Rowan Rey Sutherland 
If you’re reading this, chances are that you either own a dog or know someone who does. Whether it was your idea or not, the time has come for you to learn some important habits about taking care of your pet. Dogs are always on their feet and ready to play, which means they need plenty of exercise every day. They also need routine veterinary care like vaccinations and shots to prevent illness or injury. And most importantly, they need love and affection from the people in their lives—and lots of treats!
Read on for more advice on 4 essentials habits every dog owner needs to know.
Exercise their bodies and minds
Just like humans, dogs need regular exercise to remain in good health. It can help them maintain a healthy weight, keep them limber as they age, provide mental stimulation, and help decrease unwanted behavior that may be worsened by inactivity and boredom.
While daily exercise is recommended for most pooches, the amount and intensity depend on your dog’s age, size, breed, and fitness level. In addition, an assortment of activities is always recommended.
Variety can help a dog maintain better overall health by introducing changes to their routine that challenge their senses and provide different types of strain on the body. Think about how bored you would be if your only form of exercise was walking on a treadmill! Switch things up by adding activities like hiking, running, swimming, agility, obedience training, frisbee, or treadmill work. Even a change in where you exercise your pet can help keep them more engaged and active.
Feed them a nutritious, balanced diet
What you feed your furry friend create a foundation for their health. In addition to containing the right amount of nutrients, a healthy diet will consist of whole foods that are free from trans fats and other harmful chemicals
In terms of quantity, you’ll want to feed your dog enough food so they maintain a healthy weight without being overweight. This can be determined by taking asmuch food away from your pet’s bowl as they can eat in 10 minutes. If it’s gone, they should probably get more!
To know how much to feed them, consult product recommendations from a veterinarian or follow the guidelines based on your dog’s weight and activity level.
Socialize your pooch
Having a well-socialized dog ensures you can take them out in public without worrying. Socialization is the process of introducing a dog to a variety of environments, objects, sounds, textures, people, and other animals in a safe and controlled way so they can have positive experiences and learn to problem solve, adapt, and ultimately thrive.
The goal of this lifelong process is to help our pets understand how to respond to new situations. While we all want the best for our pets, they may not enjoy every place and person they meet. The key is to expose them to as many new experiences as possible without overwhelming them. That way, your dog will be more accepting and less likely to react in a negative or fearful manner when they are next faced with these situations.
Teach them to be a good Friend
Your dog may not have their own wardrobe or wear makeup, but they are still a woman’s best friend. And with the right training, most dogs will behave better than some of your so-called friends who don’t even want to take a phone call from you!
Behavior and training go hand in hand because without proper guidance, a dog’s bad behavior can become worse. But with the right training, dogs can learn to behave in more positive ways – like sitting before being given their food or walking without pulling on a leash.
