While we’re not related to our furry friends by blood, they are unquestionably a part of our families. You’ve probably raised your fur child from when they were a little pup, in place of their biological parents. You are quite literally everything to your dog, so you must be the very best parent you can be for them. We all want our pets to live a healthy, happy and fulfilling life. While they certainly present a particular set of challenges, having the right parenting strategies in place will ensure you form a healthy two-way bond with your loved pooch. Here are five helpful strategies you can implement for the benefit of your dog’s wellbeing, no matter their age or how well-trained they already are.
When we learn that we’re expecting a child, we immediately jump to the books, online or family and friends to educate ourselves on how to prepare best and ensure a smooth delivery and parenting process. Dog’s, while not as complex, will surely benefit from their parent’s thirst for knowledge. You don’t have to become a veterinarian or a celebrity dog training guru; however, developing a basic understanding of your dog’s needs and inner workings will go a long way.
The more information you have, the better prepared you’ll be for the unexpected, yet inevitable issues that are sure to arise throughout your pup’s life. Staying on top of flea prevention, ticks, training techniques, diets and vaccinations is an excellent start to ensuring you’re prepared to deal with all the fun of owning a pet.
No matter how well you train your furry student in life, there will be temptations and mistakes will happen. Just like a child, removing hazards before they cause a serious problem is a part of being a stellar parent for your pet. Take some time to identify and assess common issues you and your dog experience.
If your dog won’t stop barking whenever they’re left alone, remove the chance for them to experience boredom. Give them a long-lasting chew or interactive treat toy to keep them entertained. Perhaps your naughty pooch regularly helps themselves to your human food, do your best to minimise their access by clearing the table and shutting the pantry - you can’t blame a dog’s instincts!
Your dog can’t speak like even a little human can, so how can they tell you something is wrong? Pay attention to any changes in your pet’s behaviours and body language to identify issues or illnesses before they become too severe. If you notice your pup is:
Then there is a strong chance your poor pup is not feeling well, and you should consult your vet immediately.
Mental health and physical health are interlinked, not only for a dog but for their parents too. It’s crucial to exercise your pets regularly. Try to get out of the house with your dog daily, whether that’s going for a walk or taking them to see their playful friends at your local dog park. If you can’t get outside, make an effort to play with your pup throughout the house or backyard, playing fetch or tug games.
“Try joining a social media group to set your pooch up with a new friend”
The sooner and more regularly you can expose your pet to other dogs, unfamiliar humans and experiences, the better they will learn to socialise effectively. Try joining a social media group or using a local app to set your pooch up with a new friend!
Electronic training collars, or e-collars, can be extremely useful in training your dog how to behave by discouraging poor habits, such as extreme and unreasonable excitation, high-energy, excessive barking and unruly walking or socialisation. When you’re not around, or busy with another task, the collar can do the conditioning for you. Many experts believe dogs are commonly over-talked and over-excited by trainers or owners. E-collars allow for a less intrusive approach to help your dog learn ‘good,’ calm and obedient behaviours from ‘bad’ or disruptive and damaging habits.
Patpet offers anti-bark and training collars that are affordable, but also of the highest quality standards. We offer free AusPost delivery, 24-hour dispatch, dedicated customer support and an Australian Warranty. Still not sure what’s best for your furry friend? Contact us today.
