The relationship between pet and owner is one of great trust and friendship and your dog will soon become your most ardent admirer and constant companion. Make no mistakes, there will be responsibilities, but there will also be some pleasant surprises.

Take Care of the Paperwork

Any documentation regarding your dog should be updated and complete. This will be of help in many instances, especially if it needs medical treatment. Keep records of its:

• Medical history
• Illnesses
• Any genetic disorders
• Allergies.

You may have to register your dog with the local authorities or at the veterinarian’s office. Proof of registration should be maintained.

Follow the Rules

Each locale will have its own set of dog laws, that responsible owners must follow. Some will be officially recognized statutes or ordinances, or some may be related to the community associations in which you live.

Consider Pet Insurance

You may not know this, but you can get medical insurance for your pet. A large amount of money may be spent on routine procedures at the veterinarian’s office. Insurance can help avoid this, and will also be useful in case of serious health issues or emergencies.

Make sure you choose a plan that covers dental treatment and regular check-ups, especially if you have multiple pets. Your local vet’s office may have a program that will minimize costs or you may want to join a clinic that offers one.

Watch Your Dog’s Health

It is important that you know where to draw the line between taking good care of your dog and spoiling it. For example, dogs, like people, can put on extra weight unless you watch their diet. Dogs are meant to be lean and fit and well-toned. Do not over-feed them or encourage a diet of fatty food.

The most important aspect of owning a dog is ensuring that it has adequate exercise. Keeping it tied up or cooped up in the house all day amounts to cruelty.

Care for your dog’s personal hygiene by:

• Clipping its nails
• Bathing and brushing it regularly
• Brushing its teeth
• Checking for fleas, ticks, worms, and ear mites
• Ensuring that routine checkups are scheduled from time to time.

Planned Breeding

When you decide to mate or breed dogs, make sure that both the male and female are healthy and have received all the necessary medication, precautionary or otherwise. Consult a veterinarian to ensure that you are prepared for the pregnancy and can keep the mother and the puppies well nourished.

If you breed dogs professionally, remember that when the time comes for the puppies to go to new homes, you may have to answer a number of questions on their genetic inheritance and possible medical problems. You may also be asked how you have planned the breeding to avoid these problems.

Prepare for puppies

Preparing for a litter involves a little planning and foresight. Puppies need to be kept in a warm, dry environment. Also, since the dam curls herself around them to feed, clean and warm them, there should be plenty of space for her. She should be able to move in and out of the area easily, but the puppies shouldn’t be allowed to fall out. A low shallow box or basket with sides usually serves the purpose.

Caring for puppies

Keep the area around the puppies clean, dry, and lined with newspaper or cloth. The dam cleans the puppies, but you should change the lining regularly. While looking after the puppies, don’t forget that the dam is feeding all those puppies throughout the day and needs extra nourishment, especially if she is weak or if it’s her first litter.

It is your responsibility to ensure that the puppies are adequately fed once they are weaned. This is when they begin to walk and chew anything they can get their teeth on! You will need to give them enough exercise and make sure they interact with people so that training is easier when they move to new homes.