When you become a proud owner of a dog, a number of responsibilities come with it. A good dog owner is not a person that pampers the dog all the time, but who discharges the essential dog care duties responsibly. Let us see what you should do to be a responsible dog owner.
Keep His Medical Records Straight and Up to Date
Your dog’s health should be given the importance it deserves. Vaccinations and regular medical check-ups should be done at the right time, and their records should be saved for future reference. Establishing a rapport with a veterinarian is also part of the game.
Provide a Healthy Diet
Do not assume that what is good for you is good for the dog. Many things that we eat may be unhealthy for the dog, especially fast food. Do not feed your dog from the table.
Give him good quality dog food that provides him a balanced diet containing all the necessary nutrients in the right proportion. It is difficult to achieve this balance in home-cooked food, so commercial dog food is your best bet.
Give Your Dog Outdoor Time
Whether your dog seems to be content to stay inside the home or not, you should take him out for regular walks and for a game or two. The natural world is the real home of dogs although many breeds have become acclimatized to indoor life.
The fresh air and the sights and sounds of the great outdoors stimulate and invigorate the dog physically and mentally. High-energy dogs find a good outlet for their pent-up energy when they spend time outside. This helps them to be calmer inside the house.
Socialize The Dog
Socialization from a very early age is important in developing a wholesome personality. Socialize the dog by taking him out to parks, other people’s homes, and on public transport.
It teaches your dog how to behave in different situations and in the presence of strange dogs and people. If the dog is unsocialized, he may behave aggressively when he feels threatened in a new situation. Even small, homebound dogs need to have opportunities to socialize.
Respect Your Dog
Your dog is not a cuddly toy or your child. Dogs are pack animals. The position of the dog in your family is more akin to his place in the pack. You should ensure that every member of the family, including children, is above the dog in the hierarchy, but his position in the hierarchy should be respected as well.
Do not treat him like an evergreen baby; it spoils him and encourages him to misbehave. You do not want your children to misbehave, so how can you promote such behavior in the dog? As you can see very well, all the above things are quite practical, so, being a responsible dog owner is not such a difficult task.
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