For new and experienced dog owners, the care of our animals is one thing that we loose sleep over, and shock we talk to our spouses about. They are our best friends, even man’s best friend, I could believe that. A dog’s care is very similar to ourselves, us humans, if you spend time on it, you should consider doing the canine version of it. Dogs will give you ten to fifteen years of incredible pleasure, and it is very dependent on the early period with you. To be healthy and free of disease proper dog care must be followed. If ever in doubt there are people who can help, whether it is your vet, your dog walker or a dog trainer.
Our resident london dog trainer who has a BTec in animal husbandry, experience at Battersea Dog and Cats Home, the Mayhew Animal Home and has trained / worked with some renowned experts. For more information on our expert pet trainer who can help with topics such as dog obedience training
Care for your dog starts before he gets home for the first time. I hope before you choose your new dog, you considered a dog from a home. In the current crisis many dogs are being discarded and need homes. Just like for a baby, you need to prepare the family for his arrival, are there people or other animals who will be upset by his arrival? You also need to consider his safety, what are the dangers in the house that might affect him? The house is probably safer if you have had a baby / youngster. You will have checked the house for things that can fall, trap or poison your favorite one. Though we hope that we do not need it, and if you have it, you never use it, that is pet insurance. This will allow you to cater for any veterinary bills as they occur, so you never have any difficult decisions, vet bills can be very large.
An important early decision is whether to have your dog neutered. Many dog experts say that neutered dogs have less behavioural problems and live longer. There are also too many unwanted dogs in the world today, so seriously consider neutering.
Dog safety around children is important, in the USA 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs of which 20% need medical attention, much of this can be avoided by good dog training and greater understanding of dog behaviour by the general population, especially children.
Just like us, you need to have dog vaccinations
Where is he going to sleep and rest. He will need a place where he can have “my time”, though by nature he will want to be near you. Do you have the gear needed to look after him, collars, brushes, leads, training crates, bed (s) and blankets.
If the dog is a real baby, a puppy, their care is more specific and required frequently as they go through the various stages of growth. Regular human interaction is often needed so day care visits of twice a day are often asked for, in these important early days.
You also need to consider a plan for dog training and dog socialisation. So that your puppy or is at ease in all situations it meets.
Good dog day care is based on a good daily routine. Build in the training, so plan to do at least a lesson a day, with dog clicker training 10 mins a day is all you need. Just as for you, and probably even more important for your spouse, your dog will need food! Good nourishment, is based on the same principles as for you and is even more important for your pet than for you. Ensure he has a routine of eating, a variety of foods, put down in his bowl. As for us, avoid too much, treats (only as part of our balanced diet!), certainly discourage giving food from the table. It is difficult to stop dogs begging at the table, if it’s worked before.
Exercise for the dog is as important for your pet as for you. Dogs origin was based on walking long distances searching for food, and most breeds have a stamina for doing more than ten miles a day. A daily one hour walk is probably the minimum to consider. If you do not have time for it, there are people such as who will do the dog walking for you. Exercise for dog’s in London is a particular problem, due to the “busy lifestyles” and lack of external space, the reason why using a London dog walking service is so often used.
Dog grooming is important, wild dogs were able to wash and self groom. Many of the longer haired breeds have lost that possibility. It should not be seen as a chore, see it as the equivalent to having “quality time”, that I am sure that you are told to have by your partner and that you do with your children.
Dog bathing, whilst you will probably need to wash him with water sometimes after dog walking, you should not need to shampoo your pooch too often. This is one bit of advice which can lead to a great discussion. There are those who believe in regular weekly bathing to those like my spouse who are of the once every six months brigade (as I said they are similar to us – or him!). The right frequency is very dependent on the dog, short or long haired, interior or exterior lifestyle and breed. The dogs hair has essential oils that you can wash out, I would err on the side of leaving the real bathing too long.
Cutting dogs claws, this is difficult for many new to owning a dog. It is often needed every six months, particularly if the dog is not exercised enough. It is easier for dogs with white / pale claws as you can see the pink nerve and can cut back to 1mm of the nerve. For dogs with dark claws it is more difficult. As always it is easier to start doing this with your dog earlier rather than later. If you are uncomfortable with this, you can ask a dog groomer to do this.
Dog care is important to having a wonderful relationship with your dog, so spend time on it, invest in dog training - either your time or a profession.
Enjoy your dog.