Basic Needs of Dogs

If you are a dog owner, your first responsibility is to care for your dog’s health and wellbeing. They must know that they can trust you to provide what they need in order for them to respect you. Dog care entails providing adequate food, water, health care and grooming. However, it also includes giving your dog attention and exercise. As the owner, you must be sure to fulfill their physical needs as well as their emotional.

Dogs are social animals by nature and thrive on quality time spent with their owner. Each day, along with the routine feedings, take time to pet your dog. Spend time walking him outdoors or playing in your yard. Be sure to include him in your indoor activities as well. Take time from your busy day to call him over to you and pet him. Offer praise when he is quiet and well behaved. He will be quick to repeat these behaviors.

However, you must also provide confidant guidance to your dog. He is depending on you to navigate his life for him. Teach him to be strong and steady through your example. When something frightens him, show him the object so he learns that he is not in danger. When going through doors, always walk ahead so he knows to follow you instead of leading the way himself. Ask him to sit while you attach his leash, open the door or prepare his food, and always praise him when he complies. He will learn that he can trust you to provide his needs and thus will feel less pressure to act out or fight for control of his household. This confidence in a leader is essential to your dog’s well being and mental state, as they are pack animals by nature and instinctually need to follow a leader or become the leader.

As a pet owner of any dog, large or small, you must have their respect in order to have a healthy relationship. While some dogs offer this respect easier than others, it is important to work to gain their respect from the beginning of your relationship. As with people, a dog’s respect must be earned and trust must be gained.