Man’s Best Friend: Looking After Your First Pet Dog

Your First Pet Dog

“A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.” – Josh Billings (American writer - *1)

•A pet dog can provide you with so much love and joy

•Research has even shown that those who own a pet will be happier and healthier during their life. [Source: The American Psychological Association *2]

Caring For Your New Pet Dog

Owning a dog is a big commitment, so it’s essential that you look after your new pet with love and care.

It’s down to you to provide your dog with sufficient living conditions and make sure they maintain a happy and healthy life. You will take on new responsibilities, but it’s definitely worth it.

Training

Train your dog properly from the very first day you bring him/her home.

Understand your dog’s needs and realise that they will take time to adapt to their new surroundings.

Take charge as their leader and teach them how they should behave and be sure to reward positive behaviour.

Essential Supplies

Essential:

•Collar•Leash•Food bowl and treats•Dog food•Water bowl•Bed•Odour remover

Optional:

•Toys•ID Tag•Clippers•Kennels – to use outside•Muzzles•Shampoo•Flea treatment•Pet gates – for indoor use

First time owners will need to purchase the following items for their dog:

Safety In The HomeWhen your dog arrives home, it’s natural that they will explore their new surroundings. To keep them safe, carry out the following:

•Move trailing electrical cords out of the way•Fit locks on lower cupboards•Keep kitchen appliance doors shut at all times•Move valuable items out of their reach•Use pet gates to block off access to certain areas of the home•Use non-skid mats to avoid injury

Housetraining

• Provide leadership at all times, so that your dog can comfortably adjust to their new home

• When they arrive for the first time, walk them round on a leash to keep them under control

• Always give your dog positive praise when they are behaving well and be responsive of their needs

Introducing Your Dog To Other People

• Allow time for your dog to settle first, before introducing them to others • Introduce them to new people on a lead for extra control

• Dogs can detect if you are nervous, so both you and your guests need to stay relaxed

• Introduce them to a few people at a time, rather than large groups

• Growling, barking and jumping are common behaviours

Meeting Other Dogs

All puppies should be vaccinated before they meet other dogs.

When dogs meet:

• Ensure they are both on a leash

• Introduce them gradually

• If there are signs of negative behaviour, move them back to neutral ground

• Provide a positive vocal tone to show you are relaxed

• Over time, both dogs should be comfortable in each other’s company

Dogs and Children• Never leave dogs and young

children alone together.

• Teach children that they shouldn’t scream, run to them, or be forceful or aggressive.

• A dog can react to aggressive or threatening behaviour by growling or nipping.

• In most cases they should be fine interacting together, although always be vigilant.

Registering With a Vet

Register your new dog with the vet as soon as possible. Go for a check-up initially and they will be able to tell you when you need to visit again. Ask them any questions you might have too while you are there.

Vaccinations and Infections

Prevent the spread of disease and infection by getting the correct vaccinations. This will protect your dog against:

•Canine distemper

•Leptospirosis

•Infectious canine hepatitis

•Kennel cough

•Canine parvovirus If your dog displays any unusual symptoms or behaviour, seek veterinary advice immediately.

Diseases

Common diseases also include:

•Lyme disease – from ticks

•Rabies – from a bite from rabid animals

•Giardia –from water-born parasites

Worming and Fleas

Worming - Puppies have an increased risk of catching worms. Symptoms include sickness, weight loss and stomach problems. Make sure they are wormed from two to three weeks old.

Fleas - Look for dark coloured specs on your dog’s fur. If you discover fleas, there are many effective treatments, but make sure you speak to your vet first.

Insurance

Make sure you get insurance.

Pricing will vary for the type of dog you have, but it will help with healthcare and the general wellbeing of your pet. Work out your required excess and get the correct level of cover needed for your dog.

Doggy DietFeed puppies like so:

•Four meals a day until they are three months old•Three meals a day from three to six months old•Two meals thereafter

Choose a product specifically designed for puppies.

Mature dogs

•Use an established brand of dog food with fewer preservatives

•Dry food will help keep their teeth clean

•Stick to scheduled feeding times

Exercise

• Keep walking routines consistent• All dogs need at least one walk a day• This will enhance their development and reduce blood pressure

GJW Titmuss

@GJWTitmuss /GJWtitmuss

Contact us today:

www.gjwtitmuss.co.uk

As a leading online pet store, GJW Titmuss offer a wide range of pet food, products and accessories. Based in Lamer Lane, Wheathampstead, Hertfordshire, customers can view our website or visit our store directly. 

Web orders - 01582 839114 / store - 01582 833883

enquires@GJWTitmuss.co.uk

Store opening hours:

Monday-Friday 7.30am-5.00pmSaturday 9.00am-4.00pmClosed Sunday and bank holidays

References• *1 (Slide 1) - Finding Quotations: 

http://thinkexist.com/quotation/a_dog_is_the_only_thing_on_earth_that_loves_you/145806.html

• *2 (Slide 2) - The Daily Mail, Creature Comforts: Why owning a pet makes you ‘happier and more likely to live longer’: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2013854/Why-owning-pet-makes-happier-likely-live-longer.html

Image Sources

• Slide 2 - http://www.gjwtitmuss.co.uk/dog-food-and-accessories/cid294/dog-food-and-accessories.asp

• Slide 9 - http://www.gjwtitmuss.co.uk/happy-at-heel-dog-harness/pid22302/cid2055/ancol-pure-dog-listeners-small-happy-at-heel-harness.asp

• Slide 16 - http://www.gjwtitmuss.co.uk/pet-rebellion-dog-mats/pid18983/cid1656/i-love-my-dinner-mat-40x70cm.asp