other dog. The
action of a tight leash can often cause more problems than if
you simply stop and allow the dogs to sniff one another. If you
live in an area with unfriendly loose dogs, you may consider
taking a water bottle or a product called “Direct Stop” with you
on walks to discourage the other dog away. |
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11.
Spay or Neuter your dog! A neutered dog has a better
chance at having a long, healthy life. A pair of dogs can
produce 26,232 more dogs in just 7 years. A neutered dog is less
likely to wander and get lost. A neutered dog makes a better
buddy, is gentler and easier to train. Finally, a neutered dog
is 3 times less likely to bite a child. |
