1. Proper food

A healthy and balanced diet is very important. Feed your dog with high quality food in order to keep the dog healthy.

2. Life in a pack

Dogs are pack animals and need to live in a pack not in isolation. Dogs are not happy when they are excluded from the family unit. So if you intend to have your dog all time in a kennel outdoors without human company, then forget about having a dog. Though in some homes dogs do live outside, most dogs would love to live indoor together with their family.  No matter where your dog will live, outdoors or indoors, set down your rules at the beginning and teach the dog to obey them.However, bear in mind that dogs which do live outside, need minimum 3 hour active attention per day.

If your dog spends some time outdoors and some time indoors, provide him access into house through a doggie door or a temperature-controlled doghouse. Never leave your dog outside without shelter, especially during very hot or cold weather, as this can  cause serious health problems to him.

3. Enough exercise and discipline

Keep your dog healthy with regular exercise and preventive veterinary care. The amount of exercise depends also on dog’s breed, and some dogs need more exercise than others. However, each dog owner should take his dog for at least 1-hour walk a day. This can be also done twice a day, for at least 30 minute each walk.

Dogs love sorder and discipline, and training is very important to your dog’s quality of life. You can join a training class with a professional instructor (especially recommended to first-time dog owners) or train your dog by yourself, if you have knowledge and skills and have already owned a dog before. In both cases you have to establish yourself as a pack leader, award good behavior, and correct misbehavior. Be consistent and you will soon see positive results.

4. Preventive and  necessary veterinary care

You should take your dog to a vet at least once or twice a year for preventive checking and required vaccination, because in this way potential problems can be identified early enough and before your dog gets really ill.

5. Every day dog care

Every dog needs basic grooming, bathing and trimming. Some dogs, more ofter small breeds and older dogs need also teeth cleaning. Dog also need ear cleaning from time to time.