Taking care of your dog

• A dog needs one ounce of water per pound of weight per day.
  • Example – a 30 pound dog requires 30oz of water per day.

• A puppy should be taken outside to go to the bathroom at intervals of one hour per month of age.
  • Example – a 2 month old pup should be taken out every 2 hours.
    
• A dog can be trained at any age. You can teach an old dog new tricks. Click HERE to learn what I can do for you.
  
• The ideal age for obedience training is between 4 and 18 months. The dogs brain reaches full maturity at 18 months.
  
• If you crate your dog, the crate size should be 1.5 times the size of the adult dog.

The ASPCA has excellent learning materials for the curious pet owner

The Post DID YOU KNOW??? Some helpful information for taking care of your dog. first appeared on K-9's Best Friend and is written by Frank Cahill

Have you ever wondered if there are benefits of properly training your dog beyond the obvious reductions in aggressive behavior and destructiveness?

There are countless benefits of properly training your dog. All dogs, like people, need structure in their lives. A dog needs to know just where he or she fits in the family pecking order. Many dogs are confused about just what their roles are and what is expected of them. They may act out by pulling on the leash when they are taken for walks. Have you ever wondered “Who’s walking who”?

They may refuse to obey the simplest of commands such as “SIT”. They might grab a shoe or any of your personal items and run around the house daring you to try to get it back. They often will not come when called. They might engage in biting, or chew on the furniture or personal items belonging to the owner. These are just some of the many behavioral problems that can be solved with proper obedience training.

Obedience training lets your dog know just what is expected of him or her. Through positive reinforcement and praise, your dog will learn how to act in ways that will make he or she an ideal family member. Through repetition and a friendly voice, your dog will understand the proper way to walk at your side and to sit and stay when you stop (without any verbal commands). He or she will learn how to stay until you give the release command. “Come” will become a command that the dog will cheerfully respond to. The word “NO” will be understood and behavioral problems will go away. Dogs enjoy obedience training because, finally, that structure that they need so much is now added to their lives. Dogs are eager to please and, with the help of their obedience trainer, they are able to please their owners.

It’s a win win. The dog becomes a good dog, confident and happy. An ideal family member who doesn’t get yelled at and get in trouble. At the same time, the family members are able to enjoy their dog’s company and trust that their dog will not behave badly. Trust is built. Bonding occurs. Walks become fun for both you and your dog. You’ll realize that he or she is not bad. The dog was just confused, but not anymore. Your dog will be your best friend and you and your family members will be his or her best friends. Life will be better for all involved. A happy ending and a better life for all.

To learn more, visit the San Antonio Humane Society’s list of benefits of training your dog. https://sahumane.org/miscellaneous/509-benefits-of-training-your-dog

The Post The Many Benefits of Properly Training Your Dog. first appeared on K-9's Best Friend and is written by Frank Cahill