The Bread and Butter of Life
Introduction
Just like people,
dogs need quality food and
fresh, clean water daily. There
are many types of dispensers for
both food and water. Finding the
right one is not as important in
keeping whatever you use clean.
Purchase dog dishes that can be
run through the dishwasher. Have
more than one set or buy half a
dozen inexpensive, wide glass
salad or pasta-type bowls to use
daily.
|
Right before giving your dog
a meal is one of the best
times to take a minute for
training. Make this
the routine in your home. |
Water
Fresh
water is important to the dog.
Since water is often left on the
ground, it is commonly
contaminated with dust, hair,
and dirt. Therefore, it to be
changed at least once if not
twice daily. The bowl should be
washed out with soap and water
at least every two days. Dogs
should not drink out of the
toilet if at all possible
because of the possibility of
contamination and
gastrointestinal disease.
Bowls
Food
and water bowls should not be
made of a cheap light vinyl
m
aterial. These will scoot
across the floor, spill water,
and some vinyl bowls actually
cause allergic or toxic
reactions around the lips and
muzzles of dogs who eat from
them. It is preferred to choose
a hard rubber or very hard thick
plastic bowl, the heavier the
better. Stainless steel bowls
are excellent for cleanliness.
However, they can be quite noisy
if dropped and are typically
more expensive to purchase. If
you dog has a habit of tipping
their food and water, then you
may need to consider large bowls
with non-skid feet.
Frequency of
feeding
On average, puppies should be fed small meals three
times a day at about the same time every day until
three months of age. Larger breed dogs should be fed
at this frequency until four or five months of age.
Feed older pups and adult dogs twice daily at
approximately the same time every day. In general,
food should not be left down all the time, unless
directed by your veterinarian.
Learn to
earn
Right before mealtime is a great
time to take a minute out for training. Keep the dog
guessing about what commands and in what order you
will request today. Keep this a fun, quality time
activity with your dog by acting happy and smiling a
lot at your dog. Help your dog learn how to be
successful in pleasing you. Give the first few
kibbles and your lavish praise when your dog
responds to your requests. At the very least, expect
your dog to earn each meal by doing at
least one command such as "sit" before you deliver
the goods. After all, you paid for the food. By
having your dog earn meals and other valued
resources, you remind your dog that he who has the
gold, rules the kingdom.
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Improving Relationships
between Pets and
People