How to take care of a dog

This is a step-by-step basic overview guide to taking care of any dog, and could come in handy!

1. Get your dog microchipped. A microchip is something that the veterinarians insert under your dog's skin. It has information about the owner, including the address and phone number. When the veterinarians install the microchip, do not worry about it hurting the dog. It tickles the dog, rather than hurting it.

2. First, let your dog out of its sleeping crate. Crates are good uses for beds, when you leave the house, but never use it for punishment, as this could make the dog not like the crate, therefore, they will not want to go in there. Give them some affection to show that you love them. Don't force it if it barks or pulls away; take a break and try again later, and if it pulls away don't put it back in its crate.

- Skip this step if your dog is not a puppy. (2 years or older)

3. Feed your dog breakfast. Like people, dogs want some too. You can find pet bowls and pet food at your local pet store. If your dog has not had all its teeth come in, you might want to consider buying canned food or wetting the food with water until they all have come in. (Give water in the dogs food if your dog doesn't drink as much. They are guaranteed to drink that water as it tastes like food.)

Teach your dog manners by having them use the command sit before feeding them. Once they have sat for five seconds, give them their food. Keep them sitting while the food is being put on the ground and say okay before they are allowed to eat the food.

4. Give your dog a walk. Dogs enjoy being outside to smell new smells, see new sights, and simply to walk. Start by buying a 6 foot leash and some poop bags. You can find these at your local pet store. Have the dog to the left of you and let about a 4-5" slack on the leash. To run or jog, hold on to the edge of the leash and run, letting your dog be in front of you. If you don't do that, the dog may run into the street and get hit by a driving car not just leading to death, but painful tears. As puppies keep the dogs closer to you to prevent later pulling and straining on the leash.

5. Take your dog home and play with it by throwing a ball. If your dog ever participates in hunting, like a German Short-haired pointer, do not play games like tug-of-war. If your dog gets a bird and you try to take it, it may turn to tug-of-war.Have the dog sit when you take the toy out of it's mouth to prevent this tug-of-war.

6. Feed them. Feed it two or three times a day, depending on your dog's size and diet. Puppies need to be fed more.

(Puppy) Feed your dog until it is full. Be careful though, as puppies meant to be in the wild or hunting will eat more then they need and turn it into fat.

(Adult) Feed your dog 2 cups of food. this varies from dog to dog. Those dogs living in cities with little outside play need less then dogs in wide open spaces. The size of your dog matters too, if it is a 15 pound dog it needs less food then a 115 pound dog.

7. Know the foods that are bad for your dog:

Chocolate. It has a certain type of caffeine that makes your dog's heart beat too fast.

Grapes. They should only be given in a very limited amount on an infrequent basis, and should not be left where a dog or cat can have access to them. The unknown toxin damages the kidneys.

8. Leave your dog in its dog house when it's time for you to go to bed. Lock your dog in its crate! Leave a small bowl of water where it can reach it at night. Small enough that if it spills it doesn't ruin the crate but big enough that the dog can get a drink, even dogs get thirsty at night. Many dogs need to go out at night, so keep the dog close enough to you that you can hear it if it barks. Another reason to keep it close is to make it feel like part of the family. If you don't keep it close it can be nervous as it feels it has no protection.

9. Groom your dog regularly. Some dogs need more brushing than others. Look up your dog's breed and find out how frequently your dog should be brushed. Some dogs need brushing once a day, while others may need brushing only once every two weeks.

If your dog is a hybrid, (mixed breed), you might not know what breed(s) your dog is. Find out how to manage your dog's hair by the texture or length.

10. House train your dog. A dog that is not house trained will do its business all over your house! To prevent this, simply teach your dog not to go in the house by watching him/her closely for the first week.

When he/she goes to pick your dog up, say "No!" loudly. Then, run out the door to the desired potty spot.

Reward your dog for doing its business. Then, put a bell on your doorknob and teach your dog to ring it when he/she has to go out!