For those who have never had a dog before but are ready to adopt a furry friend, you might have quite a few questions. All dogs need a few important accessories that they will use every day, but before you head to the pet store, here are a few helpful hints.
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.
For the collar, you need it to be snug enough to stay put but not so tight that it is uncomfortable. Many owners prefer using a harness to a neck collar, and this can be a good option for a dog with a slender neck such as a Greyhound or perhaps a dog breed prone to breathing difficulties such as the pug or the bulldog. For your leash, it simply needs to be sturdy, strong and long enough to be comfortable for you and your dog when you go out on a walk. Just be sure to place the dog's license and name tag on his or her collar or harness, as these are valuable bits of information.
Beyond these supplies, another highly important investment would be an obedience training program. Training truly should be one of your first considerations when you get your dog. Sometimes people simply wish to bond with an animal and feel training will inhibit the bonding process. However, nothing could be further from the truth. Training actually secures the bond and helps the dog understand what you expect, and you get to spend time together training which helps you both understand each other's temperaments. In addition, if your dog is untrained, they could be a danger to themselves or others. You need to feel comfortable that your dog will sit and stay, as well as not run away and come when called. Otherwise, they risk coming in contact with vehicles and even other animals that could cause them to become injured or even killed.
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.
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.
For the collar, you need it to be snug enough to stay put but not so tight that it is uncomfortable. Many owners prefer using a harness to a neck collar, and this can be a good option for a dog with a slender neck such as a Greyhound or perhaps a dog breed prone to breathing difficulties such as the pug or the bulldog. For your leash, it simply needs to be sturdy, strong and long enough to be comfortable for you and your dog when you go out on a walk. Just be sure to place the dog's license and name tag on his or her collar or harness, as these are valuable bits of information.
Beyond these supplies, another highly important investment would be an obedience training program. Training truly should be one of your first considerations when you get your dog. Sometimes people simply wish to bond with an animal and feel training will inhibit the bonding process. However, nothing could be further from the truth. Training actually secures the bond and helps the dog understand what you expect, and you get to spend time together training which helps you both understand each other's temperaments. In addition, if your dog is untrained, they could be a danger to themselves or others. You need to feel comfortable that your dog will sit and stay, as well as not run away and come when called. Otherwise, they risk coming in contact with vehicles and even other animals that could cause them to become injured or even killed.
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.
About the Author:
Garrett McMahan enjoys watching dog show. To get more information about obedience training videos, or to find the best dog training DVDs online, please check out the TheDogsWay.com website now.
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