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Dogs are friendly, loyal, protective and playful. They become an integral part of most households that welcome them with care and love.
Food and Water
Fresh water should always be available at home, both inside and outside if your dog spends much time outside. You should even take a portable supply of water to the park and on car trips.
Choose a quality dog food that will meet your dog's nutritional needs,
and use the feeding guidelines on the bag as a starting point.
The amount of food your dog requires will depend on its size and
also on its age and daily exercise.
It's very easy to overfeed your dog, so monitor your dog's weight and cut back on food if necessary.
Canine obesity can cause health problems.
You can feed your dog dry food, wet food or a combination of both.
Treats are very useful
for training, as rewards for positive behavior and even as distractions when necessary, but give treats sparingly to avoid obesity.
For more detailed information on dog nutrition, please visit www.performatrinultra.com.
Exercise and Play
Going for walks is a great way to spend time with your dog. She will enjoy both the exercise and
also spending time with you. Dogs enjoy a routine, so try to go for walks on a regular basis.
At playtime you can use any number of commercial or homemade 'toys' to entertain and interact with your dog. Playing fetch is a classic game, and you can use a ball, stick, Frisbee, rope or sock. You can also occupy your dog for long periods with rawhide treats, squeaky toys or chew toys that have a place to hide a treat.
Training and Crates
All dogs should be trained in the basics - to sit, stay, come, and walk on a lead without pulling.
Proper training helps to make your dog sociable and obedient. A well-behaved dog also makes other people around you feel comfortable with your dog.
You can also crate train your dog to limit his access to your house, make it easier to transport him to the cottage or vet and give him a 'safe' place of his own for when he wants to relax. Purchase a crate that is big enough for your dog to stand up and turn around (approximately 1½ times the length of your dog). Place a soft mat in the bottom to make it more comfortable.
The older your dog is, the more slowly you should pace your crate training. Start by introducing
your dog to the crate, and leaving it up so he can investigate. Slowly entice your dog to enter
the crate with treats and toys, but don't force him. Give meals near the crate, and work towards
feeding directly in the crate. Eventually, you will be able to close the door while he eats, and
leave him in the crate for a few minutes after he finishes eating.
If your dog whines or cries in the crate, it may be that your training has progressed too quickly.
Wait for your dog to stop whining before letting him out of the crate,
so that you're not 'rewarding' the whining, and then go back a step or two in your training plan and keep trying.
Soon you will be able to leave your dog in the crate while you are away from the house and/or while you are sleeping.
Grooming
Grooming doesn't always require a professional visit. Every dog owner should groom their pet, meaning regular brushing, bathing if necessary, and clipping of nails when necessary.
Brush your dog at least once per week, even if it's a short-haired breed. Brushing loosens dirt, helps to keep the coat shiny and tangle-free, and also allows you to bond with your dog.
PET VALU stores offer a wide range of dog brushes and combs to address all different types of dog coats.
During brushing, take a moment to check your dog's ears, eyes, teeth, and nails for any signs of problems.
PET VALU stores also carry a variety of pet shampoos for when your beloved pooch needs more than just brushing.
With a mild shampoo formulated specifically for dogs, you can bathe your dog as often as once per week.
Just be sure to follow the instructions on the bottle. Also consider professional grooming services for a treat.
Health and Dental
If you walk your dog, brush your dog, feed high-quality dog food, provide fresh water
and limit the number of treats your dog receives, and visit the vet regularly, you are doing the basics to keep your dog healthy and happy.
If you also observe your dog closely (including checking ears, eyes, teeth, nails and even their waste), and take note of what is normal and healthy, then you will be able to detect changes in the early stages when many problems are treatable. If you have any concerns about changes in your dog's appearance or behavior, please visit your vet.
Dental problems such as tartar build-up can lead to gingivitis or inflamed gums for your dog.
This can be painful, causing your dog to go off her food or even affecting her behavior.
If the problem is not rectified, your dog may start to lose her teeth.
To avoid long-term, serious dental problems you can have your dog's teeth professionally cleaned by a vet. You can also adopt a routine of dental care that will benefit your dog and help to avoid costly visits to the vet. Investigate some of the many products available to help decrease or prevent tartar build-up, including specially-formulated dry foods, treats and chew toys.
You can also invest in a toothbrush and canine toothpaste and brush your dog's teeth on a regular basis. Once your dog becomes accustomed to the brushing as part of your regular routine, it will become a quick and easy way to help keep her healthy.
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pet care tips 
