Whether you’re already a pet owner or are considering becoming a pet owner, keep these tips in mind to ensure responsible ownership:
Sign your dog up for a training class. It is important to create a bond with you and your dog, as well as learn how to communicate with your pup. By teaching him commands, it will help you learn how to tell your pooch what you want and don’t want them to do in your household.
Exercise your pup. Dogs that don’t receive enough exercise can resort to bad behaviors like chewing, digging, and barking. Make sure your canine gets at least a brisk 30-minute walk — depending on his size — a day to get his energy out.
Purchase a microchip and identification tag. Make sure to get your pet microchipped and also have an identification tag with your contact information on them at all times. On average, 80- to 85 percent of dogs and 98 percent of cats that go missing will not return home, but proper ID tags and microchips help to increase the likelihood of a reunion with a lost pet.
Research local veterinarians and schedule an appointment. Find a veterinarian and get your pup a check-up every six months. Preventative care will keep your dog healthier and will help keep medical costs down.
Educate children on how to interact with your dog properly. If you have children, teach them the proper way to interact with your dog. Most bites occur with kids under 12 years old, so educating yourself, as well as your kids, on the proper way to be around their four-legged family member is a must.
Give your pet lots of love and attention. Dogs love their humans, and it is important for them to spend time with you. Leaving a dog alone in the backyard or for extended periods of time is not healthy for them. If you work long hours, hire a dog walker to get your dog out during the day for some exercise and companionship.
Heidi Ganahl is the Founder of Camp Bow Wow.
