TIPS ON BASIC CARE OF DOGS

HOUSE TRAINING
All dogs can be house trained if you are consistent, as well as persistent, in training them. There are two basic house training techniques: crate training and paper training. Crate training is preferred because it teaches direct house training. Paper training should be an intermediate step, unless you deliberately want your dog to continue eliminating in a designated place indoors.

Paper Training: Cover the entire floor of a confined space with paper. Wait for your dog to use the paper, then replace the soiled paper. Once your dog seems to understand the paper concept, begin to leave a bare area without paper. The goal is to have only a very small area covered with paper.

Crate Training: When indoors, keep your dog in the crate or under very close supervision.  Take your dog out frequently, and give your dog lots of praise for relieving itself. It won't be long before your dog gets the concept of only eliminating outdoors.

FEEDING
Three feedings a day are usually adequate for most young puppies. At around four to six months old, try cutting back to two meals. Most dogs can be fed only once a day when they reach adulthood.

If you want to discourage picky habits, try to feed at regular times in regular amounts. Don't leave food out longer than ten to twenty minutes. Always provide fresh, clean water 24/7.

BATHING & GROOMING
In general, you only need to bathe your dog when it is dirty or smelly. Bathing too often can remove natural oils, making your dog's coat and skin too dry.

Brush your dog at least once a week. Brushing helps stimulate natural coat oils, prevents tangles, and is a great way to check for external parasites, such as ticks and fleas.

Grooming should be a comfortable experience for your dog. This shouldn't be too difficult if you accustom your dog to being handled as a puppy. This will make it easier when your dog is an adult.

BRUSHING YOUR DOG'S TEETH
Although dog biscuits and bones may have some benefit, they do not prevent the buildup of plaque and tartar. This is why it is so important to brush your dog's teeth regularly. The teeth should be brushed at least once or twice a week. As with grooming, this will be easier if you accustom your dog early in life.

ESTABLISHING ROUTINE HEALTH CARE
Establishing routine healthcare from an early age can prevent disease, prolong the life of your dog, and improve your dog's quality of life.

Picking a Veterinarian: It is extremely important to find someone you trust.  If you are unfamiliar with the veterinarians in your area, use word-of-mouth to start your search.  If the veterinarian's personality makes you uncomfortable, hindering your ability to explain your concerns, find another one. 

Vaccinations: Some of the most common vaccinations produce immunity to distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvovirus, and parainfluenza.  Puppies receive a series of these shots until they reach the proper degree of immunity, around three to four months old.  Your dog will require annual booster shots.  Your dog will also need regular rabies shots.

Parasites: Gastrointestinal parasites are common in puppies. They are easy to treat if caught promptly.  Left untreated, they can cause serious harm.  Your vet may ask you to submit stool samples from your dog during your yearly routine visits to keep these parasites in check.

Another common parasite is heartworm. The heartworm gains entry through the bite of an infected mosquito.  Heartworms can be life-threatening if left untreated.  Veterinarians usually dispense preventative drugs whenever mosquitoes are active.  A heartworm test must precede the medication.

Spay/ Neuter: Spaying (for females) or neutering (for males) is a surgical procedure that makes your dog unable to reproduce.  If you don't plan to breed your dog or compete in the show ring, you should strongly consider spaying/ neutering your dog.  There are many other benefits besides birth control, including preventative healthcare and avoiding some potentially undesirable behavior.  Discuss your options with your veterinarian.

EXERCISE
Your dog needs regular exercise to stay fit and healthy.  The amount of exercise your dog needs depends on age, health, breed, and temperament.  Try playing fetch, swimming, and hiking.  Remember to do something regularly.

For more information, please refer to The Complete Dog Book of the American Kennel Club, the American Kennel Club Dog Care & Training book, and American Kennel Club A Beginner's Guide to Dog Care and Training video.

Source: Public Education Bulletin from the American Kennel Club www.akc.org