To be happy and Healthy, your dog will need the
following:
• Constant access to a bowl of fresh, clean
drinking water
• A nutritionally balanced diet
• A safe place to eliminate outside (if she’s not
being litter-trained)
• Some daily exercise
If she hasn’t had any yet, your new dog will also
need some Training. Investigate the dog trainers
in your area and pick out one who uses humane
methods. Humane trainers do not use chain or
prong collars, nor do they advocate yanking on
or lifting the dog by the collar. If you haven’t
had any experience with the role of leader (i.e.,
this is your first dog), you will also benefit from
the training classes. Your dog needs you to be
the leader. If you don’t function as the leader,
your dog will start making decisions on her
own, some of which may be inappropriate or
dangerous.
Your dog also needs daily, loving interaction
with you and a social life. Socialize your dog by
bringing him on car rides, letting him be around
children and other dogs, taking him to the
groomer, shopping with him at pet food stores
(some of them let you bring your dog in), and
walking him in public places.
Strive for structure and consistency in your
dog’s daily routine to give him a healthy feeling
of stability as a member of the family. The
relationship between your family and your new
family member can be great if you are patient
and positive.
You should also select a veterinarian with whom
you are comfortable, since you’ll need to bring
your dog in for regular checkups. Finally, find
out what the local dog laws are (such as leash
laws) and what the licensing requirements are
for dogs in your area.
following:
• Constant access to a bowl of fresh, clean
drinking water
• A nutritionally balanced diet
• A safe place to eliminate outside (if she’s not
being litter-trained)
• Some daily exercise
If she hasn’t had any yet, your new dog will also
need some Training. Investigate the dog trainers
in your area and pick out one who uses humane
methods. Humane trainers do not use chain or
prong collars, nor do they advocate yanking on
or lifting the dog by the collar. If you haven’t
had any experience with the role of leader (i.e.,
this is your first dog), you will also benefit from
the training classes. Your dog needs you to be
the leader. If you don’t function as the leader,
your dog will start making decisions on her
own, some of which may be inappropriate or
dangerous.
Your dog also needs daily, loving interaction
with you and a social life. Socialize your dog by
bringing him on car rides, letting him be around
children and other dogs, taking him to the
groomer, shopping with him at pet food stores
(some of them let you bring your dog in), and
walking him in public places.
Strive for structure and consistency in your
dog’s daily routine to give him a healthy feeling
of stability as a member of the family. The
relationship between your family and your new
family member can be great if you are patient
and positive.
You should also select a veterinarian with whom
you are comfortable, since you’ll need to bring
your dog in for regular checkups. Finally, find
out what the local dog laws are (such as leash
laws) and what the licensing requirements are
for dogs in your area.
