Care:

Feed your pet every day. Have clean, fresh water available at all times. Wash the dishes often. See a veterinarian whenever your dog is sick or injured. Take your pet for a full checkup, shots and a heartworm blood test once a year.




Clean-Up:

Whenever you are outdoors, keep your dog on a leash. If your dog goes to the bathroom on your neighbor's lawn, the sidewalk or any other public place, clean up after him.


Licenses:

Your dog needs a license. In New York City, the license can be purchased from the Department of Health, Bureau of Animal Affairs. The law states that all dogs must be licensed. When you buy your license, be sure to attach it to your dog's collar. A dog license is your pet's I.D. tag.


Grooming:

Most dogs do not need to be bathed more than a few times a year. You can help keep your dog clean and reduce shedding by brushing frequently. Be sure to check for fleas and ticks daily during mild weather.


Training:

A well-behaved dog is a joy to own, but an untrained dog will cause his owner nothing but trouble. Teaching your dog the basics -- "sit," "stay," "come," "down," "heel," "off" and "leave it" -- will improve your relationship with both your dog and your neighbors. Contact your local humane society or SPCA for training recommendations.


Behavior:

Many behavior traits that are seen in wolves are also present in dogs. Dogs, in particular puppies, are denning creatures. They feel more secure in small, tight areas with low roofs -- thus the success of the training crate. Dogs are pack animals. They do not enjoy being alone in the world. Puppies who leave their litters at 7 to 8 weeks of age will easily become a member of their new human pack/family. Each pack needs a leader (alpha). It is important that all family members be ahead of the dog in the pack order. Your dogshould not be the leader of the family pack because this can lead to aggression and other dominance displays.


Other Information:

Dogs live up to 16 years, depending on breed type, size, genetics and care. It is important to spay or neuter your dog. This simple operation makes it impossible for your dog to have puppies. It prevents messy heat cycles in females and fighting in most males. There are also many health benefits to be gained by early neutering. If you use a flea collar, check your pet's neck frequently for redness or soreness. Using a flea comb, and flea powder when needed, is usually safer.


Recommended Reading
The Right Dog for You, by Daniel F. Tortora, Ph.D.
The UC-Davis Book of Dogs, edited by Mordecai Siegal
ASPCA Complete Dog Training Manual, by Bruce Fogel, D.V.M.
Why Does My Dog, by John Fisher
ASPCA Companion Animal Services
424 East 92nd Street, New York, NY 10128-6804
(212) 876-7700, ext. 4421