by Mary Stephens

Created on: September 25, 2009

Caring for a dog is simple. The dog needs to eat, drink, relieve itself (bathroom breaks), play/exercise, sleep, and to be loved, trained, groomed, and taken for health check ups. Lets look at each of those factors of dogs life.

Food

Eating is a lot more important than many people think. The quote "What you eat is what you are" applies to dogs perfectly. Dog food has to be nutritious and balanced properly depending on your dog's size and energy level. Preparing your own dog food is the best, but if you don't have time, dry kibble is the second best choice. Buy only high quality dog food specifically for your dog's size and needs. Trying to save money on dog food by buying cheap food is really preparing yourself for high vet bills later on.

Drink

Give your dog plenty of water, especially on hot days. Dehydration is dangerous. Clean the water bowl often - it's common sense: if you wouldn't drink from a dirty glass, why should your dog.

Bathroom

It would be nice if your dog learned to go potty in the bathroom. You could try training him that way, but for now he needs to go outside a few times a day. It is horrible to hear people bragging: "my dog can hold it all day." That is torture. Let your dog relieve himself several times a day. If your are living your home and you are not sure for how long, you should either take the dog with you, take it to the kennel/friend/relative, or hire a sitter.

Play/Exercise

Exercise should involve play. Dragging your dog on a leash while you are riding a bike may be exercise, but it is not fun for the dog. Dogs are very playful by nature and the best type of exercises for them are the ones that involve play: fetching, playing ball (my dog loves soccer), splashing in the water, etc.

Sleep

A dog needs his own place for sleeping. This should not be your or your child's bed, but his own dog bed. If you crate train your dog, it is very likely that he might get used to sleeping there even when it is not locked.

Love

Dogs are full of love and affection and they need the same in return. Pet your dog often, play with him, and hug him.

Training

Train your dog while he is young, or he will be unruly and hard to manage later on. Besides potty training, your dog should know commands like sit, stay, come, down, and heal.

Grooming

Keeping your dog clean and groomed is not just for looks. It is also hygiene. It can prevent some health problems like ear and skin infections.

Health check ups

Regular vet visits are important. Your dog needs certain shots and needs to be checked out all around. It is an important preventative measure.

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