Your dog gives you a lifetime of unconditional love, loyalty, and friendship. In return, she counts on you to provide her with food, water, safe shelter, regular veterinary care, exercise, companionship, and more. Take care of these 10 essentials, and you’ll be assured to develop a rewarding relationship with your canine companion.

1. External Identification. Outfit your dog with a collar and ID tag that includes your name, address, and telephone number. No matter how careful you are, there’s a chance your companion may become lost—an ID tag greatly increases the chance that your pet will be returned home safely. The dog’s collar should not be tight; it should fit so two fingers can slip easily under his collar.

Microchip Identification. Have your dog microchipped by your veterinarian. Microchip ID will ensure that your dog will be returned to you if he is lost, even if his collar came off. When scanned by a veterinarian or animal shelter, your phone number, address and other vital information will show and you can be contacted.

2. Follow local laws for licensing your dog and vaccinating him for rabies. Check with your local animal shelter or humane society for information regarding legal requirements, where to obtain tags, and where to have your pet vaccinated.

3. Follow this simple rule—off property, on leash. Even a dog with a valid license, rabies tag, and ID tag should not be allowed to roam outside of your home or fenced yard. It is best for you, your community, and your dog to keep your pet under control at all times.

4. Give your dog proper protection. A fenced yard with a doghouse is a bonus, especially for large and active dogs; however, dogs should never be left outside alone or for extended periods of time. Dogs need and crave companionship and should spend most of their time with their family, not alone outside.

5. Take your dog to the veterinarian for regular check-ups. If you do not have a veterinarian, ask your local animal shelter or a pet-owning friend for a referral and check out our information on choosing a veterinarian.

6. Spay or neuter your dog. Dogs who have this routine surgery tend to live longer, be healthier, and have fewer behavior problems (e.g., biting, running away). By spaying or neutering your dog, you are also doing your part to reduce the problem of pet overpopulation. This link can help in finding low-cost spay and neuter clinics in your area.

7. Give your pooch a nutritionally balanced diet, including constant access to fresh water. Ask your veterinarian for advice on what and how often to feed your pet. Dietary requirements change as dogs get older, and a dog’s teeth need to be cleaned and monitored regularly to ensure he can eat properly.

8. Enroll your dog in a training class. Positive training will allow you to control your companion’s behavior safely and humanely, and the experience offers a terrific opportunity to enhance the bond you share with your dog. Check out our information on choosing a dog trainer.

9. Give your dog enough exercise to keep him physically fit (but not exhausted). Most dog owners find that playing with their canine companion, along with walking him twice a day, provides sufficient exercise. Walking benefits people as much as it benefits dogs, and the time spent together will improve your dog’s sense of well-being. If you have questions about the level of exercise appropriate for your dog, consult your veterinarian.

10. Be loyal to and patient with your faithful companion. Make sure the expectations you have of your dog are reasonable and remember that the vast majority of behavior problems can be solved. Remember, not all “behavior” problems are just that; many can be indicators of health problems. For example, a dog who is suddenly growling or snapping when you touch his ears may have an ear infection. If you are struggling with your pet’s behavior, contact your veterinarian or local animal shelter for advice, and check out our behavior tip sheets, too.

Homecoming Gear

• Collar and Leash
• ID tag
• Carrier, Cage or Crate
• Bed
• Food
• Food and Water Bowls
• Food Storage Bin
• Dog Care Book
• Toys

Basic Grooming/Hygiene Gear

• Brush and Comb
• Nail Clippers
• Shampoo
• Dental Care
• Ear Care
• Pooper Scooper

Services

• Veterinarian
• Groomer
• Trainer



]]> http://www.dog-pawlor.com/new-dog-check-list/feed/ 0 http://www.dog-pawlor.com/spay-neuter/ http://www.dog-pawlor.com/spay-neuter/#comments Mon, 11 Jan 2010 01:54:29 +0000 Noriko http://dog-pawlor.com/?p=27 Pet overpopulation is a very serious problem. In the United States, millions of dogs and cats enter shelters across the county each year and most of them are euthanized, simply because there are not enough homes for all of them. One way to reduce this sad problem is to spay and neuter your pets.

The reason why dogs and cats mate is not because they are emotionally in love with each other. Their reproductive organs produce sex hormones and their instinct to mate is driven by these hormones. Since they have no control over this instinctive behavior, it is their owners・obligation to control breeding of their pets and spaying and neutering are the most effective ways to control unwanted and unplanned breeding.

So, what is exactly spaying and neutering? Spaying is surgically removing reproductive organs of female animals. Neutering is surgically removing testicles of male animals. Procedures are given under general anesthesia by licensed veterinarians and usually require minimal hospitalization. Procedures can be done as early as eight weeks of age, but the average age at which pets are spayed and neutered is four months.

In addition to reducing pet overpopulation, spaying and neutering reduces many health risks and unwanted behavior problems. Spaying decreases a chance of having breast cancer and eliminates the possibility of having ovarian or uterine cancers. Neutering decreases a chance of having prostate disease and eliminates the possibility of having testicular cancer. Thus, spayed and neutered pets live longer and have healthier lives.

Many behavior problems such as roaming, aggression and excessive mounting can be reduced simply by spaying and neutering. An altered dog does not have the urge to roam in search of a mate. Free roaming increases chances of getting hit by a car and engaging in fights with other dogs. Altered dogs are less territorial and show less signs of aggression.

Benefits of spaying and neutering are innumerous. If your dog is not spayed or neutered, why not call your veterinarian today and schedule a surgery?



]]> http://www.dog-pawlor.com/spay-neuter/feed/ 0 http://www.dog-pawlor.com/new-dog-preparation/ http://www.dog-pawlor.com/new-dog-preparation/#comments Sun, 10 Jan 2010 20:59:46 +0000 Noriko http://dog-pawlor.com/?p=22 So, you two finally found each other. Congratulations! You will be enjoying your new buddy for many years to come. This is an exciting brand new experience for both you and your new dog and good preparation will lead you to a successful transition.

Here are some tips for a smooth transition:

• Prepare basic supplies such as a collar, leash, identification tag, food and water bowls, dog food, treats, dog bed, crate and toys.
• Buy a book or two on dog care and read, so that you know what to expect.
• Decide where your new dog is going to spend his day and dog proof the area. If you are keeping him outside, make sure your fence and gates are secure.
• Try to schedule a welcome home on days you can be home with your new dog.
• Make an appointment with a veterinarian for a checkup.
• Dogs are pack animals. Make sure that your new dog knows that you are the boss from the start.

Keep this in you mind – your dog will need some time to adjust to new surroundings. He may be a bit nervous for a while, but be patient and he will soon open up and adjust to his new life.



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