How to care for your dog

Your dog is a distant relative of the wolf. A dog is the animal that was first kept as a pet. It was the wolf first. The dog was created by living together with people for many years. In the past, dogs were first used as working animals. They were used for hunting or as a guard dog. But also as a natural heater in cold weather.

Living with people for a long time has changed dogs in a special way. They have adapted to human behavior. And can tolerate the food they get from humans better than other animals.

You see dogs often used in: hunting, pulling loads, protection, police and army. But of course also as a companion animal. Today, dogs are also used to help people with disabilities.

The dog: Man's best friend

What do you need to take care of a dog?

A protected and clean living environment

Make sure your dog can always find protection against extreme weather such as cold or heat. A clean living environment is important for his health and in the prevention of diseases.

Always provide clean drinking water for your dog

Make sure your dog can always drink clean water. Change his water bowl every day.

How to groom your dog

By brushing your dog regularly, you ensure that he sheds less hair in your house. You can also immediately check his skin and coat. It is important that there are no tangles in his coat.

Harness or collar with ID tag

The most important thing you can give your dog is a collar that he can be recognized by. This way you can easily find him again if he gets lost. Even if your dog already has a microchip.

Dog leash and collar

Get a leash that snaps easily into his harness or collar. So you can detach it easily. A leash that can retract is also useful if you are going to walk a lot.

Food bowl and water bowl

It is best to use a stainless steel food bowl and water bowl. Stainless steel containers are easy to clean and cannot break.

What do you feed your dog?

Feed your dog at regular times. It is best to feed him twice a day. In the morning and in the afternoon. It is best to give him food with only meat and no by-products or grain. Also give your dog healthy treats as a reward and no leftovers from your dinner, for example. Don't feed him food made for humans.

What toys are best for dogs?

Dogs really enjoy playing with toys. This makes them more active. Use toys that are easy to clean and do not break easily.

Walking with your dog

Take your dog for a walk often. It is very important that your dog gets a lot of exercise. This keeps him healthy and allows him to participate in other activities. Give him the right amount of exercise. Do you have a small dog? Then it is best to play ball games with him. Do you have a large dog? Then it is best to take long walks. With a large dog, it is best to walk for at least 30 minutes every day.

Tips

• Make sure the dog walk is comfortable
• Keep the collar tight, but not too tight
• Choose the side on which you want your dog to walk
• Keep leading even after the dog walk
• Give yourself enough time for the dog walk
• Walk in front of your dog
• Use a short dog leash
• Reward your dog during the walk
• Don't rush bathroom breaks
• Reward your dog after the walk
• Let your dog sniff and explore
• Try to pull as least as possible on the leash
• Don't let your dog walk you
• Give more positive feedback than negative

Do you know?

• Why is your dog's nose wet? Your dogs nose is wet because his nose secretes a special mucus. This mucus helps to absorb scent chemicals. Your dogs licks his nose to sample them. So he can understand what the smell is.
• The Beatles song A Day in the Life has a frequency only dogs can hear at the end of the song.
• Your dog has three eyelids.
• Your dog can read your emotions.
• Your dog doesn't feel guilt.
• Your dog sweats through his paws
• Dogs are as smart as 2-year-old children.
• Newfoundland dogs are the best lifeguard dogs.
• The Ewoks in Star Wars are based on a dog.
• A bloodhound's sens of smell can be used as evidence in court.
• Your dog's sense of smell is 10,000 to 100,000 stronger than yours.
• The tallest dog in the world is 44 inches tall.
• A Greyhound can beat a Cheetah in a long distance race.
• Dogs dream like humans.