Pet Advice

Happy Dog
Dogs

The domesticated pet dog is more human than we imagine. The dog can understand both voice and visual commands they also know when we are happy or sad, angry or relaxed. As a loyal companion, they do need to be given a secure rank in the household second to humans of course, but once established in the home they often just want to please their owners and be loved.

Housing
Dogs love a comfortable bed situated against a wall and away from drafts. If you need to secure the pet dog then a baby gate or dog pen can be used, from the puppy stage onwards. Dogs love to sleep on human beds and sofas, which many owners allow however, once this habit is formed it is difficult to break and wet soggy dogs can often leave furniture smelling of the pet and be undesirable.

Diet and feeding
There are lots of different ideas concerning the sort of diet required by a dog and also the frequency of feeding. Working dogs tend to need a stricter approach, for pet dogs however here are some basic guidelines.
  • Diet  - A good ingredient dried food will benefit the dog’s health, metabolism, anal gland function and dental hygiene. It is best to choose one that does not contain wheat or gluten and ideally should be brown rice based to provide slow energy release, with not too much protein that can make some dogs hyperactive. A small amount of wet food can be added to make the meal more palatable if required. Chicken and fish based foods tend to be the most popular and healthier option.
  • Regime -In fairness pet dogs should be fed two medium meals, twice daily, normally morning and night. The regime can be fitted in with the daily walks and toilet routine.

Handling
Dogs need to be properly trained from as early an age as possible. A well-trained dog is achievable with the use of repeated consistency and firmness in commands and lots of praise. Remember there are times to play but it must not confuse the basic training,  it is known that rough play teaches the dog roughness, and intelligent play teaches the dog intelligence. Fetching objects and searching for treats will be more beneficial to a pet dog than rough and tumble. Dogs need exercise to prevent them become bored, the more energetic and alert the dog is, the more exercise and intelligent play it will require. Destructive dogs are often just intelligent dogs that are bored stiff and looking for something fun to do, they can take great pleasure in destroying beds, cushions and even rugs in the hope of some excitement.

Good Practice
It is a good idea to carry poop bags at all times, when out with the dog. A responsible dog owner will always want to pick up after their dog, whether in town or country locations.