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Is a dog the right pet for you?
A dog is not a good choice for busy households or owners who are out all day. Before you get a pet you should think very hard about whether you can provide what it needs. What do dogs require?
Training. To be cleaned up after. Lifespan This depends on the size of the dog, but is around 8-14 years. A small dog can live much longer. Behaviour The dog is a pack animal and will be upset if left on its own for long periods of time. You also need to establish the dogs' place in the pack, that is, your family. Training your dog Basic training is important and should commence as soon as you get your dog home. Positive reinforcement (rewarding good behaviour) is the recommended method of training. Training requires time, patience and repetition to be effective. It is a good idea to train your dog to sit before you give it anything it wants including food and attention. Socialisation
A dog needs to mix with its own kind. It also needs to get used to a range
of people, places and noises. A critical period for a puppy is between 4-18
weeks of age. Many clinics now run puppy pre-school or socialisation
classes. These classes allow puppies to socialise with people and other
dogs. They also teach owners about basic obedience training and general
health care of your new pet. A dog needs to be vaccinated against serious diseases and given regular boosters (further injections) throughout its life-usually once a year after an initial series of shots. A dog should be treated routinely for intestinal worms, heart worm and fleas. Veterinary surgeons can recommend the most suitable treatment. A dog that does not receive enough exercise or is overfed becomes obese. It lives in pain and discomfort and its life expectancy is shortened. Lack of exercise can also lead to overgrown claws and is often the cause of destructive behaviours. Diet A good diet is especially important for puppies, nursing bitches and older dogs. Ensure the food you buy contains all the requirements your dog needs. Look for the words 'balanced' or 'complete' to ensure all the dog's nutritional needs are met. A poor coat may indicate lack of regular brushing, but can also result from poor diet or parasites. Why adoptions fail
Common problems
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