Dog Lovers Manual

Dog foods come in all manner of flavors and textures, even ‘gourmet’ varieties. However, this is mainly to appeal to owners rather than their pets. Unlike us, dogs do not get bored with eating the same thing on daily basis, so it is not necessary to change your pet’s diet unless he fails to thrive on it. Changing the variety often can produce a fussy eater, so while he’s eating up and seems fir and healthy it’s safer to continue feeding the same food.

You may be worrying out something that might never happen. Short of buying a house with plenty of private land on which to exercise your pet, you are bound to meet up with other dogs sooner or later. Provided your dog is well trained, will recall immediately, is under control on and off the leash, and is non-reactive towards other dogs, the chances of other dogs attacking him are slight.

Anxious owners transfer their anxieties to other dogs, making them more likely to be negatively reactive with other people and animals. It would benefit you both attend a regular training/socialization class in order to lean how to cope in canine company.

Intelligent ‘working’ breeds tends to be demanding of their owners’ time and attention. This is because these dogs were originally developed to be highly interactive with their owners and physically capable of always being ready to work, so they need plenty of exercise. Long-coated dogs need more time spent on grooming, while hounds and terriers can prove difficult to train.

While all these factors should be taken into consideration when choosing a pet, into consideration when choosing a pet, it is important to bear in mind that how you care for, handle, train and interact with your chosen breed has a huge influence in determining how well your dog behaves and relates to you, other people and animals.