London Dog Care

For new and experienced dog owners, the care of our animals is one thing that we lose sleep over and (shock!) we talk to our partners about. They are our best friends. A dog’s care is very similar to ourselves, us humans. If we spend time on ourselves, we should consider doing the canine version for our dogs. Dogs give 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.

We help our clients with our book "Dog Training - The Three Way Method" that can help with topics such as dog obedience training.

Care for your dog starts before he gets home for the first time. Before you choose your new dog, do consider 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 your new 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 a baby/youngster. You will have checked the house for things that can fall, trap or poison your loved one. Dog walkers are often asked for advice so here is more information on puppy proofing a home. Though we hope that we do not need it and, if you have it you never use it, have you bought pet insurance? This will allow you to cater for any veterinary bills, as they occur, so you never have any difficult decisions to make because 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 fewer 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 could be avoided by good dog training and a greater understanding of dog behaviour by the general population, especially children.

Just like us, for the best dog care 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', athough by nature he will want to be near you. Do you have the gear needed for the best dog care? Collars, brushes, leads, training crates, bed(s)?

If the dog is a real baby, a puppy, their care is more specific as they go through the various stages of growth. Regular human interaction is often needed so day care visits twice a day are often requested in these important early days.

You also need to consider a plan for dog training and dog socialisation so that your puppy is at ease in all the situations it will meet.

Good dog day care is based on a good daily routine. Build in the training so plan to do at least one lesson a day, with dog clicker training. Ten minutes a day is all you need. Your dog will also need food! Good nourishment is based on the same principles as for humans. In fact, it is perhaps even more important for your pet than for you. Ensure that he has a routine of eating and a variety of foods put down in his bowl. As for us, avoid too many treats (only as part of our balanced diet!). Certainly discourage giving food to the dog from the table. It is difficult to stop dogs begging at the table if it’s worked before.

Exercise is as important for your pet as for you. A dog's origin was based on walking long distances searching for food and most breeds have the stamina for walking more than ten miles a day. A daily one hour walk is probably the minimum to consider. If you do not have time, there are people such us who will do the dog walking for you. Exercise for dogs in London is a particular problem due to our 'busy lifestyles' and the lack of external space. This is the reason why a London dog walking service is so often used. Regular dog walking can also reduce problems such as dog separation anxiety.

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, rather as the equivalent to having 'quality time', which I am sure you have with your partner and your children.

Whilst you will probably need to wash your dog with water sometimes after 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 and those who are of the once every six months brigade (as I said they are similar to us!). The right frequency is very dependent on the dog, short or long haired, interior or exterior lifestyle and breed. The dog's hair has essential oils that you can wash out so I would err on the side of caution.

Cutting a dog's claws 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 it for you.
Dog care is important to having a wonderful relationship with your dog, so spend time on it and invest in dog training - either by you or a professional.

Enjoy your dog!