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Taking care of a pet is lifelong responsibility. Well, perhaps not all of your life but if it is a dog then up to 18 years at least. While puppies are a lot of fun, and hard work for everyone, dogs bring a lot of joy too. Pooches are among the most loyal of companions you are ever likely to come across, they will be there for you on dark and stormy nights, and there for you just the same at 6 am in the morning when you are up early with no idea why you’re awake. It takes more than food and water to keep a dog safe, so here are some tips to keep man’s best friend safe and happy.
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Firstly, and perhaps most importantly, dogs are loving and loyal, and they don’t expect much but to get this back from their master will make them as happy as they can be. Show the patience when they are learning new skills, like sit and stay when they are small. Lots of fuss and affection.
Get active. There are hundreds of breeds, and some need much more physical activity than others, so hopefully, you choose a breed that works with the amount of walking and exercise that you like. Keeping them moving keeps them healthy. Playing in the yard, plus a walk is ideal for most dogs.
What they eat is very important. The odd biscuit or sweet isn’t good for them, even something small can have a significant impact on any breed. You should ensure that you stick to the portion that is best for the weight and size of the dog, that is fresh down every day and that if you do have treats that they are appropriate. Keep an eye on their water too, and it’s important to put down a fresh bowl of water every morning and evening – more on hot days. Victor dog food has wide range of dog food for your pets over all health.
Be sensible and spay or neuter your dog. Some dog owners think that even though they are will their dog all the time, when a bitch is in heat and a dog is nearby it can be challenging to keep them apart. Not only that, but dogs who have been ‘fixed’ tend to live longer, and the males have less behavioural issues. This should be done within the first few weeks of you owning the dog but can be done at any time.
Read up on your breed. Some breeds come with specific dog health problems, if you are knowledgeable on what might impact your dog, you can be vigilant for particular signs.
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Something that can serve your dog, and you, well for years to come is the correct training. One or two classes isn’t going to be enough for getting your dog interested in the exercise or into the habits that they can teach. Look for local levels that run for around 12 weeks in basic training and commands. This will help her you pooch get used to other dogs, other people and learn them to focus only on you – even with a lot of distractions.
Get some insurance. When it comes to ill dogs, they can come with a lot of expensive issues. It is better that you have the correct insurances that can cover long-term illness, accidents, and even theft. When you first buy your puppy (from a reputable breeder) check what type of coverage they have for the parents and the company it is with.
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The right leash can keep you both safe. Some breeds love to run and will do so at every opportunity, even if you think they’re trained well enough not to. No matter how much you trust your dog, you cannot say for sure that it won’t chase a rabbit across a field, or spot another interesting dog, or just run out of your line of sight (even for a few seconds). The responsible thing here is to make sure you have the right harnesses, leash length, and where appropriate and extendable leash of the proper strength.
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This point somewhat ties in with the point above – make sure that your dog is wearing and easy to read identification tag. If you don’t have one, at the next opportunity go and buy one. In case your dog manages to escape or as above, runs too far when off the lead you’re going to want something easy to access for whoever finds your best friend.
Taking care of your dog in the long-term is about routine, rules, routine and a lot of love. In return, you’ll have a friend for life.
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