Your dog’s world revolves around you, so be sure to let your dog know how much it means to you by making time for your pet at home and when traveling together.
Show the Love. The simple act of petting or showing affection towards your dog can make a big difference in your companion’s life.
Have some Fun. Playtime is an important part of your dog’s day. Try to schedule time each day to bond and play with your pooch, it will be a good source of exercise for your dog and you!
Happy is Healthy. Pesky parasites such as fleas and ticks love your dog just as much as you which means keeping your pet healthy and your house clean and pest-free.
People, especially children, can be exposed to animal parasites when they work or play in contaminated soil, such as in a sandbox or the garden, and accidentally put dirty hands in their mouth. This type of zoonotic parasite infection involves the transmission of parasite eggs that cannot be seen by the naked eye but are present anywhere stool from an infected animal is found. Learn more about pets and babies.
Choose pet products that will keep you and your dog happy and free of unwanted houseguests. K9 Advantix® is a gentle flea and tick control product, keeping your pet parasite free for months.
Discipline and Training
Training is good bonding time for you and your dog. Ideally, training should only bring the two of you closer. It may not be easy, but good training leads to well-behaved animals, and is designed to:
- Help your dog avoid “accidents” when nature calls
- Prevent excitable jumping when company comes
- Teach your dog not to scratch and bite (your belongings OR your neighbors)
- Help your dog learn not to bark at every passerby
- Stop your canine from following random vehicles down the street
Positive reinforcement is key when training your new pet. Many veterinarians will advise you not to reprimand your pet during training, but instead reward their good behaviors and redirect their negative actions to more acceptable, positive behaviors.
Check with your veterinarian to see what local training resources he or she recommends.
Here are some general puppy training tips to get you started when first bringing home your new puppy:
- Provide for the pet’s needs – Exercise, mental stimulation, play and social interaction are all important necessities for dogs and cats
- Set your pet up to succeed – Anticipate problems and prevent mistakes by providing proper toys, supervision and confinement to a safe area as needed
- Be consistent – You should have rules for the pet so all family members respond to the pet’s behavior in the same way
- Don’t take good behaviors for granted – Actively look for the behaviors you want and reward the pet when it behaves properly
- Avoid punishment – If you catch your pet doing something unacceptable, interrupt it, and then guide it to an acceptable, alternative behavior