How to Be a Good Dog Owner

from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit

If you have a dog, or have just gotten a pup, you know all about the unconditional love your pet gives. You want to give back to your loyal canine, but how? Read the advice given below.

Steps

1. Learn to groom your dog yourself. It is a great time for you to bond with your dog. Take your dog to the groomers when it isn't possible for you to groom properly. Grooming should be done on a daily basis.
   
2. Take your dog out for two long walks each day. 'Long' means about thirty minutes. He needs the exercise, and this will become a good habit for both of you. However, if you have a small breed or a puppy, you might want to start out with less and gradually work your way up.
   
3. Crate train your dog. This means he needs to sleep in his crate from the beginning. A crate is your dogs home (den) and his security.
   
4. Make sure you reward and compliment your pup when he does something right. Give him a treat, or go 'Good boy! Great job!' in an excited voice.
   
5. When your pup is young, take him to a training classes. Teach him basic commands such as 'Sit', 'Stay', 'Down' and 'Heel' and how to walk on a leash. Training will also give you tips on how to control him and better his behavior.
   
6. Let your pooch to know how to act around other dogs by giving him social interaction. If you don't have another dog introduce to him to dogs you know (example: your best friends pooch).
   
7. Be sure you license your dog. Dog tags are important for your dog to have and microchips are affordable so you can get your dog back if he runs away.
   
8. Go to www.mypetpages.webs.com for more information.
   

Tips

• Be patient with puppies. It takes time for them to learn.
  
• Give your dog the right toys and bones for when you can't pay attention to them.
  
• Don't go overboard with expensive toys. Dogs love the inexpensive ones too! An old washrag dampened with water, tied in a knot and frozen is a great treat for teething puppies.
  

Warnings

• Never be too strict or harsh to your dog. Remember that your precious pooch does have feelings and give them lots of love.
  
• Don't ever use violence with them!
  
• Use a newspaper to get your dog's attention in a dangerous situation by swatting the air near your dog to elicit a sound from the paper and distract your dog. Do not hit the dog with it or your hand, otherwise your dog may not trust you or be afraid of your hands.
  

Related wikiHows

• How to Understand Dogs and Their Environments
  
• How to Clean Dogs Ears
  
• How to Get Help for Dogs with Canine Epilepsy
  
• How to Prevent Heat Stroke in Dogs
  
• How to Detect Diabetes in Dogs
  

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