Caring and providing for an animal brings a whole new set of responsibilities, such as thinking ahead with regard to danger areas in your home (eg poisons, uncovered swimming pools, unsecured gates) as well as ensuring that the new member of your family is groomed regularly, fed, sheltered, watered, identified, vaccinated and dewormed.
Sleeping arrangements
Sleeping inside:
· A blanket placed in a basket or box on the floor will be suitable.
Sleeping outside:
· A raised waterproof kennel, with bedding and minimal exposure to the elements is essential.
Feeding
· Provide your dog with its own food bowl.
· Feed a well-balanced nutritious diet.
· Your dog must have access to fresh water at all times.
· Do pick up uneaten food after an hour – leaving food down can encourage dogs to become “lazy” eaters.
· If you are going to give your companions bones, only give marrow bones.
Exercise your dog (and yourself)
· Set time aside every day to play with your companion.
· Dogs should also be leash-trained and kept under control at all times.
Children
Bear in mind that dogs have not read the human rulebooks, so teach children:
· That animals must be treated responsibly;
· That they must be handled correctly (children can be rough, and what may be fun in their eyes, such as teasing, can be very annoying to a dog);
· That they are real creatures that feel emotions such as affection and fear;
· That they are not toys;
· That they can be easily hurt;
· To approach a dog from the side, never from the rear or directly from the front;
· To leave the dog alone if it growls, lifts its lips, backs off or raises the hair on its back;
· Never approach a dog that is eating;
· Not to approach or pet a strange dog without the permission of the handler;
· Not to run if they are afraid, but to stand absolutely still until the “danger” has passed.