| Bringing a dog into your life, is just like adding a | | | | reduces problem behavior such as biting or running |
| new family member. Bringing up doggie may not | | | | away? Check with your vet as to when to |
| be the same as bringing up baby, but remarkably | | | | schedule this routine surgical procedure for your |
| some basics are similar. | | | | puppy. If you are adopting an adult dog there is |
| 1. The Dog House | | | | not wait time necessary. Do your part in reducing |
| Give your dog a home - literally. Make sure that | | | | pet overpopulation. |
| somewhere in your house there is a home for | | | | 5. Chef not necessary - a good diet is. |
| your dog. It can be a separate small room or a | | | | In the country where I grew up there were no |
| corner of the family room, but it should be | | | | pet stores or prepared pet foods then, so mom |
| designated as his space. Some people put a dog | | | | became the dog chef and cooked for our dogs. |
| crate lined with soft, washable bedding in a | | | | Rice was the basic and she would put various |
| separate part of the house to which the dog can | | | | meats or fish and even veggies into a big pot and |
| retire when the family does. Having his own | | | | cook it for several hours. Today it is not |
| "house" within the house, gives him a sense of | | | | necessary to cook for our dogs. Choose a good |
| security. If an extra room is not available, put his | | | | nutritious diet for your dog. There are many good |
| bed in a nice corner of the family room. Some | | | | national brands that you can purchase at any |
| families designate a soft chair for their pet - I'm | | | | good pet store. Small, boutique style |
| not too keen on this as it's not practical to keep it | | | | manufacturers are also on the increase. Fresh |
| clean. | | | | ingredients, shorter shelf life, no preservatives are |
| If you have a fenced in back yard get an outdoor | | | | some of the benefits of buying a localized brand. |
| doghouse for those times when you may want | | | | Again, check with your vet. Be sure there is |
| to have your dog outside - particularly during the | | | | always fresh water available. |
| non-winter months. A dog house provides shelter | | | | 6. Doggie School. |
| from the rain or the hot noonday sun. Do not | | | | A well mannerered dog is a pleasure to hold and |
| however, make a practice of leaving your dog | | | | to behold. If your own training efforts are not |
| out all the time. Dogs are social animals and love | | | | paying off, take your pooch to a local trainer. |
| being with their humans. | | | | Select several to interview. Ask which method of |
| 2. Dress Right | | | | training they use (some training methods may be |
| At the very least your dog will need a collar, lead | | | | harsh) and as always, ask for references or |
| and an ID tag. I have seen some really smart | | | | check with the local shelter for names of |
| looking lead and collar sets and when I see dogs | | | | reputable trainers in your area. |
| out on walks. Judging from the way they strut | | | | 7. Daily Walkies |
| you'd think that they are aware of their | | | | Exercise regularly. Depending on the breed and |
| appearance! You will get an ID tag when you | | | | size of your dog, the amount of daily exercise will |
| license your dog, but I really like the customized | | | | vary - clearly a greyhound will need a lot more |
| ones - they add to your dog's appearance and | | | | exercise than say a St. Bernard. Both are big |
| are not at all costly. | | | | dogs but their exercise needs differ. Walking your |
| If you live in a cold winter climate and doggie is | | | | dog is a dual benefit - its as good for you as it is |
| short haired, he will be a much happier camper | | | | for him. If yours is a small dog taking him |
| with a nice dog coar or sweater. Those windy | | | | everywhere in its posh carrier does not qualify as |
| Chicago winters can be just as hard on your pet | | | | exercise. Be sure to put him down on the |
| as they are on you. Dress well. | | | | pavement or grass and let him walk! |
| 3. Get a Vet | | | | 8. Control |
| A vet is as important for your dog as a doctor is | | | | Remember this cardinal rule: off property, on lead. |
| for you. When you get a puppy most | | | | I can think of only two exceptions: doggie parks |
| vaccinations will already have been given by the | | | | and a deserted country side. |
| breeder but it's a good idea to introduce your | | | | 9. Last but not least, be patient. |
| puppy to his vet as soon as possible. Regular | | | | Your new dog needs time to learn how to live in |
| checkups will keep your dog healthy and if you | | | | his new surroundings, how to behave with his new |
| travel with your dog, you may need to get | | | | family, what is acceptable behavior. Your new |
| regular booster shots. Select your vet with care. | | | | family member will give you unconditional love and |
| 4. Spay or Neuter. | | | | loyalty- give him a good start with love and |
| Did you know that spaying or neutering your dog | | | | loyalty from you! |
| actually promotes better health, a longer life and | | | | |