Most dogs need lots of exercise. Here are some fun games that I made up myself:
Fetch: Everybody knows this. Just throw a ball, and have your dog retrieve it. To make it fore fun, throw a treat wrapped in paper and see what your dog does with it. Obstacle course: Make an obstacle course with hurdles, jumps, and maybe even a tube with various materials such and cardboard boxes, sticks, masking tape, old blankets/tarps, wooden boards, cinder blocks, and any other random stuff lying around. You could even add a kiddie pool in the summer. If your dog won't run it, lure him with a treat. Doggy pinata: Wrap a treat inside paper. Attatch a string to this, and hang it from the ceiling. Watch your dog pulverize it. (Also great for Christmas: Wrap a treat, toy, or goody in wrapping paper) Find the treat: Hide a treat somewhere, and have your dog find it. You could also try adding multiple treats, or have him find you. Dog Sports: Run with your dog, or bike with your dog (http://www.canicross.org.uk/) Lazy Dog game (For lack of a better name): If you have a lazy, small dog, Put him in your arms and just run around. Many dogs are mesmerized by this. Or look at hristu.net with your dog. :-D SOURCES: http://dogs.about.com/od/grooming/tp/5-Basics-of-Dog-Grooming.htm http://dogs.about.com/od/toyssupplies/tp/groomingsupplies.htm http://dogs.about.com/od/grooming/ss/bathingy.htm Hair Brushing: Most dogs enjoy being brushed, and sessions will strengthen the bond with your dog while maintaining a healthy coat. A dog’s brushing needs depend on hair type. Choose the right tools and follow these minimum guidelines:
Nail Trimming: Nail trimming is very difficult, and kind of gross. We reccommend you have an adult do it. Bathing: A tub is usually the easiest place to bathe your dog, though very small dogs may be bathed in a sink. If you will be using your tub at home, it might take a toll on your back and knees. Many pet supply stores offer self-service dog wash tub you can use for a small fee. It's less expensive than paying for a groomer, and you can avoid a mess in your house. If you choose to bathe your dog outside, remember that cold water is no fun for most dogs. You may want to hook up the hot water so your dog can get a nice warm bath. If you are a small kid bathing a large dog, ask an adult for help. If you pay for the use of a self-service dog wash, these supplies will be ready and available for your use. If you bathe your dog at home, be sure to gather the following supplies in advance so you don't have to scramble for things later.
Soak your dog from head to toe with warm water using a hand-held sprayer. Always test the temperature on your arm before spraying your dog. Be sure to avoid the eyes and inside of the ears. Many dogs have water-resistant coats, so a thorough soaking is usually necessary to penetrate the hair coat. Your dog will instinctively want to shake the water off. Keeping a hand on your dog's head may help prevent this. Apply shampoo to your dog's coat. Avoid the eyes, face, and private area. Use enough shampoo to create a lather. Apply small amounts of shampoo at a time to avoid using too much. Rub, scrub and massage your dog for several minutes. You can use your fingers, just like shampooing your own hair. Your dog will probably actually enjoy this part. Remember to clean the feet, too. Ideally, you should allow the shampoo to remain on your dog's coat for 10-15 minutes before rinsing. Apply a stream of warm water to your dog's coat, avoiding the eyes and ears. Thoroughly rinse all shampoo out of your dog's coat. It is very important to remove all shampoo residue from your dog. Do not forget to rinse the feet and any skin folds or crevices on your dog. First, stand back and let your dog have a few good shakes. Then, towel-dry any excess water from your dog's coat. Lay a towel on the ground and let your dog go for it. Many dogs will instinctively rub on the towel and continue to shake off the water. If your dog tolerates it, your may want to try blow-drying. Be sure to use a dryer with very low or no heat. If you bathe your dog at a self-service tub, a forced-air dryer might be available. Careful -- these dryers are powerful. Only turn it up as high as your dog tolerates, and stay away from the face, eyes and ears. Once completely dry, thoroughly brush your dog out. Congratulations -- you're done! Give your dog a treat, and you'll probably get a nice wet kiss in return. Your dog might be a bit tuckered out, so a nap may be warranted. Put your feet up and relax, too. Feeding is pretty simple. Just follow your vets directions. Use a scoooper to scoop food, and put it into the bowl. Most dogs need to be fed twice a day, but check with your vet. Always provide your dog with plenty of water. If things get messy, consider a doggy placemat (See dog toys & more)
Source:
http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/guide/dog-walking-101 Choose your leash. Flexi-Leads/Retractable leashes are best for walks in the park, but don't use them anywhere else. Chain- Some people think chain leads look nice, but they can be hard on your hands. Leather- Is the best on your hands, but some dogs like to chew it. Nylon comes in lots of fun colors and designs, and is the cheapest, but they can give you leash burn and be hard on your hands. Don't constantly pull on the leash. This can make walks hard for both of you. If your dog darts after local wildlife, it may help to walk him when critters are less likely to be out and about; avoid dawn and dusk. Keep your dog away from grass in the summertime (lawn treatment chemicals), and from flowerbeds, which can contain toxic bulbs. Also keep him away from rock salt, and don't let him eat dirty snow. If walks in the winter are a problem, consider purchasing dog booties (Yes, this is an actual thing! Click here) If your dog has problems with jumping, keep him away from people. If he starts getting aggressive with another dog, pull him away immediately. Watch out for bugs. Never apply human insect repellent to dogs. Always check for ticks after walks in the woods. If you are a tiny person walking a big dog, always walk with an adult. (I learned this the hard way.) Don't forget to bring water if it's hot out, and at least two poop bags. Enjoy your walk! |