Introduction

As someone who has raised three dogs, I really want to share my experience in dog raising with everyone! Honestly, when I first started raising dogs, I was overwhelmed, but after years of hands-on experience, I've now compiled many useful tips. Today I'll share all these practical insights with you, hoping to help more new dog parents avoid common pitfalls.

I remember when I first started raising dogs, I was really overwhelmed with everything, even basic feeding seemed particularly difficult. Looking back now, although that period was tough, it was also very interesting. Through continuous exploration and learning, I gradually mastered various dog-raising techniques, and now I can easily handle various situations.

Walking Tips

When it comes to walking dogs, it's a daily must-do task! I believe many new pet owners face this challenge: one hand holding the leash, wanting to use the other hand for phone or water bottle, feeling very inconvenient. There's actually a super useful trick - buy a carabiner to attach the leash to your belt or backpack. This frees up both hands completely, allowing you to do whatever you want, which is very convenient.

However, walking your dog isn't just simply taking them out for a stroll. I suggest setting fixed walking times, like 7 AM and 7 PM. This not only helps dogs establish regular living habits but also helps them better control their bathroom needs. Moreover, regular walks help maintain dogs' good mood and reduce anxiety caused by holding their bladder.

Speaking of anxiety, many dogs might suddenly want to run away during walks for various reasons. The worst thing to do is chase after them, as this will only make them run further. I have a particularly effective trick - lie down on the ground and pretend to be hurt or sad. Most dogs will worriedly run back to check on their owner. I've tried this several times in the park, and it works every time.

When walking dogs, you also need to pay attention to weather conditions. In summer, choose to go out during cooler times in early morning or evening, avoiding the strongest sunlight at noon. In winter, remember to keep warm and dress your dog in appropriate clothing. On rainy days, be especially careful and bring an umbrella and towel to prevent your dog from catching a cold.

Diet Management

Many dogs have the bad habit of wolfing down their food, which can lead to indigestion and vomiting. I found that using puzzle feeders is an excellent solution. Putting food in rolling ball toys forces dogs to eat slowly as they work to get the food out. This not only slows down their eating but also trains their intelligence - achieving two goals at once.

Choosing dog food is also a particularly important issue. Dogs of different ages and sizes have different nutritional needs. Puppies need more protein and energy to support growth, adult dogs need balanced nutrition to maintain health, and senior dogs might need more easily digestible food. So when choosing dog food, you must decide based on your dog's actual situation.

Sometimes dogs might experience stomach discomfort, and that's when you need to pay special attention to dietary adjustment. My suggestion is to temporarily switch to chicken with rice, which is easier to digest. Also, adding some low-sodium chicken broth to their drinking water not only helps restore digestive function but also increases their interest in drinking water. However, note that any dietary changes should be consulted with a veterinarian first.

Treat selection is also important. Not all human foods are suitable for dogs, such as chocolate, grapes, and onions which are absolutely forbidden. I recommend choosing specialized dog treats, and controlling the amount - don't keep feeding just because of their pitiful eyes. Moderate treats can be used as training rewards, making dogs happy without affecting their health.

Cleaning Tips

Cleaning is probably one of the most headache-inducing problems for many pet owners. Especially dealing with fur, which is truly an ongoing battle. I recently discovered a particularly effective method: wear rubber gloves and gently run your hands over the sofa or carpet, and the dog hair will stick to the gloves. For carpet fur, using a glass scraper also works very well.

Besides daily cleaning, regular bathing is also important. However, bathing frequency should be determined by the dog's fur type and living environment - don't bathe them too frequently. My dogs usually get a bath every two weeks, possibly more frequently in hot weather. Use specialized dog shampoo when bathing, ensure moderate water temperature, and be particularly careful not to let water enter their ears.

Regarding the most troublesome urine stains, I have an exclusive formula: baking soda plus white vinegar. The specific method is to first gently absorb the urine stain, avoiding spreading it by wiping. Then spray white vinegar solution, followed by sprinkling baking soda. After it's completely dry, clean with a vacuum cleaner. This method not only removes stains but also thoroughly eliminates odors - it works particularly well.

Daily cleaning also includes brushing fur, trimming nails, cleaning ears, etc. Brushing should be done daily to reduce shedding and detect skin problems early. Nail trimming and ear cleaning can be done weekly or biweekly - if you're not experienced, it's recommended to have professionals at pet stores do it.

Seasonal Care

Different seasons require different care methods. In summer, preventing heat and cooling down is most important. Besides avoiding going out during the strongest sunlight, you can prepare some special cooling toys. My dogs love frozen toys - their favorite toys or treats frozen in water, taken out to play on hot afternoons, providing both cooling and entertainment.

You can also freeze chicken broth and fruits/vegetables into ice cubes as delicious cooling treats. However, note that not all fruits are suitable for dogs - best to check in advance. Also, it's good to have a fan in the room so dogs can cool down anytime. But be careful not to let them face the wind directly for too long, as they might catch a cold.

Winter requires special attention to keeping warm. Besides preparing appropriate dog clothes, pay attention to paw care. I apply petroleum jelly to my dogs' paw pads before walks to prevent cracking. Indoor temperature and humidity should also be maintained appropriately - you can use a humidifier to improve air quality.

Spring and fall are peak shedding seasons, requiring special attention to fur care. Spend more time brushing daily to help dogs complete their coat change faster. Also pay attention to preventing skin allergies - some skin care products can be used appropriately.

Training Techniques

Training is a very important aspect of dog raising. Good training not only makes dogs more obedient but also strengthens the bond between owner and dog. Training should start with basic commands like "sit," "down," "no." Be patient during training, use positive reinforcement methods like treat rewards rather than punishment.

Consistency is most important in training. For example, if you don't want dogs on the sofa, you must always enforce this - don't sometimes allow it and sometimes not. This confuses dogs about what's right and wrong.

Socialization training is also important - expose dogs to different environments, people, and other animals from a young age. This develops their friendly personality and reduces the possibility of aggressive behavior later. However, proceed gradually - don't introduce too many new things at once to avoid overwhelming them.

Health Management

Regular veterinary check-ups are necessary. Generally recommended once a year for comprehensive examination, including blood tests, deworming, vaccinations, etc. This helps detect health issues early and prevent problems.

Also observe your dog's condition daily, including appetite, energy levels, bathroom habits, etc. Seek medical attention promptly if abnormalities are found. Especially common issues like skin problems, ear mites, fleas need timely treatment.

Also, prepare a comfortable sleeping environment for your dog. The bed should be in a quiet, ventilated place without direct drafts. Bedding should be soft but supportive, and washable regularly.

Conclusion

Raising a dog indeed requires much time and energy, but once you master these techniques, you can quickly become a capable owner. Remember, each dog is unique with their own personality and needs. Adjust care methods based on actual situations - don't completely copy others' experiences.

Most important is having love and patience. Dogs will repay your efforts in their own way - their companionship and trust are the most precious gifts. Hope these experiences help you better care for your furry child. Dog raising is a beautiful journey - let's enjoy this process together!