When you first get your beloved dog, as a good owner, you should know what you should do in order to nurture it. Whether it is dog supplies or how to train a dog, they are all vital and keep your dog safe, healthy, happy, and living the best life it possibly could be. Good nutrition, hygiene, and exercise are among the most crucial habits a dog needs in order to live ideally. 

First, it is important for dogs to have good nutrition in order to live long, healthy, and happy lives. Healthy food is essential. Depending on the type of dog and how they act, they may have different preferences for food. According to VCA Hospitals, dogs need water, proteins, fats, carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins in order to stay healthy. Some dogs prefer kibble while others prefer special “dog food,” like “The Farmer’s Dog” and “Chewy.” Unfortunately, if a dog eats food it is unfamiliar with, it may get sick or throw up if they have sensitive stomachs. Also, according to Shallow Ford Vet, certain foods can be poisonous or lethal to your dog. Dogs also require clean, fresh water. Some dogs are very picky, and do not want to drink water that is old and has been sitting in the bowl for the entire day. When training your dog, dog treats are a good incentive for dogs to learn. In addition, medications, supplements, or vitamins that are prescribed to a dog are also important, which can be put in their food so the dog will not taste it. In all, giving your dog good nutrition is the number one most necessary step in nurturing a dog. 

Speaking of ways to keep your dog healthy, dogs need good hygiene to maintain their health and wellbeing. A lot of dogs get very dirty over the course of weeks or months and can become very smelly, which is why it is important to expose them to baths, even from the beginning. It is better to introduce them to baths when they are younger so that they can get used to it. You will appreciate this later on when it is not an uphill battle, trying to wrangle your dog into the bathtub. It is recommended to use dog shampoo, not human soap, as soap can dry out their skin. Note that some breeds of dogs are notorious for getting dirty very fast, like the Yorkshire Terrier, while others can stay relatively clean for quite a few weeks, like a Shih tzu. But forgoing baths altogether is a bad idea, because being too dirty can never be good, and you do not want your dog to become sick. The dog shampoo in baths will remove all the dirt and grime that has been accumulating on the dog’s fur.  Moreover, it is recommended to take your dog to the vet for a check-up every now and then to take a look at their health. Young puppies may take vaccinations or shots, especially for rabies. Some dogs will need flea medication if the fleas are prone to jumping on them. In addition, if the dog is sick, it is a good idea to take it to the vet where a professional can assess the situation and try to make the conditions better. Annular visits to the vet can ensure that your dog is healthy all the time. The vet will want to know if your dog is growing and if anything is wrong, he or she can try to help. In conclusion, baths are necessary for dogs to stay clean, and taking your dog to the vet will ensure that they do not carry any parasites or diseases. 

While it is important to keep your dog clean, it is a necessity to beep it from becoming an unruly pet that does whatever it feels like is not a good idea. That is why training your dog is vital in nurturing it and keeping it civilized. It is a good idea to start training when you first get your dog, as that is when they do most of their learning. That is why “you can’t teach an old dog a new trick.” *Old dogs can still learn new tricks, yet it might be harder for them than if they were younger.* Potty training should be the first and most important training you should teach your puppy. Depending on how smart the dog is and how quickly they can learn, the time it takes for them to be completely potty trained varies. But most important – positive encouragement is key. When teaching a dog anything, you cannot explicitly tell them what is right and what is wrong. There happens to only be a couple of rights and many wrongs. Punishing your dog for not doing what it is supposed to do will not help, as they do not know what they did wrong or why they are being punished. All it will do is create mistrust between the dog and you. But praising them for when they do something right gives them an incentive to keep doing what is right. On the other hand, if the dog does what is wrong on purpose, punishment might be needed. For example, when Thoree, my dog, is potty trained. He kept on coming into my room to “play,” so my mom shut the door to keep him from coming in. One day, we were out and forgot to close the door, and let’s just say that Thoree “marked his territory there.” Using treats can show your dog what is right, and this can help it learn tricks and obedience along with it. The Spruce Pets elaborate more on how to effectively train your dog. A few important tricks are sit, stay, heel, and above all, “NO!!” All in all, your dog must know the necessary tricks and habits and order to keep them civilized. 

Furthermore, keeping your dog active and stimulated is pivotal for both their mental and physical health. Depending on the breed, some dogs will spend the entire day sleeping and others will constantly need attention and play. On average, it is recommended that a dog should have anywhere between 30 minutes and two hours of exercise every day. The American Kennel Club goes more in depth about the specifics for adult dogs and puppies. Usually, this time is covered by doing walks. The dog does not have to run, just walking around the neighborhood, going to the park, or playing with other dogs will be enough exercise for the entire day. On a stormy or rainy day, try to play with your dog and keep it active, as a dog who needs a lot of exercise might wreck the entire house if they cannot go outside. It also will affect the dog’s brain mentally if they are restrained from going outside for any reason. In conclusion, a healthy dog is a dog that can exercise as much as it needs to in order to stay fit. 

Moreover, before you even buy or adopt your dog, it is a good idea to buy all of the supplies necessary to be prepared for when the dog comes. Most of the essentials are obvious: good food, water, a leash, dog bed, dog shampoo, dog treats, chew toys, and sometimes a dog pen when it needs to be potty trained. A lot of dogs will come with a cage, but it is best to just buy all these items instead of just confining them in their small cage and calling it “a bed.” Some dogs, like Thoree, will sometimes sleep in there if they want to feel safe or be alone. Dog jackets for when your dog is cold in the wintertime may also be useful. If you do not trust your dog at home, you can buy a device to monitor your dog’s behavior and even dispense treats! Making sure your dog has access to everything that it needs will make it happy, which is what you want. In all, as a caring owner, make sure to give your dog all the supplies it needs in order to live a chill life. 

Finally, similarly to humans, dogs like to “hang out” with other dogs. On your daily walks to the park, your dog might see another dog, whom they will try to play and make friends with. Dogs tend to be happier when surrounded by their “friends” and other dogs in their day to day lives. Restricting your dog from socializing or simply keeping them in the house all day will affect their mental health greatly. Dog parks are a great place for dogs to gather, socialize, and play. Dog “playdates” or meetings can also be scheduled to ensure that your dog can “talk” to other dogs. At my park, dog owners have created a group chat, and each member brings their dog to the park every Saturday! The Animal Humane Society gives tips on how to socialize your dog as well. Also, as an owner, show your love and affection for your pet. At the end of the day, you are not just the dogs’ owner, but their friend who cares for them as they depend on you. 

In conclusion, in order to keep your dog safe, healthy, and happy, you must do everything necessary like buying the right supplies or teaching it what is right. Doing this will ensure that it will lead to a nice, happy life and it will also strengthen the bond between you and your dog. In the end, this is all done for the good of your dog, and keeping your dog happy should be your most important priority. 

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