How to Look After Your Dog

Keeping your dog happy is pretty easy because he is so easy to please. He wags his tail seconds after you've scolded him or kicked him in the behind. All you have to do is give him a special space of his own, brush him regularly and play with him every day.

A Special Place for your Dog

If your dog has to spend some time outdoors - such as at night to keep intruders away -make him a cosy kennel. The kennel should be large enough
to allow your dog to turn round completely and stand up without hunching himself up. You can build the kennel from wooden boards which is ideal, or bricks and mortar. The entrance should face a wall or hedge so it doesn't get too windy for him.

The floor should be raised about two inches off the ground and there should be no cracks or joints in the walls or floor to permit draughts which can give him a cold and make him extremely uncomfortable.

The roof should be covered with waterproof material and should have an overhang to prevent rain from getting in. Do place a warm bed in the kennel for your dog.

If he's indoors most of the time, get him a dog basket woven from cane to sleep in. Make it a comfortable place with a little mattress and change the "bedsheets" at least once a week.

The Importance of Exercise for your Pet
You must have noticed that your dog loves to run after stones, sticks or balls you throw for him. Don't get put off if he can't fetch. He's not a circus animal you must train to do tricks for you.

Take your dog for a walk every day. Why not take him along when you go for your morning or evening walk? If you live in an apartment without any garden space, you'll definitely need to take your dog out.

And not just for doggy do. If he does not get to sink his claws into earth, and only gets mosaic floors to walk on, his nails will grow too long and he may even get painful ingrown toenails.

Besides, he needs the exercise without which he will become ill and lethargic.

Punishing your Pet

Dogs do need to learn their lessons like when they pee inside the house or chew up the furniture, or jump over the garden wall. But you don't need to hurt them to get your message across. Experts suggest you whack them with a rolled up newspaper, never with your hand. Dogs get confused when the hand that feeds them inflicts punishment on them.

Grooming Your Dog

Make sure you brush your dog every other day, or at least twice a week. If he's long haired, the longer you put off brushing, the more matted his coat will get. His blood circulation will improve with regular brushing and this will lead to a glossy coat you'll be proud to show off. It will help keep the fleas and ticks away too. Brushing will also keep alive that special bond between you. Haven't you noticed how he loves getting brushed? It makes him feel loved.

Give your dog a tablespoon of coconut oil every day and you'll notice an improvement in his coat in a couple of weeks.

Bathing Your Dog

And when it comes to a bath, here's a little secret: avoid wetting his head till you finish with the rest of him. This way he will not be tempted to shake himself to get rid of the water and give you a bath too.

Take care of your best friend and he'll take care of you. He'll lend a ear to your troubles and joys, give you a lick when you're sad and love you for life.