For many children, their very first friends are not other kids but rather a dog. Dogs are not just pets that we play with when we feel bored. It’s a lifetime responsibility. In fact, they become our little furry buddies that spend our days with us and we have a great responsibility towards them.
Parents should be responsible for instilling a sense of responsibility in their children towards pets. The younger the child, the more time you need to invest in teaching them how to treat their pet. There is a great joy that comes along with owning a dog, yet there are a lot of things to take care of in order to keep your pet healthy and happy.
If you have just welcomed a new dog into your family, it is time to learn all the best ways to make it happy and healthy. In return, you will get many years of happiness and joy with your little pal. So, let’s get started.
One of the tasks you can take on is helping your parents feed the dog. When your furry buddy is still a little puppy, it needs more meals than an adult dog. Thus, you can pitch in and take turns with your other family members in feeding your pet friend. Make sure you set their meals at specific times and let them get used to it.
Also, ask your parents about the quantity you need to give to your pet. The smaller the size of the dog, the less it eats. Smaller breeds eat less than bigger ones, so make sure you know enough information about your new friend. However, puppies eat more frequent meals, around 3 to 4 meals a day while adult dogs can have 1 or 2 big meals a day. Assist in Cleaning After Potty Breaks
Just like us, dogs and puppies need to stay hydrated in order to be healthy and have their little bodies function optimally. It is ideal to remember to give your dog water along with every meal so you are sure they stay hydrated. Also, give them more water during the hot days so they don’t suffer from heat strokes.
When your dog is still a puppy and in the training period, don’t give them free access to water. They still have no control over their bladders and can over-drink and mess with your place indoors. However, make sure you don’t deprive them of water when they need it. When the pet gets older, you can leave a bowl of water somewhere they know and they will drink it whenever they’re thirsty.
Pets need constant grooming, especially ones with long hair. It is not an easy task, so you may watch how your parents deal with the dog during showering, hair brushing, and other cleaning techniques. Puppies are harder to handle as they are a little stubborn and are still afraid of water in many cases.
However, older dogs, especially ones that are well-trained, are easier to wash, brush their hair, and clean them when needed. Watch your parents closely and once you get the grips of it, you can take turns in taking this responsibility and grooming your own pet.
Dogs are energetic creatures that love doing exercises throughout the day. Also, taking your dog for walks on a daily basis help with their bowel movement and energy balance. After each meal, consider taking your pet for a stroll around the house, so they can eliminate outside the house and exert some effort.
A healthy dose of activity helps your dog stay calm and less anxious, especially during the night. Dogs that don’t get enough activity time and stimulation tend to be hyperactive at night and refuse to sleep during the usual bedtime.
Dogs are known to be super social creatures. They are accustomed to staying in packs and close to their family members. When the dog lives among humans inside a house, it considers the family members their own pack. They don’t like spending prolonged hours on their own, especially when they are still babies.
Make sure you stay around your pet and play with it for, at least, ten to fifteen minutes every day. Get them used to your petting and shower them with love and kisses because dogs can actually fall into depression, like human beings. It is okay to leave your pet on its own for a while when you have important things to do, just make sure it doesn’t turn into a usual habit.
There may be times when you want to enjoy your pet’s playful side, yet it keeps tucking itself into a corner and putting itself to sleep. One thing you need to know is that most animals sleep for prolonged hours and dogs are no different, especially when they are still young puppies. Puppies sleep for around 18 hours a day, dividing them into different nap sessions.
The older the dog gets, the less sleep it needs. Thus, when you find your little buddy lying down, let them be. You may even take this time to enjoy yourself by playing your favourite video games or getting your homework done. Once the pet gets up, you can have some more playing sessions and bond with your furry pal.
Puppies still don’t have the strength to hold their bladder for so long. You will need to take them out for potty breaks every time you think they may eliminate. Otherwise, they will keep soiling inside the house. Times that your dog need to go potty are after naps, after play sessions, post meals, and when they drink lots of water.
Take them out after these times, so they learn that their toilet spot lies outside the house. When it gets older, it will start communicating to you when it needs to go out rather than eliminating wherever they are. Potty training your puppy needs some patience. Make sure you take them out to the same spot every time and hold a treat for when they poop or pee at the right spot.
Pet friends can be really funny and obedient when you teach them right when they are young. Take the time to teach your puppy different commands and bear with them. Such trainings take time and need lots of patience. Try putting them on a leash to help guide them.
Your pet will be resistant to the leash at first, so give them time to adapt to it. Make their leash time one that is fun and enjoyable for them. Play with it when it is on the leash and teach it some cues and give treats. Over time, the dog will start being obedient and more communicative.
Dogs love exploring the surrounding world with their mouth. They start chewing on anything that you may accidentally drop on the way. While some things are harmless, others can be fatal to the dog, even if it is food. For that very reason, make sure you are aware of the list of foods that you should never give to your dog.
Sharing your food with your little pet can be nice and generous but not when you give them something toxic. Most sugary foods are a big no to dogs. Don’t ever give it grapes, chocolates, or anything that is heavily seasoned. Base their daily diet on fresh food, vegetables, and proteins.
Your parents will be on your team when it comes to taking care of your little puppy. However, when you start taking more responsibilities on your own, your parents may pitch out and let you take the lead.
In case you noticed any change in your dog’s behaviour, make sure you communicate it with your parents. Some dogs develop a sense of aggression over time and they need to be trained. Also, any drop in your dog’s activity level can be a sign of sickness, so make sure you don’t wait or take too long.
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