Saturday, April 5, 2014

The Items That Your Dog Really Needs

By Garrett McMahan


For those about to add a dog to their families, you might be wondering about what your dog needs. There are a few items that every dog needs, and these essential products will help keep them healthy and safe. The following suggestions are a just a few things every dog needs.

Pet stores are filled with accessories, toys and doggie clothes, but most of these items are not essential to the maintenance and care of your animal. While you might be tempted by many items, in the beginning, it's best to stick with basic items that will be used every day.

The basic dog gear includes a good quality collar and leash, as well as a set of pet bowls. The bowls range in cost and there are plenty of attractive options, but the most important consideration is that they be filled with the best possible food and plenty of water. When it comes to food, you can ask your veterinarian for advice or just continue feeding the dog the food he or she currently eats. If you wish to change the food, do so gradually as dog tummies can be quite sensitive. Make sure that water is always available and give their water dish a quick clean every day as debris such as food or dirt can end up in the water dish.

Surprisingly, the purchase of a collar can be a bit intimidating as there are so many different types to consider. In general, the collar should fit snugly without being too tight. Flat collars are the most common type of color and these usually are just fine, although some owners prefer a harness. If you have a dog such as a pug, which can be prone to breathing issues, or a Greyhound, which has a very slender neck, a harness can be a great option. Generally, a six-foot-long leash is about all you will need to ensure that your dog is comfortable when walking. The most important thing to remember is that you need to put the license tag and identification tag on the collar in case you become separated from your dog.

As far as supplies go, that's usually all you need at first. One thing that all dogs also do need is obedience training. Every dog should be taught the basic obedience skills that will keep them safe, so while you might be considering putting off dog training until you get to know your dog better, the sooner you start training, the better. Obedience training can teach them to stay, sit, lie down and walk properly on their leash. In addition, a dog that stays or comes when you call won't dash away out into traffic or up to another dog that might be unfriendly. To keep them safe from cars, other dogs, wild animals and other harm, training is essential. A well-trained animal is also simply more pleasant to be around and can be taken to many more places. You will enjoy your dog more, and he will be happier, too, because dogs love to please their owners.

Training definitely can seem a bit daunting, so rather than try to figure it out on your own, consider purchasing a dog training system such as The Dog's Way. These handy dog training videos make it easier to fit lessons into your schedule. The set includes 12 easy lessons as well as a workbook containing "homework" assignments, helpful self-assessments to gauge your progress and reminder cards that you can take to the park and out on walks. You also can access a special website that includes lessons on how to resolve many common behavior issues.




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