Keeping a dog is more than just a hobby, it is a great responsibility. The dog needs people to feed, care for and love it. Before getting a dog, you should be aware of the tasks that come with this responsibility and whether you are able to fulfil the duties of a dog owner.

 

A dog should never be bought on impulse. First you have to consider whether you have the financial means, sufficient space and long-term commitment to ensure that the dog can lead a happy life. The future dog owner should think honestly about their lifestyle and living situation to find out whether a dog will fit into their life.
A dog becomes a part of your life, which is why choosing the right dog breed is important. An athlete, for example, needs a dog that can happily participate in their sporting activities, while a less physically active person certainly needs a calmer dog.

When choosing a dog, it is best to make a list of the characteristics that the dog should have.

What happens on holiday? Is it possible to take the dog with you or have it looked after? Under no circumstances should a dog simply be left alone at home. Unfortunately, there are still many people who do not think about the consequences of their actions and simply abandon their dog, which has become a nuisance, at the start of their holiday.

Once the right dog has been selected, you personally choose a dog with whom you want to build an inner bond. A dog is not unlike a partner, after all it spends its life with the new human.
Of course, a newly acquired dog must be registered, preferably not only for the tax stamp, but also as security against theft.

The new dog owner should prepare their home before the dog arrives. Food, treats, a dog lead and collar should already be waiting for the dog. Other necessities include a dog brush, toys and a place to sleep.

A plan should be made in the household as to who is responsible for the dog's food, water and exercise and when. If you cannot or do not want to rely on certain people, such as children, to fulfil their duties, a reliable person should be chosen for everything.

The house should be made dog-friendly, i.e. fragile objects must be kept out of the way. Rooms that the dog should not enter must first be made inaccessible to him until he has understood the house rules. Garden fences and hedges should be checked for gaps if the dog runs around on its own so that it cannot run away.

The dog should always wear a collar with a dog tag in case it gets lost. Dogs running loose without a collar run the risk of being taken away by unauthorised persons.

It is important for the dog's future health and regular vaccinations to choose a good vet that is close by. Above all, you should look for a veterinary clinic for emergencies at the beginning.

When the dog comes to its new home for the first time, it naturally needs time to get used to its new environment and its flatmates. As he may feel insecure at first, he needs a lot of affection now. Especially if there are already other pets, the dog must be given time to gradually make friends with them.

If it is a puppy, it should be house-trained as soon as possible. It needs a toilet during the transition period.

Whenever a dog becomes ill, it should be taken to the vet to be on the safe side. It is up to the dog owner to look out for and recognise signs of illness in their companion.

The dog should be protected from fleas and other parasites and bathed regularly. However, do not bathe too often as this can damage the dog's skin. Use a shampoo suitable for dogs to clean the dog.
With regular exercise, a dog's claws usually wear out on their own. Nevertheless, it can happen that they become too long and need to be shortened.

Oral hygiene is just as important for dogs as it is for humans. Rotten teeth and gums can make a dog ill. Oral care includes chew toys, occasional gentle tooth brushing and regular check-ups by the vet.

Being a good friend and playmate is just as important as caring for your dog. A dog needs affection, cuddles and extensive play with its carers. However, despite all the playing, the training of the dog is necessary for a good and harmonious coexistence. Dogs are born to please their leader, so they are happy to be trained.