#1: Do Your Research
Are you already a pet parent? Or thinking of adopting or bringing home a new puppy? Either way, it’s super important to do your research on your four-legged family member. If you’re currently a dog parent, it’s never too late to start! It will only help you be a better pet parent.
As you may know, different dog breeds have different personalities and temperaments. This may mean that your dog has some breed-specific care requirements. Do you exercise often and spend a lot of time outdoors? Then you may be a great dog parent to a high-energy breed like a Border Collie. Or maybe you’re away from home often, and a less active breed like a Bulldog would be a better fit. No matter your lifestyle, you can find the perfect dog breed for your family with a little bit of research!
#2: Dog-Proof Your Home
Whether your dog is spending time inside or outside of the house, make sure their environment is safe. In your dog’s outdoor space, you’ll want fencing to be secure to prevent your dog from getting stuck or escaping. Inside your home, it’s important to make sure that hazardous household items are safely stored away.
Hazardous items can be things such as chemicals used for cleaning or exposed electrical cables. Also watch out for choking hazards and leaving out harmful foods (such as chocolate). These are all important aspects of being a responsible and well-informed dog parent.
#3: Provide A Stimulating Environment
Once your dog’s environment is safe and secure, it’s time to look at ways to make it stimulating as well. Even the perfect dog parent has to leave their furry friends unattended for periods, but that doesn’t mean your dog has to be bored! You can fill your home with stimulating toys. One great option is to find a food-dispensing toy and fill it with treats such as our tasty Alaskan Salmon Jerky Topper-Trainer Treats. These all-natural training treats are packed with Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids and are perfectly chewy. Not to mention tasty! With the aid of a toy, your pup can keep busy and focused for longer stretches of time.
#4: ID Your Dog
No dog parent wants to think about their companion getting lost. Unfortunately, sometimes it happens despite best efforts. In a survey conducted by the ASPCA, 1 in 6 pet parents reported losing their dogs at least once over a 5-year period.
To make sure your dog can be found in the unlikely event they’re lost, it’s important to properly ID your dog. First, you should get an ID tag for your dog that lists their name, your name, and your contact information. Make sure your dog wears their collar at all times. It’s also a good idea to get your dog microchipped as soon as possible. It’s a quick, painless process that implants a microchip ID. This will ensure that your dog is identified if he or she ever gets lost while being naughty and exploring the world.
#5: Feed Your Dog Well
As a pet parent, you want to make sure your dog is well-fed. But it’s also important to consider nutrition and portion size when determining what and how to feed your dog. A balanced diet provides essential nutrition that aids in your furry friend’s health. You should research the nutritional needs of your dog’s breed and consult your veterinarian with any questions.
And when it comes to treats, quality and ingredients matter! Instead of unintentionally choosing fillers and fake flavors, you may want to get used to looking at the back of the package before purchasing. Better yet, learn more about the company and what they stand for.
Looking for some natural goodies? Check out our Chicken Broth-Infused Sweet ‘Tater Fries or Duck & Sweet ‘Tater Tenders. These tasty treats are protein-packed and full of responsibly-sourced ingredients within the USA. Dental health is also important, so don’t forget to grab some Dental Jerky too. This tasty chicken-flavored jerky is made with all-natural ingredients that your four-legged pal is sure to love!
#6: Regularly Exercise Your Dog
Like a nutritious diet, regular exercise is also vital to your dog’s health. To keep both you and your dog in an exercise routine, it’s a great idea to set daily activity goals. It will help you stay motivated and on track to being the best dog parent possible! Dogs that get regular exercise tend to be healthier. An active dog can help you to have a healthier, more active lifestyle, too!
#7: Take Time To Train Your Dog
A great pet parent knows the importance of training. Dogs need guidance to learn how to socialize and behave properly. While it’s great to start this at a young age, it’s never too late to start! It’s always good to use positive reinforcement by praising your dog whenever he does something right. Our training treats make an excellent reward for good behavior.
You can start by researching basic dog training tips and techniques. But if your dog is particularly hard to train, it may be a great idea to invest in professional dog training.
#8: Take Your Dog To The Vet
Other members of the family get regular wellness check-ups, and your dog should be no exception. As a dog parent, your veterinarian will be your trusted advisor for all aspects of your dog’s health. As much as we love and care for our furry friends, we may miss signs that they’re ill or aren’t thriving as much as they could be. Veterinarians are experts in their field, and they can easily catch anything missed. Regular check-ups are a great way to keep up with vaccinations and to address any health concerns you may have, as well.
By following these tips, you’ll be on the right path to being the best dog parent you can possibly be!
