If you are about to purchase your first dog or it's been a long time since you've had a dog, you probably could use a little guidance. Dogs definitely require a few essential items in order to make their lives as happy and healthy as possible. Here are just a few items your new dog definitely will need.
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.
The basic dog gear includes a good quality collar and leash, as well as a set of pet bowls. The bowls range in cost and there are plenty of attractive options, but the most important consideration is that they be filled with the best possible food and plenty of water. When it comes to food, you can ask your veterinarian for advice or just continue feeding the dog the food he or she currently eats. If you wish to change the food, do so gradually as dog tummies can be quite sensitive. Make sure that water is always available and give their water dish a quick clean every day as debris such as food or dirt can end up in the water dish.
When it comes to collars, this is an issue of some debate among dog owners. In general, you need to carefully measure your dog's neck and select a good quality collar that fits snugly but it not so tight that it is uncomfortable. Some owners use a harness instead of neck collar, and this is a solid choice for dog breeds that tend to have a more slender neck or has a pushed up type of nose or breathing issues. Dogs such as pugs and Greyhounds, for example, do well with a harness. The leash needs to be long enough for a comfortable walk, generally about six feet long is fine.
As far as supplies go, that's usually all you need at first. One thing that all dogs also do need is obedience training. Every dog should be taught the basic obedience skills that will keep them safe, so while you might be considering putting off dog training until you get to know your dog better, the sooner you start training, the better. Obedience training can teach them to stay, sit, lie down and walk properly on their leash. In addition, a dog that stays or comes when you call won't dash away out into traffic or up to another dog that might be unfriendly. To keep them safe from cars, other dogs, wild animals and other harm, training is essential. A well-trained animal is also simply more pleasant to be around and can be taken to many more places. You will enjoy your dog more, and he will be happier, too, because dogs love to please their owners.
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.
The basic dog gear includes a good quality collar and leash, as well as a set of pet bowls. The bowls range in cost and there are plenty of attractive options, but the most important consideration is that they be filled with the best possible food and plenty of water. When it comes to food, you can ask your veterinarian for advice or just continue feeding the dog the food he or she currently eats. If you wish to change the food, do so gradually as dog tummies can be quite sensitive. Make sure that water is always available and give their water dish a quick clean every day as debris such as food or dirt can end up in the water dish.
When it comes to collars, this is an issue of some debate among dog owners. In general, you need to carefully measure your dog's neck and select a good quality collar that fits snugly but it not so tight that it is uncomfortable. Some owners use a harness instead of neck collar, and this is a solid choice for dog breeds that tend to have a more slender neck or has a pushed up type of nose or breathing issues. Dogs such as pugs and Greyhounds, for example, do well with a harness. The leash needs to be long enough for a comfortable walk, generally about six feet long is fine.
As far as supplies go, that's usually all you need at first. One thing that all dogs also do need is obedience training. Every dog should be taught the basic obedience skills that will keep them safe, so while you might be considering putting off dog training until you get to know your dog better, the sooner you start training, the better. Obedience training can teach them to stay, sit, lie down and walk properly on their leash. In addition, a dog that stays or comes when you call won't dash away out into traffic or up to another dog that might be unfriendly. To keep them safe from cars, other dogs, wild animals and other harm, training is essential. A well-trained animal is also simply more pleasant to be around and can be taken to many more places. You will enjoy your dog more, and he will be happier, too, because dogs love to please their owners.
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 discover the best dog training DVDs online, please visit the TheDogsWay.com site now.
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