| Canine Companion Care Sheet A dog can be a wonderful addition to your family if carefully selected to fit your lifestyle. Research the traits of different types of dog to ensure a good match. Given proper care and training dogs live an average of 10-15 years, making them a considerable commitment. In return you will be rewarded with a devoted, versatile companion. |
In addition to shelter, food, fresh water, and medical care, your dog needs regular grooming,
plenty of companionship and daily exercise. A dog requires two walks a day and active types may
need vigorous exercise to keep them happy. House training should begin as soon as you bring
your new pet home. It helps to keep your dog in a restricted area, such as a comfy dog crate or
kitchen, at first. Be sure to take your dog outside upon awakening and right after a meal, so he
can relieve himself outdoors and avoid accidents. This way it becomes clear right from the start
that the bathroom area is outside! We recommend basic training for all dogs. Good manners
such as: walking on the leash without pulling; coming when called; not jumping on people and
respecting your furnishings; will make your dog a more enjoyable companion. Look for a group
class in your area, it's a great way to have fun with your new pet!
Dogs are happiest living and sleeping inside your home, as part of your family. They should have
a place to call their own, such as a dog bed, crate or kennel and be taught to stay in their place
during family meal times or when required. Dogs are social animals and need contact with others.
A dog that is deprived of social contact will soon show behavioral problems around people, dogs
and other animals. Chaining a dog outside is strongly discouraged and is sure to have a
negative effect on the dogs behavior and health. A puppy is best kept in an area with an easily
cleaned floor at first, until house training has been accomplished. Accidents are unavoidable, but
puppies soon learn with kind and consistent training. Take your puppy outside frequently to
relieve itself and accidents will be kept to a minimum. Yards and gardens should be made safe
for your dog, with sound fencing and secure gates. Avoid using poisonous substances such as
snail and rodent bait in areas accessible to your dog.
Puppies need a high quality puppy food, mostly dry kibble with a little canned food. Feed small
portions three times daily, with the last meal early in the evening to reduce 'accidents' at night. At
six months old a puppy needs two meals a day and after nine months potentially one meal,
usually in the evening. Feeding your adult dog only high quality food and taking care not to
overfeed promotes good health and avoids obesity. Dry dog food is recommended, with some
canned food added if desired. Fresh clean water should always be available. Avoid offering your
dog human food as snacks and treats, it is often unhealthy and encourages begging at the table.
Be especially careful to keep chocolate out of reach, it can be fatal to dogs.
Keep your dog well groomed, bathed and use a flea control product during flea season. Bedding,
food dishes and water bowls should be washed regularly. While housetraining your puppy,
'accidents' are easily cleaned up using an enzyme product like 'Nature's Miracle.'
Female dogs should be spayed and male dogs neutered. These procedures help pets live
longer, healthier lives and reduce the desire to roam. They also prevent the birth of unwanted
puppies, helping solve the enormous problem of pet overpopulation. Neutered males generally
display a reduction in aggressive behavior toward other dogs and people, making them safer and
more enjoyable pets.
Thousands of dogs die each year from preventable diseases. Start your puppy's vaccinations at
6-8 weeks of age and get boosters at 12 and 16 weeks. Thereafter, an annual booster is
necessary. In addition, ALL dogs should be vaccinated against rabies. Preventative heartworm
medication is recommended to safeguard your dog if you live in an area where mosquitoes are
prevalent. Remember it's always a good idea to keep a leash on your dog while out in public. In
some areas it's required by law! Many dogs suffer serious injuries and fatalities due to traffic
accidents and others become victims of poisoning from rodent or snail bait. Taking simple
precautions and scheduling regular veterinary check-ups will help your pet enjoy a long and
healthy life.
plenty of companionship and daily exercise. A dog requires two walks a day and active types may
need vigorous exercise to keep them happy. House training should begin as soon as you bring
your new pet home. It helps to keep your dog in a restricted area, such as a comfy dog crate or
kitchen, at first. Be sure to take your dog outside upon awakening and right after a meal, so he
can relieve himself outdoors and avoid accidents. This way it becomes clear right from the start
that the bathroom area is outside! We recommend basic training for all dogs. Good manners
such as: walking on the leash without pulling; coming when called; not jumping on people and
respecting your furnishings; will make your dog a more enjoyable companion. Look for a group
class in your area, it's a great way to have fun with your new pet!
Dogs are happiest living and sleeping inside your home, as part of your family. They should have
a place to call their own, such as a dog bed, crate or kennel and be taught to stay in their place
during family meal times or when required. Dogs are social animals and need contact with others.
A dog that is deprived of social contact will soon show behavioral problems around people, dogs
and other animals. Chaining a dog outside is strongly discouraged and is sure to have a
negative effect on the dogs behavior and health. A puppy is best kept in an area with an easily
cleaned floor at first, until house training has been accomplished. Accidents are unavoidable, but
puppies soon learn with kind and consistent training. Take your puppy outside frequently to
relieve itself and accidents will be kept to a minimum. Yards and gardens should be made safe
for your dog, with sound fencing and secure gates. Avoid using poisonous substances such as
snail and rodent bait in areas accessible to your dog.
Puppies need a high quality puppy food, mostly dry kibble with a little canned food. Feed small
portions three times daily, with the last meal early in the evening to reduce 'accidents' at night. At
six months old a puppy needs two meals a day and after nine months potentially one meal,
usually in the evening. Feeding your adult dog only high quality food and taking care not to
overfeed promotes good health and avoids obesity. Dry dog food is recommended, with some
canned food added if desired. Fresh clean water should always be available. Avoid offering your
dog human food as snacks and treats, it is often unhealthy and encourages begging at the table.
Be especially careful to keep chocolate out of reach, it can be fatal to dogs.
Keep your dog well groomed, bathed and use a flea control product during flea season. Bedding,
food dishes and water bowls should be washed regularly. While housetraining your puppy,
'accidents' are easily cleaned up using an enzyme product like 'Nature's Miracle.'
Female dogs should be spayed and male dogs neutered. These procedures help pets live
longer, healthier lives and reduce the desire to roam. They also prevent the birth of unwanted
puppies, helping solve the enormous problem of pet overpopulation. Neutered males generally
display a reduction in aggressive behavior toward other dogs and people, making them safer and
more enjoyable pets.
Thousands of dogs die each year from preventable diseases. Start your puppy's vaccinations at
6-8 weeks of age and get boosters at 12 and 16 weeks. Thereafter, an annual booster is
necessary. In addition, ALL dogs should be vaccinated against rabies. Preventative heartworm
medication is recommended to safeguard your dog if you live in an area where mosquitoes are
prevalent. Remember it's always a good idea to keep a leash on your dog while out in public. In
some areas it's required by law! Many dogs suffer serious injuries and fatalities due to traffic
accidents and others become victims of poisoning from rodent or snail bait. Taking simple
precautions and scheduling regular veterinary check-ups will help your pet enjoy a long and
healthy life.
Clifford was found starved in the woods. We think he was lost by a hunter.
He is now living the life of Riley in Texas with an Irish Setter fanatic!
He is now living the life of Riley in Texas with an Irish Setter fanatic!