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.
Pet stores are filled with accessories, toys and doggie clothes, but most of these items are not essential to the maintenance and care of your animal. While you might be tempted by many items, in the beginning, it's best to stick with basic items that will be used every day.
You will need a set of dog dishes, a collar and a leash. For the dishes, there is no shortage of cute items, but the most important thing to do is fill them with healthy food and fresh, clean water. If your pet already is being fed a certain food, considering sticking with that food or ask a trusted veterinarian for advice. When it comes to water, simply add water whenever it gets low and consider giving the water dish a scrub every day as it often gets bits of food and dirt in it.
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.
Pet stores are filled with accessories, toys and doggie clothes, but most of these items are not essential to the maintenance and care of your animal. While you might be tempted by many items, in the beginning, it's best to stick with basic items that will be used every day.
You will need a set of dog dishes, a collar and a leash. For the dishes, there is no shortage of cute items, but the most important thing to do is fill them with healthy food and fresh, clean water. If your pet already is being fed a certain food, considering sticking with that food or ask a trusted veterinarian for advice. When it comes to water, simply add water whenever it gets low and consider giving the water dish a scrub every day as it often gets bits of food and dirt in it.
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 details about obedience training videos, or to find the best dog training DVDs online, please visit the The Dogs Way website now.
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