For those who have never had a dog before but are ready to adopt a furry friend, you might have quite a few questions. All dogs need a few important accessories that they will use every day, but before you head to the pet store, here are a few helpful hints.
If you browse the aisles of your local pet store, it quickly becomes apparent that the dog and cat industry is booming. Most of these items are completely adorable, but few are truly necessary and most are quite expensive. When you first get your dog, resist the temptation to buy that cute $100 bed or a full wardrobe and a dozen stuffed toys, and stick to the basic items that are needed every single day.
Dogs have to eat and drink, so get a set of bowls for your new pet. They also will need a suitable collar and also a leash. You will find no shortage of dishes at the local pet store, but you also can certainly supplement with dishes from home. What's more important than the dishes is what goes inside them. Be sure that one dish is always clean and filled with clean water. For the other dish, you need to select a good food that provides plenty of nutritional support. At first, it's usually best to stick with the food your dog currently is eating and change it out gradually if you wish, but talk to a trusted veterinarian about the best food to suit your dog's size, breed and health.
Surprisingly, the purchase of a collar can be a bit intimidating as there are so many different types to consider. In general, the collar should fit snugly without being too tight. Flat collars are the most common type of color and these usually are just fine, although some owners prefer a harness. If you have a dog such as a pug, which can be prone to breathing issues, or a Greyhound, which has a very slender neck, a harness can be a great option. Generally, a six-foot-long leash is about all you will need to ensure that your dog is comfortable when walking. The most important thing to remember is that you need to put the license tag and identification tag on the collar in case you become separated from your dog.
Beyond these supplies, another highly important investment would be an obedience training program. Training truly should be one of your first considerations when you get your dog. Sometimes people simply wish to bond with an animal and feel training will inhibit the bonding process. However, nothing could be further from the truth. Training actually secures the bond and helps the dog understand what you expect, and you get to spend time together training which helps you both understand each other's temperaments. In addition, if your dog is untrained, they could be a danger to themselves or others. You need to feel comfortable that your dog will sit and stay, as well as not run away and come when called. Otherwise, they risk coming in contact with vehicles and even other animals that could cause them to become injured or even killed.
To make training easier, consider a handy dog training DVD course such as The Dog's Way. These dog training videos include 12 step-by-step lessons, 15 reminder cards that you can take with you on walks, a workbook with special homework assignments, quizzes to help you maximize your own teaching skills and self-assessments to help track your progress. Those who buy this obedience training DVD set also have access to a special "students-only" website filled with videos that teach you solved common behavioral problems.
If you browse the aisles of your local pet store, it quickly becomes apparent that the dog and cat industry is booming. Most of these items are completely adorable, but few are truly necessary and most are quite expensive. When you first get your dog, resist the temptation to buy that cute $100 bed or a full wardrobe and a dozen stuffed toys, and stick to the basic items that are needed every single day.
Dogs have to eat and drink, so get a set of bowls for your new pet. They also will need a suitable collar and also a leash. You will find no shortage of dishes at the local pet store, but you also can certainly supplement with dishes from home. What's more important than the dishes is what goes inside them. Be sure that one dish is always clean and filled with clean water. For the other dish, you need to select a good food that provides plenty of nutritional support. At first, it's usually best to stick with the food your dog currently is eating and change it out gradually if you wish, but talk to a trusted veterinarian about the best food to suit your dog's size, breed and health.
Surprisingly, the purchase of a collar can be a bit intimidating as there are so many different types to consider. In general, the collar should fit snugly without being too tight. Flat collars are the most common type of color and these usually are just fine, although some owners prefer a harness. If you have a dog such as a pug, which can be prone to breathing issues, or a Greyhound, which has a very slender neck, a harness can be a great option. Generally, a six-foot-long leash is about all you will need to ensure that your dog is comfortable when walking. The most important thing to remember is that you need to put the license tag and identification tag on the collar in case you become separated from your dog.
Beyond these supplies, another highly important investment would be an obedience training program. Training truly should be one of your first considerations when you get your dog. Sometimes people simply wish to bond with an animal and feel training will inhibit the bonding process. However, nothing could be further from the truth. Training actually secures the bond and helps the dog understand what you expect, and you get to spend time together training which helps you both understand each other's temperaments. In addition, if your dog is untrained, they could be a danger to themselves or others. You need to feel comfortable that your dog will sit and stay, as well as not run away and come when called. Otherwise, they risk coming in contact with vehicles and even other animals that could cause them to become injured or even killed.
To make training easier, consider a handy dog training DVD course such as The Dog's Way. These dog training videos include 12 step-by-step lessons, 15 reminder cards that you can take with you on walks, a workbook with special homework assignments, quizzes to help you maximize your own teaching skills and self-assessments to help track your progress. Those who buy this obedience training DVD set also have access to a special "students-only" website filled with videos that teach you solved common behavioral problems.
About the Author:
Garrett McMahan enjoys watching dog show. To get more information about obedience training videos, or to find the best dog training DVDs online, please visit the TheDogsWay.com site now.
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