| We all want what's best for our pet but | | | | difference between an appropriate toy and your |
| sometimes we accidentally overlook the simplest | | | | shoe. It is your job to teach it. Dogs want to |
| ways to help them. | | | | please. Praise your dog constantly every time she |
| 1. Hot concrete burns paws. | | | | potties outside. At first, keep taking her outside |
| People seem to assume that since dogs go | | | | on a leash every half hour to make sure she |
| shoeless, they are immune to the heat and cold | | | | doesn't have accidents. |
| on the ground. This is not true. Nobody wants to | | | | If you catch her in the act inside, don't yell or |
| hurt their animal intentionally, but while you are | | | | scold, she will think you are angry at the act not |
| standing in a parking lot, leisurely having a | | | | the fact that its inside so encouragingly say |
| conversation or unpacking your bags, your dog's | | | | "outside," take her outside and praise her. She will |
| sensitive paws are scorching. | | | | catch on. Make sure to take her first thing in the |
| 2. Shelter from the elements | | | | morning and before bed. Puppies have to go out |
| It is illegal in some areas now to tie up or chain | | | | A LOT. Smaller dogs have smaller bladders. You |
| your dog, regardless of the conditions, but the | | | | can always invest in "puppy pads." As far as |
| worst offense is to do so where the animal has | | | | chewing, dogs are chewers so make sure you |
| no access to shelter from the elements. A cool | | | | have plenty of chewies and toys available. If she |
| shaded area away from the sun or a warm, | | | | has something inappropriate in her mouth, take it |
| enclosed area as a refuge from the cold are vital. | | | | out and replace it with her toy or chewie and |
| 3. Dogs, cats, and pet rodents are not "wild | | | | PRAISE. She will catch on. Again, hitting and yelling, |
| animals." | | | | especially after the fact does not work. A cat |
| Dogs are not meant to survive on their own | | | | with potty issues may be ill and you should see a |
| outside. People who want a "watchdog" need to | | | | vet. |
| understand that dogs are naturally protective of | | | | 8. Microchip your pet |
| their home and loved ones. A dog left outside all | | | | If your pet is lost, a microchip can reunite you |
| day and/or night will bark nonstop because they | | | | and keep your animal from being euthanized as a |
| are social animals that need companionship of | | | | stray. The shelters are very crowded and the |
| humans and to be part of the family and home. | | | | animals don't have alot of time. |
| They bark just like their wolf cousins howl. They | | | | 9. Spay and neuter your pet |
| are looking for their "pack." A dog who constantly | | | | Your pet will be healthier and happier, not roam, |
| barks will eventually be considered a nuisance and | | | | be less prone to cancers, and you will not be a |
| ignored if indeed an intruder even approaches the | | | | contributor to pet overpopulation and |
| home. | | | | euthanization. Let your pet recover in peace and |
| 4.. Fresh, clean water, | | | | quiet. Ask your vet for a next day painkiller pill. |
| Sufficient water changed daily in a bowl devoid of | | | | 10. Crating for long periods of time is cruel |
| debris is very important. Dirty water collects | | | | You will create a frustrated dog and you will |
| bacteria and can sicken or kill your animal. Dogs, | | | | become a frustrated owner. Imagine being |
| cats, birds, rabbits; all pets need plenty of water | | | | confined hour after hour, day after day. It's a |
| daily. Keep your eye on it. Denying water or only | | | | horrible existence and your animal will become a |
| providing it at certain times is cruel. Dogs, for | | | | behavioral nightmare. Anxious and depressed. |
| example must drink a lot because they pant as a | | | | 11. Pets need fun and exercise |
| way to cool themselves. | | | | Otherwise they will take their boredom out some |
| 5. Leaving your pet in the car | | | | other way. Leaving your dog in the yard is NOT a |
| These days your pet can be stolen or else if a | | | | solution. |
| thief decides to steal your vehicle, then your pet | | | | There is a misconception that dogs will "run |
| could be a sad casualty. Also, a car's temperature | | | | around and play" by themselves. Maybe for five |
| may feel appropriate to you, but the heat can | | | | minutes, but then the rest of the day they will |
| increase rapidly. A hot car can actually kill a dog. | | | | cry and bark, because they are depressed being |
| 6. Keep your pet inside during holidays | | | | left alone and not being allowed in "the cave" the |
| Fourth of July fireworks cause thousands of pets | | | | home, and away from people. Remember, dogs |
| to run away from home in terror and wind up on | | | | are sociable creatures, not lone animals meant to |
| the streets and shelters. | | | | live a solo existence with just a few minutes of |
| 7. Negative punishment doesn't work | | | | human time at night. |
| "Rubbing their nose in it" or hitting with a | | | | 12. Think before giving up your pet |
| newspaper are old, outdated, and ineffective | | | | Your pet is your family. They love and trust you. |
| ways to train a dog. Remember, a dog does not | | | | Moving or having a baby is no reason to give up |
| know that relieving itself inside is 'bad" versus | | | | your animal. Dogs feel sadness, loss, and love just |
| outside. They also don't instinctively know the | | | | like humans. |