Golden Guidelines For Dog Owners

A dog's basic needs.

* Your dog needs to have a supply of clean drinking water available at all times.

* Dogs require one or two meals a day but no more.

* Dogs need regular daily exercise, if at all possible in a place where they can safely be let off the leash.

* Your dog needs to be able to feel part of a pack.

* Your dog knows that packs have leaders this should not be the dog.

* Your dog needs both company and affection but this should not be excessive.

Illness.

Your dog should display the same behavior from day-to-day, any of the following are cause for concern.

* If your dog refuses to eat for more than one day.

* If a normally active dog becomes lethargic.

* If your dog vomits continuously.

* If your dogs motions are very loose or if it has diarrhea.

* If there is any loss of blood.

* If the dog is unconscious.

* If the dog is having a fit.

If any of the above happen you should contact your vet immediately.

The responsibilities of a dog owner.

* Register your dog with a vet.

* Feed your dog a regular nutritional diet.

* Do not allow your dog to defecate in an inappropriate place, if it does be sure to clean up the mess.

* Remember that excessive barking is a nuisance to other people.

* Do not take your dog into a restaurant or shops that sells food.

* Never leave your dog unattended if you're staying away from home or are going on holiday.

* To avoid unwanted puppies consider neutering your dog.

* Always ensure your dog has an identification tag on its collar.

Further responsibilities.

* Your dog should be gradually socialized with other dogs, people, and children. If your dog is frightened, just reassure it. Taking it away from the cause of fear will only reinforce that fear and make things worse.

* If you own more than one dog do not try to train them together, this will lead to confusion for the dogs.

* The dogs lead and collar should always be in good condition, and fitted correctly.

* If there is a new baby in the house it is important to continue to give the dog attention to avoid jealousy problems.

Dogs and Children.

Special care should be taken when children are near dogs. They should be warned about the following.

* Never make sudden movements close to the dog.

* Do not scream or yell close to the dog.

* Do not not lunge at the dog.

* They must not put their face close to the dog's face or make direct eye contact.

* Do not eat food close to a dog.

* Never tease a dog or pull on it's coat or tail.

* If the dog gives a warning growl, pay attention he means it.

* Be sure to wash their hands after playing with a dog.

* Before approaching or touching a strange dog they should always ask the owners permission.

Dog's and vehicles.

* If you must leave your dog in your car make sure there is ample ventilation, in hot weather even with the windows wide open it is likely that your dog will overheat and could die.

* Dog's should be gradually accustomed to traveling in the car by taking them for very short journeys. They will soon learn to enjoy the car if they are taken somewhere they like on these training journeys.

* The dog's behavior on its first few journeys will form the habits of the future so be sure make them pleasurable.

* Keep your dog under control at all time in the car.
* The dog should not be constantly moving around.

* It should not be able to distract the driver,

* It should either be a harness or cage so that the risk of injury in the event of accident is minimized.

* The dog should not travel with his head out of the window.

* When entering or leaving the vehicle the dog should always be on its leash and do so in a controlled manner.

Health.

* You should ensure that your dog has all the required vaccinations, these are normally given to puppies at around eight to nine weeks.

* Your puppy should not be allowed contact with other dogs until it is fully protected.

* Dog's get fleas. There are many excellent products available and they should not cause any problems for your dog.

* Your dog should be regularly wormed to maintain its health and reduce the risk of infecting others.