Understanding your dog

TIPS ON HOW TO UNDERSTAND YOUR                   DOG

Dogs won't ask to borrow the car, it costs very little to send them to school and you don't have to constantly tell them to clean their room, but they do have a few basic needs. Try these ten tips to forming a closer bond with your four-legged friend.

1. Dogs thrive on routine. It makes them feel safe when they can count on the same thing happening at the same time everyday. They have no problem fitting into your schedule as long as it's predictable. Please make time just for them. It makes them feel special and they always give back unconditionally in return.

2. Dogs need clean food and clean water. Try to keep a regular feeding schedule. Some dogs are fine with eating once a day but, it helps with digestion if they are fed two nutritious home-cooked meals a day. Older dogs especially do better eating smaller more frequent meals. Your dog's bowl should be washed every time you feed them. Healthy treats are always welcomed, but don't over do it. Your pet needs plenty of clean, fresh water for drinking. Standing water gathers bacteria, so I recommend refilling the water bowl every time you feed them.

3. Most dogs need at least forty-five minutes of exercise every day. It can be broken up into two twenty-five minute sessions, but be sure to make it their time. Don't pull on the lead or make them heel. Let your dog lead the walk. They are not only exercising physically, but mentally. Sniffing to a dog is like reading the paper. They catch up on who has been around and what condition the neighborhood is in. There are times for making your pet obey, but their daily walk is not one of them. Of course keep them under control for their safety, but let them explore. If you can do leash free all-the better.

4. Play games like hide-and-seek, retrieving, or build an obstacle course for both of you to run through. Games are not only fun, they are a great training tool as well. For instance, hide and seek teaches recall. Find a tree to get behind. Give your pal a few seconds then call their name so they know they need to look for you. Don't hide away for more than a few seconds. Dogs panic easily if they think they've been left.

5. Training is important. Dogs want to be a part of the family. Give them a chance to learn and understand house rules. Interacting with the family helps them to know where they fit in. Dogs love to learn, but teach with patience and kindness. I always tell my clients to teach with their brain not their ego. Dogs don't learn well in stressful situations. You will have much better results with positive reinforcement.

6. Dogs need a job to do. They need an activity that connects them to the family. It could be that they wake everyone up in the morning. It could be they walk with you while you take the garbage to the curb, or they can be responsible for killing bugs that enter the house. What ever it is let your whole family know, so they can reinforce the chore with your furry four-legged family member. And remember your dog will take his job seriously, so you should too.

7. All dogs with very few exceptions are indoor dogs. It is important to the dog's psychological make up for them to be in the house with you, as part of the family. Nothing hurts a dog more than being thrown out in the back yard away from their people. It breaks their socialization skills and it's cruel. If you don't want a dog inside your house then maybe you are more suited to have fish.

8. Dogs don't like being left alone for long periods of time, especially with nothing to do. Most of us work outside the home, but all your dog does is sit home and wait for you. They need things to do while you are away. So, start your pup's day with a good twenty-five minute walk. It will get rid of some of the pent up energy and walking is good for you too. There are toys made to stimulate your dog's brain. One great boredom buster is a kong. Fill it with peanut butter and freeze it. Give it to your dog just as you are leaving the house. It takes them hours to lick all the peanut butter out and they have a fun time working at it. Two dogs are better than one at alleviating loneliness. If you can afford to fit one into your home there are plenty that need to be adopted and watching them together provides hours of comic relief. Hire a dog walker to break up their day. It gives your pet a chance to relieve them self and they get human interaction while you are away.

9. Your dog needs your attention. Not as much as a child would, but they do require some one on one. This is not so easy after you've had a long day at work, but remember dogs are social animals and they need interaction. Your dog has been alone all day, to him it's playtime. Spend a few minutes with him, playing or walking. You may be surprised to find yourself catching some of their happy energy.

10. Your dog needs veterinarian care. Yearly check ups are important to catch situations before they get out of hand. Have their teeth checked, as good dental care can prevent a myriad of illnesses. If your pet is sick or injured don't wait, get them help and don't ever let them suffer in pain. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Responsible dog ownership means doing the things required to keep your pet healthy and happy. Take care of them like you do the other members of your family. They don't ask for much and they give back unconditionally.

A house is not a home without a dog.

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