By: Kelly Marshall
Submitted: 2010-03-04 07:15:32 | Word Count: 555
The first tip is that if you have a family with kids, it is important that you sit down with them and talk about bringing in a new dog. You need to remind them that your new pet is going to be a little skittish the first few days, especially if you adopt and shelter dog, and that they are going to have to be slow moving to pet them and get their attentions until the get used to being in their new environment. You also need to let them know that a dog is a living animal, and if your kids can t treat it like a toy. Not pulling the ears and tail, and that the dog will bite if provoked.
You should also establish a veterinarian to take your new dog in on a regular basis. You can find many local vets online or in the phone book, or if you have a friend or family member who has a dog, you can ask them. While older dogs are less susceptible, young dogs are puppies are vulnerable to common diseases like Parvo and distemper. You dog needs to be vaccinated against these, and if your pet is going to spend time outdoors, they need a rabies shot as well. Rabies is common in outdoor vermin such as squirrels, raccoons and skunks.
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Puppies and young dogs need to be house trained. Many say this is hard to do, but if you know the signs, it can make it easier. First you need to take you young pet outside often. That way it gets the idea that it is supposed to go outside when it needs to relieve themselves. You can tell when a dog needs to go to the bathroom, it starts sniffing around for a spot to pee or defecate. If you see them snooping around, it is time to take them out. As your pet gets older, it will stand by the door, or come up to you to let you know its time.
It is also a good idea to get your dog into some basic pet training classes. This will teach them in a kind and gentle way that you are their master, and not the other way around. It will teach them when to sit, and stay, as well as other things that can prevent accidents from happening, such as running out into the road and getting hit by a car. It can also teach you how to get your pet to obey you, through voice commands and hand gestures. If your dog is going to be a guard dog, more extensive classes may be needed.
Owning a dog can be a great experience, and one that you and your family will enjoy for many years. A dog is just another member of the family, and requires a lifetime commitment. You should plan to have the dog, and not be something you do on a whim. You need to be able to care for it for more the ten years, because many dogs live long past that. You have to be responsible for taking care of it, cleaning up after it when you are taking it for a walk, and keep it on a leash. There are also pet identification, and you have to get the dog licensed.
Author Resource:-
Article By Kelly Marshall of Oh My Dog Supplies. Check out our amazing selection of dog supplies at http://www.ohmydogsupplies.com/.
