So, you’ve just got a dog and you already love him; he’s cute, cuddly and already lighting up the place. You want to take good care of him and ensure that he’s always happy, right? Well in that case, here are a few things you, and every dog owner needs to know:
You Need Pet Insurance
Dogs are exuberant, which means that they can often get into mischief. Not only that, but even dogs that have been well taken care of can get sick from time to time. That means, if you don’t want to be scrambling around for expensive vet’s fees, you need pet insurance to ensure that your pet can be taken care of in their time of need. It’s worth noting that most pet insurance policies will not cover your pet for conditions caused by a lack of pet vaccinations, amongst other things, so its important to stay on top of them, and check the small print so you can get the best possible deal and keep your pooch protected.
Some Foods are Off Limits
We like to treat our dogs, but there are some foods that should definitely be off-limits, because they are simply not safe for dogs, Things like chocolate, onions and raisins can cause serious illness and even death. You can find a full list of foods that are toxic to dogs here. Read it and remember it, and make sure that everyone else who is in contact with your dog knows about it too.
Dogs Need Lots of Attention and Affection
There are some people who think that to give your dog affection is to spoil them, but the thing is dogs are pack animals and they are loving. Yes, they need to know their place in the family ‘pack’ but that doesn’t mean that you can’t also shower them with affection, and it certainly doesn’t mean they should be left to their own devices for long periods of time, Playing games with your dog is a great way to bond, and it will help them to feel happy and secure in their place with you.
They Need Lots of Exercise Too
Exercise is good for your dog’s physical and mental health. You absolutely need to walk your animals every day and for the right amount of time for their breed. Doing so will help them to stay happy, calm and stress-free. You'll need a collar and a durable leash or harness for this.
Positive Reinforcement is Key
When it comes to training your dog, punishment will not work. It will simply make your dog afraid and potentially cause him to act out even more. Dogs learn best when there are positive rewards for good behaviour. So, simply ignore them when they do something wrong - any attention is good attention to dogs when they’re acting out - and reward them when they do something right. Your efforts will pay off.
Dogs Love Rules
Having rules in place is good for your pet. Dogs feel safer when they know what is and is not permitted. So, don’t be afraid to put some house rules into place.
