You might be a good dog owner, but there’s always room for improvement. When they’re well cared for, dogs can be loyal companions, reliable friends, and beloved family members and while there’s no magic recipe to teach you how to be a great dog owner, there are several things that you can do to ensure that your pup is getting the love and care they need.
The following are some of our tried-and-tested tips that will help you be the best dog parent you can be.
Being overweight is just as bad for dogs as it is for humans, and a great dog owner understands that while dogs may love it, certain human food and excessive treats are bad for their pup’s health. As the passionate dog fanatics at Dog Embassy explain, a well-balanced diet plays an extremely important role in providing your dog with the energy to live their life to the fullest. So, instead of overdoing it with treats and human food, make an effort to formulate a balanced, quality diet for your pup and keep their meals consistent while limiting treats for special occasions. When buying dry food for your furry friend, take the time to look up the ingredients to make sure that they’re getting all the nutrition they need.
Providing your pup with water is one of the most basic responsibilities that you have as a dog owner; however, to be a great dog owner, you need to make sure that the water is fresh and that their water bowl is regularly cleaned. Unclean water or dirty water bowl can cause slime and bacteria to build up in the bowl, consequently making your pup sick.
Caring about the overall health and well-being of your pup requires more than just the periodic visits to the vet. Besides the regular veterinary checkups, great dog parents perform a snout-to-tail check-up on their pooches every day. Not only does giving your dog a daily inspection teaches them to accept being touched, should they need it in an emergency, but it also allows you to become familiar with their body, enabling you to quickly notice any changes that could’ve happened overnight like a tick, a cut, a bump, etc.
A responsible dog owner knows that allowing their dog to jump on the furniture one day and then forbidding it the next is confusing and unkind. Dogs thrive on consistent rules and regular boundaries so if you want your pup to follow your rules, make sure that you, the dog owner, will stick to it as well. By establishing leadership, clear and consistent boundaries will make it easier for you to raise a well-behaved pup.
Dogs require regular exercise to be healthy and happy, and a simple daily walk is a great way to give your dog the exercise they need. Regular walks also allow your pooch to experience the world and be enriched by it, so while you’re out on your walk, take the time to let them sniff the bushes to get to know their environment.
Different breeds require different levels of exercise, from a quick walk around the neighborhood to at least an hour of walking every day. To determine how much and how often you should be walking your dog, look up your dog’s breed characteristic online or consult with your vet.
All dogs are born with an instinct to bite, chew, and chase, but all too often, these instincts are usually why they get in trouble in the human world. Great dog parents understand this and encourage their pups to satisfy their natural instincts and express their nature in a safe way. Give your pup puzzles, chew toys, tennis balls, or any other toys that will allow them to practice their natural canine behaviors in a healthy manner. Don’t worry if you go overboard with the toys; they won’t spoil them, but they’ll keep them mentally stimulated and entertained.
Seeing to your dog’s every need is a lot of work. It takes time and patience to be a great parent to your pup, but sooner rather than later, you’ll find that it’s well worth the effort. Make the most of your one-of-a-kind relationship with your pup by using our tips to make your furry companion happy, healthy, and safe, and in return, you’ll be rewarded with unconditional love and affection.
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