If you are about to purchase your first dog or it's been a long time since you've had a dog, you probably could use a little guidance. Dogs definitely require a few essential items in order to make their lives as happy and healthy as possible. Here are just a few items your new dog definitely will need.
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.
When it comes to collars, this is an issue of some debate among dog owners. In general, you need to carefully measure your dog's neck and select a good quality collar that fits snugly but it not so tight that it is uncomfortable. Some owners use a harness instead of neck collar, and this is a solid choice for dog breeds that tend to have a more slender neck or has a pushed up type of nose or breathing issues. Dogs such as pugs and Greyhounds, for example, do well with a harness. The leash needs to be long enough for a comfortable walk, generally about six feet long is fine.
Obedience training is another essential that should be one of the first things on your doggie to-do list. While you might think it's more important to bond with your dog and just enjoy them when they first arrive, one of the best ways to bond and to make your life together as sweet as possible is through proper obedience training. Also, keep in mind that an untrained animal is not a safe animal. If your dog understands commands to sit and stay and go down, as well as not to run off when a door or gate is open, then they will be safe from other animals and potential traffic hazards or even just getting into brush or open space areas where there could be ticks, snakes or branches and bushes that could hurt them.
Most of us are unsure how to begin training and make it successful, so it's a good idea to purchase a set of dog training DVDs, such as The Dog's Way. This dog training program includes 12 easy-to-follow lessons to help teach all the basic commands, from walking properly while leashed to sitting, staying and lying down for an extended period of time. There are reminder cards that you can tote along on walks to help you practice skills, as well as a helpful workbook. In addition, if you purchase The Dog's Way, you will have access to a special website that provides training tips to help deal with many common dog issues, such as excessive barking and jumping.
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.
When it comes to collars, this is an issue of some debate among dog owners. In general, you need to carefully measure your dog's neck and select a good quality collar that fits snugly but it not so tight that it is uncomfortable. Some owners use a harness instead of neck collar, and this is a solid choice for dog breeds that tend to have a more slender neck or has a pushed up type of nose or breathing issues. Dogs such as pugs and Greyhounds, for example, do well with a harness. The leash needs to be long enough for a comfortable walk, generally about six feet long is fine.
Obedience training is another essential that should be one of the first things on your doggie to-do list. While you might think it's more important to bond with your dog and just enjoy them when they first arrive, one of the best ways to bond and to make your life together as sweet as possible is through proper obedience training. Also, keep in mind that an untrained animal is not a safe animal. If your dog understands commands to sit and stay and go down, as well as not to run off when a door or gate is open, then they will be safe from other animals and potential traffic hazards or even just getting into brush or open space areas where there could be ticks, snakes or branches and bushes that could hurt them.
Most of us are unsure how to begin training and make it successful, so it's a good idea to purchase a set of dog training DVDs, such as The Dog's Way. This dog training program includes 12 easy-to-follow lessons to help teach all the basic commands, from walking properly while leashed to sitting, staying and lying down for an extended period of time. There are reminder cards that you can tote along on walks to help you practice skills, as well as a helpful workbook. In addition, if you purchase The Dog's Way, you will have access to a special website that provides training tips to help deal with many common dog issues, such as excessive barking and jumping.
About the Author:
Garrett McMahan enjoys watching dog show. To get more details about obedience training videos, or to find the best dog training DVDs online, please visit the The Dogs Way site today.
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