Seven Steps to a Happier Dog

The responsibility that comes with having a dog is not to be taken lightly. It is up to you to make sure that your dog’s needs are met and that you have done everything in your power to make your dog’s life a happy one.

Here are seven easy things you can do to make sure that your dog has the best life possible:

1. Get an ID tag

Make sure your dog has its ID tag. The ID tag tells where your dog lives and of any medical conditions your dog may have. If he wanders off, it may be the only thing standing between him and the pound!

2. Behavior training class

Prevent behavioral problems by enrolling your dog in a behavior training class before it acquires any bad habits. This tip will make both you and your dog happier for the entire lifetime you are together!

3. Get your dog a check up from a vet at least once a year

Some behavior problems can be health related and taking your dog to the vet on a regular basis will help you with tip # 2.

4. Prepare for disasters

Your dog cannot read the escape plan you have made for your family in case of a flood, fire, or other disaster! Make sure your escape plans include someone in your family having the job of securing or gathering up and removing your pet(s) from your home and taking them to a safe place.

5. Plan for the future

Who will take care of your dog if something happens to you? Make sure you have a “godparent” for all of your pets. This includes short term care as well if you are in the hospital, incapacitated, or out of town.

6. Avoid dog bites

Learn to avoid dog bites by training your dog and your family. This is especially important for children. Every year 4.7 million children are bitten by dogs. 80% are by dogs they know and have been in daily contact with! See http://nodogbites.org for more information and how to videos. (The site is part of The Humane Society web site.)

7. Get your dog spayed or neutered

Last but not least - Have a heart - Be smart - and have your pet neutered or spayed as soon as they are old enough. If you can’t afford to have your pet spayed or neutered go to these two web sites to see their requirements for getting a voucher to pay to have the procedure done. http://spayusa.org or http://pets911.com. Both sites will help you pay for the vet bill to get your pet spayed or neutered.

If you have doubts about needing to do this simple procedure, visit your local dog pound. There are too many unwanted dogs already. Please have a heart and don’t allow more dogs to suffer that fate.