The Golden Rules Of Owning A Dog

One of the best family pets that you could ever have is a dog. They are loyal, attentive, funny creatures that just seem to get us. The problem is that dogs aren’t just funny creatures: they’re members of the family and you need to learn what it’ll take to make sure that you are a good dog owner. You want a dog, and that’s wonderful, but unless you learn the rules, having a dog won’t be the wonderful experience you expect – it can be stressful instead. 

Dogs help you to thrive as a person and they can make you a more understanding and compassionate individual. You have a whole host of new responsibilities when you become a dog owner, from learning about their food to Dog Training to ensure that they can be let off the lead. You need to pay attention to the needs of your dog, and when you do that, you raise a happy, healthy pup that will love you for life. Below, we’ve outlined some of the golden rules of owning a dog – but these aren’t limited to this list! 

1. Dogs need your love and respect. They are animals who will give you unlimited loyalty, but if you don’t respect their boundaries and love them, they will not show you that same love. 
2. Never abandon or hurt your dog. They feel all the feelings, just like we do. If you need help with your dog, ask your local shelter for some pointers and speak to a local dog training academy. You do not have to worry about your dog biting you if you ask for help.
3. Always get your dog “fixed” if you have no intention to breed them. Your dog does not deserve the discomfort of other dog’s attention if they aren’t bred for that.
4. If you don’t ensure that you get your dog to the vet regularly, you are likely to miss out on simple illnesses that can become complex. You need a good vet for your dog for their vaccinations and dental exams, so make sure that you start looking around from the moment you choose to get a dog at all.
5. Check the local laws as to which vaccines your dog will need. There are plenty of laws in place to ensure that your dog is safe and healthy, and you need to get your dog chipped, too, so that he can be easily identified if he gets lost.
6. It’s your responsibility to make sure that your dog is well-fed and looked after. Make sure that you know the best food for your dog so that they have healthy teeth, gums and digestion.
7. Grooming is so important for your dog. It isn’t just to keep him looking his best, but it ensures that his skin is as healthy as possible!
8. Dogs need exercise and socialization, so make sure that you are out every day twice a day. The exercise prevents aggression and stops your dog from tearing your house up!