The Ultimate Guide to Dog Care. Tammy Gagne

or makes another fun noise, and a chewable item should all be included on your initial shopping list. Over time, you can add to your dog’s toys, rotating items in and out of the toy box to keep your pet’s interest level high. It is also important to throw away any items that could be dangerous—for instance, a chew toy that your pet has whittled down to a size that makes it a choking hazard.

      Bear in mind that some toys require a human partner. That ball, for instance, won’t be much fun for your dog without someone to throw it for him. For this reason, make sure your pet has items that he can use to entertain himself when you cannot participate. Some dogs especially enjoy educational toys, such as balls that dispense treats when rolled just the right way and complex puzzle toys that offer similar edible rewards when solved; these “brain games” will help exercise your dog’s mind.

      Whatever type of toys your dog prefers, make sure that the ones you offer him are size-appropriate and sturdy. Be sure to keep a few of his favorites on hand. They will be especially useful when it comes time for teaching your dog the Drop It and Leave It commands; favorite toys are also excellent alternatives to edible training rewards.

      Dogs often enjoy interactive toys that encourage their owners to join the fun.

      Gates

      Safety gates are among the most important tools for creating a safe environment for your dog. Puppies, in particular, can be inquisitive to the point of placing themselves in danger. Many adult dogs, too, have a tendency to get into trouble at times, whether in the form of rummaging in the trash or chewing on their owners’ belongings. While you should puppy-proof as much of your home as possible, you will inevitably find gates helpful in one way or another, whether or not your dog also uses a crate.

      Sometimes you don’t need to crate your dog, but you want to keep him out of a single room or part of your home for a while. Maybe you’ve just had your wall-to-wall carpeting cleaned and need to keep little feet off it while the fibers dry. Perhaps you are having a bathroom remodeled, and workers will be leaving exterior doors open for extended periods of time as they carry items inside and out. Whatever your reason, a gate can afford your pet with more space than a crate while still protecting him from harm.

      If you will be using a gate instead of a crate for your dog, you may consider investing in a model that can be permanently affixed to a doorway. These swing-style gates allow pet owners to walk through quickly and easily, without having to reposition anything but a handle. Of course, if you need a gate in more than one area of your home, a pressure-mounted unit (or multiple gates) may be the better choice. Pressure-mounted gates offer pet owners the flexibility to move them wherever they want without having to install any hardware.

      A strategically placed gate limits your dog’s access to certain parts of the house.

      Secure Fencing

      No matter how much you play with your pet inside, getting outdoors for exercise and fresh air is good for both your pet and you. Daily walks, or jogs for more athletic dogs, are a great way to keep your pet fit and happy. Still, nothing can replace the thrill a dog feels when he can run outside freely. A fenced yard can make it possible for your pet to enjoy exhilarating off-leash playtime every day without putting his safety at risk. Having a fenced yard can also provide your dog with a safe potty spot that he can access with just the opening of the door. If you choose to install a doggy door, he could even head to his potty spot in the fenced yard without any assistance.

      Before you allow your dog to spend time in your yard unsupervised, you must make certain that every part of your fence is secure. This structure must not have any gaps through which your dog could escape. It also must not have crossbars that could offer your dog a leg up in climbing over it. Larger breeds can jump over fences that aren’t high enough. Certain breeds, such as terriers, have a talent for digging under fences. Even when you have done everything correctly in securing your fence, you shouldn’t leave your dog unsupervised outside for too long. In addition to keeping your dog safe, your joining him for outdoor time will make the experience a more enjoyable one for your pet.

      Your fencing should have no gaps where your dog might squeeze through.

      Cleaning Supplies

      One of the most important steps in the housetraining process is cleaning up thoroughly after your dog has an accident. Dogs have incredibly sensitive noses, so if your dog detects any trace of urine or fecal matter left behind after a housetraining mishap, it will encourage him to continue using the area as a potty spot.

      The first step to removing pet stains and odors is removing the urine or feces. Solid waste can be flushed down your toilet, but urine is a much more complicated matter, especially when your dog pees on a carpet. Clean up puddles as soon as you notice them to prevent the urine from seeping too far into the rug. You may use old towels, rags, or paper towels for this step. Once you have absorbed the majority of the liquid, place a fresh towel over the area and step on it (with a shoe on, of course!). This additional measure will allow you to reach as much of the urine that has soaked into your carpet fibers as possible. Repeat this step until you absorb no more liquid from the soiled area.

      The second and equally vital phase of the cleanup process is cleaning the area with an enzymatic cleaner. This type of cleaner will help remove any odors that are still left behind—the ones that a human nose cannot sense. While all enzymatic cleaners rely on proteins to break down stains and odors, it is important that you choose a product made specifically for pets. Whatever you do, never use a cleaner that contains ammonia to clean a housetraining mishap. Because urine itself also contains ammonia, your dog will be even more likely to revisit the spot!

      You will also need to clean up after your pet when he eliminates in his proper potty spot outdoors. Any fecal matter left on the ground can breed bacteria. If you or your dog step in excrement, you can transport a variety of dangerous germs into your home. Your pet may even ingest germs this way, placing him at risk for several serious illnesses.

      The most efficient way to clean up your dog’s potty spot is with a “poop scoop.” Some are one-piece, hinged units, while others include a small hoe and separate shovel for transporting waste to your garbage can. You may find it helpful to keep a designated lined trash can in your yard for depositing dog waste; be sure to replace the liner each week after trash day.

      Although poop scoops are ideal for backyard cleanup, they are typically too cumbersome to bring with you when you walk your dog. For this purpose, you will need to bring along cleanup bags. You can buy rolls of plastic cleanup bags from a pet-supply store, but many owners find that plastic grocery-store bags work perfectly. Whichever style you prefer, the most important thing is remembering to take them with you whenever you walk your dog. Many municipalities have laws about cleaning up after pets. If you don’t remove your dog’s waste from a public place, you could be fined. Since no one enjoys stepping in dog poop, cleaning up after your pet is simply the right thing to do.

      Equipment Checklist

      You may find a few additional items helpful once your dog has settled into your home. For example, if you will be performing extensive grooming, you might choose to invest in a grooming table. This piece of equipment, which you can collapse when not in use, makes brushing and trimming a dog’s coat considerably easier on an owner’s back. Likewise, you may decide to use a nail-grinding tool for your dog’s pedicures instead of a set of manual clippers. When used properly, this item helps owners avoid injuring their pets’ nail beds. Exactly which items you purchase is strictly a matter of personal preference, but the following list of gear will start you off on the right paw.

      ✔ Crate

      ✔ Crate Pad/Liner

      ✔ Leash

      ✔ Collar or Harness

      ✔ Bowls

      ✔