All dogs need a few basic things to survive, water, food , exercise and a place to sleep. What we humans offer above that is an opportunity for our dogs to be accepted in today’s society by training them in appropriate behaviour and rewarding that with love and showing our affection.

 In a world where dogs are not welcomed everywhere and fearful ignorance  is often the  cause of the feeling  amongst people who say they don’t like dogs, it’s important that you do take on the responsibility of further training with your dog. It doesn’t matter if he or she is an “oldie” , believe me, you can teach an old dog new tricks!

For dogs it’s a natural thing to be part of a pack, so even if it’s just you and your dog, it’s still a pack to your dog . If you are the pack leader , and you should be, your dog will look to you for guidance on how to behave. Rescue dogs often haven’t had the benefit of a balanced upbringing. A bit like unruly teenagers it’s never too late to turn them around and show them that life will be a lot more pleasant if they learn to behave well in any situation.

So let’s start back at the dogs basic needs, because he looks to you to provide him with those.

Water and Food. 

All mammals need water, clean , fresh water. Yes, I know dogs make a beeline for the murkiest filthiest puddle to drink from and seem to enjoy it! In your home clean water should be available all the time, if you feed your dog dry food then it is even more important that water is there for him as he can’t source fluid from any other place….oh and by the way, keep the toilet lid closed!  A rescued dog may have had a past in which he had to be opportunist and take his chances where he could.

That may make him a scavenger , he has to be taught to only eat the food you give him but to make your life easier in the beginning don’t leave rubbish bins where he can get to them or food in tempting places on work surfaces and this is a BIG no no, don’t feed him from your plate. If you want to offer him your leftovers put them in his bowl so he can eat them with his regular meals.

Most dogs appreciate being fed twice a day. It’s far easier to housetrain or re-housetrain a dog if you know when he is likely to need to relieve himself. For adult dogs about an hour after eating he will need to toilet, but each dog is an individual and you will soon understand the habits of his digestive system.

Buy food that is appropriate to your dog, most pet stores can help you with your choice. Always stick to the amount recommended, you’ll do your dog no favours by overfeeding, his health is your responsibility, it’s not an act of kindness for a dog’s heart to have to work twice as hard because he is overweight. Your vet can weigh your dog for you and advise on a good diet if you are unsure but it really is a case of common sense. Although dogs don’t put weight on their faces as humans do they do have a waist. If that disappears it may be time to look at the diet you are feeding him.

Dog Bowls come in many different designs and materials, however I would recommend stainless steel in all cases. It’s easy to clean and withstand a playful “game” from your dogs gnashers!.

Exercise

No matter what type , size or age of dog you have they all need exercise. Again a big dollop of common sense is called for, an old dog or a young puppy do not require the same level of exercise that a young or middle aged , healthy dog needs. It's not enough in most cases to just let your dog wander about in your back garden. Apart from missing out on all the smells in his neighbourhood he won't be psychologically or physically taxed by this rather boring exercise. Walking your dog is part of bonding and it's good for you too!

Place of Shelter

Dogs need to feel secure when they curl up to sleep, we can give them fluffy beds and gorgeous throws but what a dog needs is security. For some rescue dogs their insecurity is so great that it may be worth considering a crate or cage  for them to sleep in. First off, this is not a place of punishment, this is a place of security . Never leave your dog in his crate if he will need to toilet , dogs hate to defecate anywhere near where they sleep unless they feel particularly insecure. Dogs in kennels will often spoil their beds in this way, as a way of marking their territory. The crate is used as a warm dark cave where the dog can relax away from the stresses of the household. In the first few days as your dog settles in he will be bombarded with new smells and sounds, his crate can offer a place of peace.

For other dogs a bed or basket is sufficient , some dogs can be destructive with bedding, often not on purpose, just a game that gets out of hand . Be prepared to buy a strong plastic bed of the correct size and a couple of pieces of Vet Bed or a similar product. Vet Bed is a synthetic sheepskin fabric that will wash and dry in a very fast time. It is a similar fabric  to that used in Nursing Homes to alleviate pressure on the skin and will withstand quite a lot of toothy abuse.  No more smelly dog beds!  Some dogs are perfectly happy with duvets and bean bags , it really is a case of finding the right bed for your dog.

So there we have the basics covered, now let’s move on to other equipment you’ll need. A collar and lead is essential. In this country a dog must wear a collar with his address attached, by law. You have the added security of knowing your FDR dog is microchipped if he wanders but someone who has found your dog could just call you on a telephone number that is attached to your dog quickly.

On the same subject, don’t have your dog’s name on the tag, your dog in the early stages will go to anyone that knows his name. Some dogs walk better in a harness, certainly the smaller dogs appreciate them. Flexi leads are extending leads where the lead string rolls up automatically into the handle. If you do choose to use one of these please be sure to buy the appropriate size for your weight of dog. Do be aware that if a dog is badly behaved on a short lead , he will be ten times more uncontrollable on a flexi lead!

Dogs need to be groomed, it serves two purposes. It allows you and your dog to build up a bond of trust  while you check him over for scratches and minor injuries and it also stimulates the skin to give him a healthy coat . Choose the right tools for the job, a harsh type coat needs a stiffer brush than you would choose for say a Staffordshire Bull Terrier type coat which is dense but rather soft.  

A word of advice about carrying your dog in the car. At 30 mph, in a minor accident,  a loose , small dog is a lethal missile. Use a seatbelt made especially for dogs if your dog travels on the back seat, it’s a harness that your normal seat belt slips through. If your dog will travel in the luggage area of your hatchback or estate then buy a dog guard. Safety cannot be taken lightly, it’s no good saying “but he only ever just sits on the seat”, in a crash he has no choice where his body will be thrown.

So, there we are, your dog needs very few material things, what he does need is a fair owner who will take responsibility for his welfare and happiness seriously. For such a small outlay, your dog will offer in return  companionship and loyalty, fun and affection.

Seems like a good deal to me!

©Geraldine Cove-Print

TIME TO CHECK OUT YOUR GARDEN FOR POISONOUS PRETTY PLANTS

There are many plants commonly found in home gardens which could prove lethal to dogs and especially puppies (who chew everything) - not to mention yourself and your children. Below is a list of some of those plants with the effects they can have if eaten - even in small quantities.