Dogs are one of the most popular pets in the world. Thirty-eight percent of American households have a pooch as a pet.

There’s more to being a pet parent than stocking up on treats and taking Fido for walks. If you’re new to the world of canines, you need to learn how to take care of a dog. For instance, what to do when my dog not eating enough food. Keep reading to find our favorite dog care tips to make your transition to pet ownership a breeze.

  1. Provide High-Quality Food and Water

There are two main things you need to provide when it comes to caring for a dog. 

Overweight or malnourished dogs will not live a very good quality life. They may prefer the taste of the lower quality, cheap food, but at what cost? Poor-quality food is full of dangerous ingredients that can cause adverse health effects.

Instead, search for food based on your dog’s age, activity level, and breed. Puppies have different nutritional requirements than senior dogs. Active breeds will need more calories per day than lazier ones.  

You need to provide fresh and clean water for your pet every day. Some pups prefer standing water, while others enjoy drinking from running water. You may need to try a few different water bowl set-ups to find one that clicks with your pooch. 

  1. Put Some Effort Into Training

Training is a great way to bond and provide mental stimulation for your dog.

Rewards-based training is a popular option that ensures you set your pup up for success. This method involves rewarding Fido for good behavior and is based on positive reinforcement. Punishing your dog for demonstrating unwanted behavior can make the problem worse. 

Find local puppy training classes or buy a book on the subject. Start with ten-minute training sessions and work your way up once you determine your dog’s attention span. 

  1. Consider Pet Insurance

Having a pet can add a lot of expenditures to your budget. You’ll need to make regular veterinary visits for dental cleanings, routine care, and vaccines.

What happens, though, if your dog were to fall ill and you don’t have funding set aside for his care? Anything can happen when you have an excitable or rowdy pup in the house. That’s why it’s important to buy pet insurance to ensure your dog is taken care of in the event of an emergency.

  1. Socialize

Socialization is important for dogs of all ages. It may be easier to socialize a puppy than an older dog, however.

If you adopt a young dog, introduce it to as many people, sights, and smells as you can. Doing so will ensure your pooch will find these sights and smells to be a part of their daily life, and not something to be afraid of. 

If you’re adopting an older dog, still take the time to socialize him. Start out slow to ensure you’re not overwhelming it, however. 

How to Take Care of a Dog Made Easy

Dog ownership doesn’t have to be difficult. With our handy dog caring tips, you’ll be ready to welcome a pooch into your household soon. Continue reading our blog to learn more tips on how to take care of a dog.