I can't imagine family life without a dog and certainly the house would seem a lot quieter (but perhaps bigger and cleaner) if we didn't have at least one canine friend around.
We now have two dogs. I mentioned in my previous post about how we gave Mido, our rescue dog, a new home, but he has now been joined by a new puppy, Scamp, a Miniature Schnauzer cross Jack Russell.
The new challenge for us as parents is to ensure children and dogs live together in harmony. Adopting a stray brought its own challenges and there are others when bringing a puppy into the family home. I’ve been enjoying reading Kelly’s posts on Ready for Ten about life with her new puppy Matilda.
Obedience
Life with your dog will be much more fun if he is obedient and knows a few simple commands. Some dogs are easier to train than others and dog obedience classes are a great place to start. We have trained our dogs to come when they are called, to sit and lie down, to go in to their crates, to ask for their food and to speak on command. Other useful commands include ‘stop’ and it’s also fun to teach them to shake a paw, high five, roll over and play dead. Make training fun and always reward good behaviour with a pat or a treat.
A bored dog can be a naughty dog
Dogs love to be occupied and can get themselves into mischief if boredom strikes, so remember to provide plenty of things for your pet to do during the day. You can buy toys to hide treats inside to give your pooch hours of fun. We use little bone shaped biscuits glued in with peanut butter for an extra special treat. Chewy toys or knotted ropes help keep them occupied too. Have a selection and rotate them so your dog doesn’t get bored.
Playtime and going out and about
On Ready for Ten you can search for parks and other places to visit with your family and your dog. This month, with the help of guest editor Patsy Kensit, we are highlighting playgrounds, which do not always welcome dogs but are often surrounded by green areas where you and your canine companion can play happily together. It’s a great opportunity to try football, throwing a ball or a Frisbee or just running with your dog. Many parks now host Cani-cross events where more energetic dogs can take their owners for a run.
Always remember to clean up after your dog to keep the park clean and safe for everyone to visit. It is your responsibility as a dog owner to scoop the poop and then bag it and bin it.
Home comforts, health and well-being
I mentioned in my previous article about giving Mido a new home how he finds his dog crate a safe haven. Remember to keep your dog regularly wormed and treated for fleas and keep an eye open that he hasn’t picked up any ticks – particularly if you’ve been for a walk in the countryside.
My friend Jo, a vet and mum of two, recommends having your pooch insured in case of accident or injury. Most policies include third party insurance too – important if you are taking your pet into a public area.
It’s a good idea to get your dog used to having his teeth cleaned to save expensive dental problems later in life. Regular baths will keep your pooch smelling fragrant – especially if he’s the type to roll in the smelliest thing he can find. If he rolls in fox excrement or something equally pongy, try rubbing the worst bits first with tomato ketchup and then shampooing out. The acid in the tomato helps to get rid of the smell.
Have fun
Most of all remember to have family fun with your pet. Bake dog biscuits, make toys, go on holiday, go to the beach, go shopping, go for a picnic and have a ball!
Useful links
Find out about your pure bred puppy
Blue Cross – keeping kids safe around dogs
Advice from Jan Fennell, the Dog Listener
Other posts you may like
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editor
22 February, 2011
Thank you for this Maggie, I think I may read it a few times.
22 February, 2011
Another idea for games - you can hide treats in empty toilet rolls or kitchen rolls, bending over the ends. Or under yoghurt pots, only one has the treat in. I agree, have fun :) Informative article, thanks.
admin
22 February, 2011
What a lovely post Maggie - my two black Labs say thank you for the wonderful tips :-) I love the idea of hiding treats for them, as one of mine is a chewer (every time we go out!) and it's normally one of the kids toys that I've missed in the massive tidy up before we leave the house.
I have never heard of baking your own dog biscuits, what a wonderful idea I might try that this weekend.
Leigh
Ready for Ten Team