How to Care for a DOG!

Selecting a dog for the family is a very important step. There are so many breeds and each breed has its distinct personality. There are no hard and fast rules to follow when selecting your puppy but there are several guidelines to follow.

So that you know how to care for a dog you must pick the right dog for your family and situation. For instance, if you don't have time to spend with an energetic dog you probably will not want a German Wirehaired Pointer or Golden Retriever or any hunting dog for that matter. These breeds have high energy and love to run and need some room. To care for a dog you must be willing to spend time with him especially when it comes to training.

To care for a dog it is important to understand how and at what age a puppy develops.

Here is a schedule of DOG DEVELOPMENT which will help you care for a dog !

Birth to 7 Weeks old: To care for a dog at this age he needs food, sleep and warmth. He needs his mother for security and discipline and his littermates for learning & interacting with other dogs. Puppies learn to function as a pack and this is where they learn pack order of dominance. This is a time to start socializing the puppie with adults and children, but just for short periods of time.

8 Weeks to 12 Weeks Old: To care for a dog during this period of time it is important for him to start socializing with the outside world. His brain is fully developed and he needs to change from the canine pack to the human pack because human dominance is necessary. A fear period occurs during this time and you should avoid fright and pain.

13 Weeks to 16 Weeks Old: To care for a dog during this time you should start with his training and formal obedience. Less association with other dogs and more association with people, places and situations. Remember, this is the time your puppy is changing from a baby to an adolescent. You need to be firm but fair. His flight instinct is very prominent now, keep your eye on him. Being too lenient or over discipling can do permanent damage. Praise your dog for good behavior. Remember, he wants to please you.

4 Months to 8 months Old: To care for a dog at this time be cautious because this is another fright period. It doesn't last long but be cautious. His sexual maturity is reached (a good time to think about neutering). Your dogs dominant traits are established and he should understand these commands; sit, down, come and stay.

These are pictures of our Joey. He has lots of energy, loves to be outside and has a passion for pheasant hunting. How to care for a dog..... Training, Time but most of all LOVE. Look at that face...how could you not love this little guy!

How to care for a dog - your dog. Find a good book on the breed you have chosen. It will give you a step by step for all you need to know about your breed.