How to Take Care of a Small Dog
http://www.articlepaw.com/How-to-Take-Care-of-a-Small-Dog/a12864_1
Alberto Barragan
By Alberto Barragan
Published on 06/29/2009
A summary of what it takes to have a good dog.
How to Take Care of a Small Dog
Lets say you just got a new small dog or you already have one in your home. What do you do now? Dogs are intelligent creatures who's best quality is loyalty. This quality is what makes this mammal "man's best friend." But to attain this you have to invest time, money, and most importantly, care for your dog.
Most of the time you spend with your dog should be either playing, training, or just hanging out. The more you play with your dog the more you bond with him. You can play with your dog by playing fetch with a ball, frisbee, or other toy. The are many games you can play with your dog. You can run together as well a talk walks with the dog.
Training your dog is something you should do when your dog is young. Puppies are easiest to train. The basic material you should teach your dog is to respond to their name, sitting down, and understanding the word "no." To teach him how to respond to his name simply keep calling him by his name. After a while the dog will realize thats what he is called. To teach a dog how to sit you will need plenty of treats until he learns how to sit when told to do so. Take a treat and put it in front of the dog's nose and slowly move it over his head and bring it straight down his body until he is forced to sit down. Say sit every time he sits and reward him with his treat. It takes time and patience. Sometimes the dog might try to take the treat before you get him to sit.
Spending time with your dog can take place anywhere. You can hang out with your dog just like you can with any person. You can take walks together (with a lease), watch TV together, and you can even eat together. There are thousands of things you can do with your dog. You should always spend 10-15 minutes with your dog whether it be training or just hanging out. This will make you and your dog become close friends.
Having a dog can be expensive depending on its size. A small dog such as a chiwawa is going to be cheaper than taking care of a golden retriever. For a small dog, you will need to have nail clippers, dog bowls, toys or bones, a collar, a leash, shampoo, somewhere he can sleep, food, and water. Treats are optional. You will also have to pay for yearly check ups at the veterinarian as well as all of the dog's shots. You will also need flea reppelents for when you take your dog outside.
The most important thing you should always remember to do is to care for your dog. You want to make sure that you feed him three times a day, every day. Once in the morning, once in the afternoon, and once in the evening. Always keep fresh water around in a bowl for your dog, so he doesn't dehydrate. You should wash him every two-three days, or when he is really dirty to avoid any fleas or rashes.
Having a dog isn't easy; it takes a lot of responsibility. After a few months with your dog taking care of him be part of your life. Your dog will see the effort you put into him and in return give you loyalty and friendship.
Most of the time you spend with your dog should be either playing, training, or just hanging out. The more you play with your dog the more you bond with him. You can play with your dog by playing fetch with a ball, frisbee, or other toy. The are many games you can play with your dog. You can run together as well a talk walks with the dog.
Training your dog is something you should do when your dog is young. Puppies are easiest to train. The basic material you should teach your dog is to respond to their name, sitting down, and understanding the word "no." To teach him how to respond to his name simply keep calling him by his name. After a while the dog will realize thats what he is called. To teach a dog how to sit you will need plenty of treats until he learns how to sit when told to do so. Take a treat and put it in front of the dog's nose and slowly move it over his head and bring it straight down his body until he is forced to sit down. Say sit every time he sits and reward him with his treat. It takes time and patience. Sometimes the dog might try to take the treat before you get him to sit.
Spending time with your dog can take place anywhere. You can hang out with your dog just like you can with any person. You can take walks together (with a lease), watch TV together, and you can even eat together. There are thousands of things you can do with your dog. You should always spend 10-15 minutes with your dog whether it be training or just hanging out. This will make you and your dog become close friends.
Having a dog can be expensive depending on its size. A small dog such as a chiwawa is going to be cheaper than taking care of a golden retriever. For a small dog, you will need to have nail clippers, dog bowls, toys or bones, a collar, a leash, shampoo, somewhere he can sleep, food, and water. Treats are optional. You will also have to pay for yearly check ups at the veterinarian as well as all of the dog's shots. You will also need flea reppelents for when you take your dog outside.
The most important thing you should always remember to do is to care for your dog. You want to make sure that you feed him three times a day, every day. Once in the morning, once in the afternoon, and once in the evening. Always keep fresh water around in a bowl for your dog, so he doesn't dehydrate. You should wash him every two-three days, or when he is really dirty to avoid any fleas or rashes.
Having a dog isn't easy; it takes a lot of responsibility. After a few months with your dog taking care of him be part of your life. Your dog will see the effort you put into him and in return give you loyalty and friendship.