Saturday, April 5, 2014

Essential Items That Every Dog Needs

By Garrett McMahan


For those about to add a dog to their families, you might be wondering about what your dog needs. There are a few items that every dog needs, and these essential products will help keep them healthy and safe. The following suggestions are a just a few things every dog needs.

If you browse the aisles of your local pet store, it quickly becomes apparent that the dog and cat industry is booming. Most of these items are completely adorable, but few are truly necessary and most are quite expensive. When you first get your dog, resist the temptation to buy that cute $100 bed or a full wardrobe and a dozen stuffed toys, and stick to the basic items that are needed every single day.

You will need a set of dog dishes, a collar and a leash. For the dishes, there is no shortage of cute items, but the most important thing to do is fill them with healthy food and fresh, clean water. If your pet already is being fed a certain food, considering sticking with that food or ask a trusted veterinarian for advice. When it comes to water, simply add water whenever it gets low and consider giving the water dish a scrub every day as it often gets bits of food and dirt in it.

For the collar, you need it to be snug enough to stay put but not so tight that it is uncomfortable. Many owners prefer using a harness to a neck collar, and this can be a good option for a dog with a slender neck such as a Greyhound or perhaps a dog breed prone to breathing difficulties such as the pug or the bulldog. For your leash, it simply needs to be sturdy, strong and long enough to be comfortable for you and your dog when you go out on a walk. Just be sure to place the dog's license and name tag on his or her collar or harness, as these are valuable bits of information.

Obedience training is another essential that should be one of the first things on your doggie to-do list. While you might think it's more important to bond with your dog and just enjoy them when they first arrive, one of the best ways to bond and to make your life together as sweet as possible is through proper obedience training. Also, keep in mind that an untrained animal is not a safe animal. If your dog understands commands to sit and stay and go down, as well as not to run off when a door or gate is open, then they will be safe from other animals and potential traffic hazards or even just getting into brush or open space areas where there could be ticks, snakes or branches and bushes that could hurt them.

To make training easier, consider a handy dog training DVD course such as The Dog's Way. These dog training videos include 12 step-by-step lessons, 15 reminder cards that you can take with you on walks, a workbook with special homework assignments, quizzes to help you maximize your own teaching skills and self-assessments to help track your progress. Those who buy this obedience training DVD set also have access to a special "students-only" website filled with videos that teach you solved common behavioral problems.




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