| It is crucial to learn how to take care of a dog well | | | | obtaining the EQUIPMENT they need |
| before taking ownership. A dog requires a serious | | | | Dogs need: |
| investment of the following resources: | | | | |
| | | | 1. A lead for walking in urban areas. |
| 1. Time | | | | 2. A collar and/with an identity label or tag. |
| 2. Energy | | | | 3. A bed and a dog blanket. |
| 3. Finances | | | | 4. A scoop to collect dog waste for disposal. |
| By the time you finish reading this article, the first | | | | 5. A good quality dog brush. |
| level of your education on how to take care of a | | | | Section 3: Learn how to take care of a dog by |
| dog will be complete. | | | | arranging for the TREATMENT they need |
| Below you will find 21 key factors involved. 11 are | | | | Dogs need: |
| under Basic Needs, 5 under Equipment, and 5 under | | | | |
| Treatment. | | | | 1. Regular checks and treatment for worms and fleas. |
| Section 1: Learn how to take care of a dog by being | | | | 2. Injections to protect against serious diseases: |
| aware of their BASIC NEEDS | | | | check with your vet. |
| Dogs need: | | | | 3. Regular teeth checkups by the vet. |
| | | | 4. Optional: Neutering. |
| 1. Toilet and obedience training. A lack of training in | | | | 5. Optional: Microchip implanting. |
| these two areas can result in frustration and | | | | Regarding the last two optional procedures, keep |
| inconvenience for the owner to say the least, and at | | | | these points in mind: |
| worst the dog could become a danger to their | | | | Apart from avoiding unwanted pregnancy, some |
| owners, the public, and to themselves. | | | | authorities say neutering can make a dog a better |
| 2. To be with other dogs or people. Leaving them | | | | pet. For example, neutered dogs tend to be less |
| alone for long periods can have a serious effect on | | | | dominant, and have a lesser tendency to roam and |
| their health and well being. Even being left alone for 4 | | | | mark territory. |
| or more hours a day can contribute to destructive | | | | Dog microchipping will allow you to easily locate your |
| behavior. | | | | dog in the event it gets lost or stolen. Regretfully |
| 3. To be brushed every day. This is especially | | | | many dogs end up with new owners, or are taken to |
| important if their coat has long hair. | | | | dog shelters, because their owners cannot find them. |
| 4. To have their teeth brushed and cleaned regularly. | | | | The microchip can forestall that heartbreaking |
| 5. Regular walks. How far and how often will depend | | | | scenario. |
| on the size and nature of the dog. | | | | The microchip is no larger than a grain of rice. The |
| 6. A well thought out, balanced diet. You may need | | | | procedure is no more painful than a vaccination as |
| to get advice from your vet. A good range of high | | | | the tiny chip is implanted under the loose skin over |
| protein, fat, and carbohydrates is needed to ensure | | | | the dog's shoulder. |
| the dog remains healthy. Often the prepared foods | | | | Give Careful Consideration |
| available in pet shops or supermarkets contain the | | | | The guidelines above emphasize the need to carefully |
| needed balance. | | | | think out dog ownership. However, this is just the |
| 7. Plenty of water: A bowl of fresh, clean water | | | | first part of the education. |
| should always be available. | | | | To have an in-depth understanding of how to take |
| 8. Space: a fenced in area for play and exercise. The | | | | care of a dog, you are well advised to have a good |
| area will need to be kept clean of dog waste to | | | | talk with a local veterinary surgeon who can answer |
| avoid a health hazard. | | | | specific questions relating to the type of dog that is |
| 9. A dry, warm place to sleep out of a draught. The | | | | best suited for your circumstances. |
| bedding should be aired each day and preferably | | | | Once you have decided on a particular breed, seek |
| washed or replaced weekly. | | | | out other owners of that breed and learn more |
| 10. Arrangements to be cared for when the owner | | | | about the characteristics of the dog and |
| take a vacation. | | | | considerations you will have to keep in mind. You will |
| 11. A vet so you can quickly take them in case of | | | | get a very accurate perspective by talking to other |
| sickness or emergency. Think out carefully your | | | | dog owners. |
| choice of a vet. What equipment and facilities does | | | | Learn how to take care of a dog well before |
| the surgery offer? What costs are involved? Does | | | | ownership and you will be rewarded with an |
| the vet communicate well with you so you feel | | | | intelligent, loyal friend who will give you unlimited fun |
| relaxed asking questions? | | | | and enjoyment! |
| Section 2: Learn how to take care of a dog by | | | | |