Caring for your dog

There is no easy answer to this. Every dog is different; it will have its own personality, its like and dislikes and some genetic traits, but there is no way to say what a dog will be like or be able to suggest a specific breed based on what you expect from a dog, especially not for mixed breeds.

Before getting a dog the best idea to research the breeds as all breeds have certain traits. It won't determine exactly what the dog you get will be like, but if, for example, you get a dog which was bred to hunt then you can probably expect it to sniff a lot when on walks. Or for example, if you were to get a dog that is bred to race then expect it to have a lot of energy and need plenty of walks. If it is a mix of two breeds then, say it was for the two previously mentioned, you can probably expect it to love running, but get distracted easily by scents.

There is nothing to say whether any dog will get on with children, other dogs, cats or other pets unless you are rescuing a dog that has previously been in a family with children/pets. Some dogs are not good with children, but if you are buying them as a puppy and they grow up with children/pets around then there's a good chance they will be fine with them (so long as you remember to give them attention still, otherwise they may get jealous of the children). An older dog that isn't used to it may not be (and may never be) or it could take time for them to accept them.

There are certain accessories that all dogs need.

• Leash
• Collar
• Bed
• Food and water bowl
• Training Cage
• Poop Scoop and bags
• Brush

Puppies. All cute and cuddly and, of course, totally innocent. Until they start eating things they shouldn't, running around like made and pouncing at you so you'll play with them.

Having a puppy takes up a lot of time and effort as you have to train them and give them lots of attention. As they grow older they will need to get used to being alone at times, but you should never leave a puppy alone for hours. Even adult dogs should never be left alone all day. So if you want a puppy make sure you will be home almost all the time. If you can't be do not have a puppy.

If you will be out the house for 6 or more hours then you should not have an adult dog either as that is unfair on them. It doesn't matter what type of dog you have or how happy he appears to be when left alone, you should never leave a dog alone all day.

After all, would you like to be trapped in a small space for 6 hours+ a day, totally alone, without being able to go to toilet?

Do:

• Make sure to give your puppy lots of attention. Puppies are usually quite playful and have a lot of energy so they require your attention a lot.
• Train your puppy
• Make sure it is fully vaccinated before taking it out on walks


• Get your puppy used to other dogs. Socializing your dog is very important. If your dog wants to play with other dogs it will not only make your dog happy if you let it, but it will help it burn off much more energy.
• Let your puppy out often to go to the toilet. Puppies can't hold it in like adult dogs and it may take a while for them to give you a clear sign that they need to go.
• Praise your puppy whenever it does anything good, no matter how small so it learns faster.

Do not:

• Do not leave the puppy alone for hours
• Do not keep it away from other dogs, even if it is acting really bouncy and playful and other dogs aren't so happy to play. Other dog growling or even nipping a little is a warning and your puppy needs to learn. It will soon calm down and not just run up to any dog and expect it to play. If you avoid other dogs it will be unsocial and it will never learn!
• Do not over feed your puppy. Using treats when training is very useful, but watch how many you are feeding it.
• Don't leave items or food around where your dog can get it. It could be dangerous for the dog and it's not good for you either if the dog eats your food or chews up your items.

Dogs love going on walks; in fact, it's pretty much what they live for. As soon as you open the door they'll practically fly out of it if you let them - whether you are attached the other end of the leash or not (don't worry, there's help on training below!). So you're out the door, hopefully with both feet still on the ground, and you're walking the streets, but where's best to go?

Well, dogs will be happy where ever you take them, but you'll probably want to go a few different places just for a change. However, the best idea is to head towards the nearest park, field or public area where you can let them off their leash because what is better than walking? Running! Or seemingly flying if my dog is anything to go by - the photo proves it all.

Every dog is different. Some will want to play fetch, some sniff around and others will want to meet other dogs. Even if your dog isn't one for wanting to play with other dogs it is a good idea to socialize them as you still want them to be friendly towards other dogs. If your dog does want to meet other dogs let it, even if it just says hello and let them sniff each other for a minute. It's good for dogs to socialize and they'll be much happier. Plus if they run around it is a great way for them to burn off all that energy they have.

It's best to walk your dog at least two times a day, but obviously bigger dogs and energetic dogs will need more exercise and may need walking three times a day or need much longer walks.

My dog loves the bone toys (as pictured) and he is happy to play tug of war with it or just run away with it so you have to chase him. He also likes his tennis ball and loves to throw it around by himself (if only more dogs played fetch by themselves, eh). But often he takes the bone in his mouth and starts batting the tennis ball around.

It's important for every dog to have toys and it's good to have a variety of different toys. They'll probably have a favorite, but that doesn't mean they won't want a change at times.

Just a couple of simple toys can be used in different ways so you don't need hundreds of toys and even if you get two the same your dog will be happy just

because he has a choice. Also, if your dog doesn't like to give toys back you have another toy to distract him with or trade him for which can be very useful.

As well as keeping your dog happy, toys allow your dog to be active and get exercise and you could also play games to keep their minds active too, such as hiding a toy and letting them find it.

All dogs need training and it is best to start this from a young age. Some dogs will be easier to train than others, but all dogs can be trained. Below are a few basic commands and how to teach your dog. For further training see the books and DVDs listed below.

Train your dog to sit. This can be done by sitting next to your dog and lightly pushing your hand down on the dogs back as you say sit. Using a treat can help.
Lie. This can be done in a similar way to sit. Sit in front of your dog, move your hand down and say lie. Again, treats may help as your dog will follow the treat down. Make sure not to give them the treat until they are lying down though!
Here/Come. When walking you need to make sure your dog comes back to you. Start by practicing in the house or garden before you let them off their leash on a walk. You could also use a long leash to start with so that they can go a fair distance from you but you still have control of them. If they've learnt sit you could then teach them to sit and stay by making them sit as you slowly move away then asking them to come to you.
Shake hands/paws. Put your hand in front of their front leg and say paw. If they don't lift their paw try tapping it and when they lift it take it gently and say shake paw.
High Five. Hold your hand up, perhaps with a treat in your other hand next to it, and say high five when they go into a begging position and put their paw on your hand. If they don't lift their paw try tapping it or bring the treat down a bit so they can sniff it then raise it again as they move to take it, causing them to lift their front paws up. .

Whenever your dog does as you ask, no matter how time it has taken or how much you had to help them to get there, make sure to praise them so they know they've done well. If you keep repeating the actions, saying the command clearly and praising them afterwards they should soon remember it.

Good:

• Dog food
• Water
• Dog treats (in moderation)

Bad:

• Alcohol. You should never give a dog alcohol. Water is the only drink that dogs need. (And don't worry, the beer in the photo wasn't his and he didn't drink it...even if he thought it should be his)
• Coffee and tea or any other foods/drinks that contain caffeine
• Apples. The pips in apples, peaches and plums are bad for dogs.
• Grapes, currants and raisins. These can be poisonous to dogs
• Chocolate.
• Nuts. Just like humans, dogs can be allergic to nuts.
• Mushrooms
• Onions and garlic
• Avocado
• Cat food is bad as it is usually too high in protein and fat
• Citrus oil extracts
• Human vitamin supplements
• Milk and other dairy products
• Moldy or spoiled food or garbage are bad and can be dangerous. String, for example, can become trapped in the digestive system.
• Persimmons
• Raw eggs and raw meat
• Rhubarb leaves
• Salt
• Sugary foods and Xylitol (artificial sweetener)
• Yeast dough is bad as it can expand and produce gas in the digestive system,

Please note that, like humans, dogs can be allergic to various things so it is best to be careful before feeding your dog human food.

If you want to treat your dog look no further as the list below shows some of the most popular treats around. Dogs may love human food and most will eat anything you give them, but this isn't usually the healthiest option. The treats below are made just for dogs and I'm sure there'll be at least one of the popular treats below that your dog will like, if not all of them!

Below are some general dog tips that you may find useful.

• Never reach out and stroke a dog. Always ask the owner if it is alright to stroke the dog, especially if your child wants to stroke it. If they say ok, let it sniff your hand first then slowly move to stroke the dog so as not to frighten it.
• Dogs are often scared of load noises. If you know there will be load noises then find something that will distract the dog or calm them down.
• When you first bring a dog home it may be quiet or not eat, or simply act a bit strange. It takes a few days usually for any pet to settle into a new place so just make sure they have everything they need and let them get used to you and the surroundings.
• A halti collar is not the same as a muzzle. A muzzle is for dogs that may bite and it stops them opening their mouth. A dog with a halti collar can still open its mouth as it's there to stop them pulling, not because they may bite. You can tell the difference as a muzzle covers their whole mouth and a halti collar will usually just have a then strap at the top of their nose
• If your dog pulls during walks the best options are either a halti collar or a harness. If you dog pulls using its head then a halti collar is best as it fastens to the collar and around the head, giving you more control. If it pulls with its body you are better off with a harness that straps around the body and gives you more control.
• Dogs react differently off their leashes to when on. They also react differently in their own territory (e.g. their home or the car). If you want dogs to become friends, or perhaps are considering getting a second dog, the best idea is for them to meet on neutral ground (e.g. in a field somewhere) and allow them to get to know each other and play.