Swimming

Getting your dog to swim for his exercise is great for him.  It is low impact for his joints and seems to burn fat and energy more than anything else I have tried.  I personally take Hugo to hydrotherapy every week because of his back and elbow issues but you can do it anywhere like the beach or in a pond.  Swimming is great for dogs with health issues.



Water Treadmill

Yes, I know not many people will have one of these.  I get Hugo on the one at hydrotherapy at least once a month which I recommend to anyone with a Canine Hydrotherapy business near you.  Again it is low impact and really builds muscle.



The Beach

Obviously, I can only really go to the beach in the summer here in Scotland but if you live somewhere hotter then that's perfect.  My dog's physiotherapist told me that the best place to exercise your dog is somewhere that has lots of types of different ground like the beach.  There are rocky areas, soft dry sand, hard wet sand and the water.  This really helps your dog to build muscle and it's great for dogs with leg problems.



Training

Training your dog is definitely a form of exercise.  I like to do exercise training in my garden once or twice a week.  I make sure I keep my dog's attention and have play breaks in between training.


*Disclaimer*  

I am not any type of animal expert but instead only an animal lover who wants to share her tips.  Please consult relevant animal specialists and do not only take my advice.

 The Rider's Pets

Some things need to be done weekly or monthly to take care of a pet dog.  Here are some examples of the routine you will probably try to follow if you have a dog.


1.  Bathing

Some people bath every week and some people bath every month.  It is a good idea to record when you have bathed your dog and when you get to next because washing your dog too often or too far apart can be bad for your dog's skin.



2.  Nail trimming

If your dog doesn't have hard ground to wear down their nails you may have to trim them.  I trim my dog's nails once a month although some of them don't need it done.  Check your dog's nails every few weeks and trim them every month is important especially for the dew claw.




3.  Appointments

It is a good idea to write down all of your dog's appointments.  I write down grooming appointments, vet visits and Hydrotherapy (For Hugo who has elbow dysplasia).  Other things you could plan is a dog walker, dog sitter, puppy classes and dog dates.  You can also note down dates to book your next appointment.



4.  Worming and flea treatment

If you have a dog you will know about worming and flea treatments.  You should have your own schedule depending on the products you use and your dog.  So write down all of these treatments every month that you are treating your dog.


*Disclaimer*  

I am not any type of animal expert but instead only an animal lover who wants to share her tips.  Please consult relevant animal specialists and do not only take my advice.

 The Rider's Pets

Sometimes your dog may be itchy, have a rash or have skin irritation.  In these cases, it is best to use an antibacterial shampoo made for dogs.



4.  Eye Wipes

Since we shouldn't get shampoo near the dog's eyes, it is much better to use eye wipes to clean around them.  Clean the hair around the dog's eyes, nose and ears.



5.  Ear Cleaner 

I like to clean my dog's ears out every time I wash them.  I simply squirt this product into my dog's ears, massage for 30 seconds and clean them out with a cotton ball.

 The Rider's Pets

1.  Socialise With People

Take your puppy to a place where there are lots of animal lovers.  I usually take new puppies to the horse yard, dog park or a pet shop.  Don't be afraid to ask people to stop and pet your puppy.  You are looking for your puppy to be used to meeting new people on the lead so he is happy to see people but not overly excited.

2.  Socialise With Dogs

Again, take your puppy to places to where you know that there will be other dogs.  You are looking for your puppy to walk up to new dogs calmly and sniff them.  You will probably find that older dogs will teach your puppy how to act towards dogs.  Just be sure to show your puppy well behaved, gentle dogs.

3.  Car

This is something a lot of people forget about and it ends up with a barking dog in the car.  Ask friends, family and strangers to come up to your car and reach into pet the puppy.  This stops car aggression that can sometimes happen in dogs that haven't been socialised in a car.

4.  At Home

When you have your puppy at home it is important to get people to come to your house.  I try to get the postman to come and pet the puppy, get someone to walk into the garden where the puppy is and pet him and take people into the house to sit down and talk while the puppy is next to us.


*Disclaimer*  

I am not any type of animal expert but instead only an animal lover who wants to share her tips.  Please consult relevant animal specialists and do not only take my advice.

 The Rider's Pets

1.  Bed

I like to buy memory foam or plush beds but choose any bed you like.  If you are worried about your puppy having accidents on his bed you can get a vet bed which has fluffy material on one side and rubber on the other so it is easy to clean.

2.  Crate

Crates are optional but it is nice to have one if you can't watch your dog all the time or to put your dog in when you leave the house.  I really like these big ones but get the size right for your dog.


3. Food And Water Dishes

You can get cute bowls with writing or graphics on it or normal stainless steel.  I like stainless steel for cleanliness and own about a million of them!  I also use this bowl holder for Hugo as he as elbow dysplasia and struggles to bend down.




4.  Food

Get whichever food you want to feed your dog.  I feed my dog, Hugo, who is a bull mastiff this Royal Canin Giant Junior dog food.  There are plenty of great food brands out there but always do a lot of research before giving it to your dog.
A raw diet is the best for your dog but you should research this before starting it and talk to your vet in case your dog needs extra supplements.



5.  Harness, Collar, Lead and Tags

You can just buy the basic collar and lead or you could buy loads of different accessories depending on what you are going to be doing with your dog.  Click here to see travel accessories.
6.  Grooming Equipment

Depending on your dog's coat you many need brushes, nail clippers and scissors.  You may buy more after if you need them but this is a good place to start.

You can also check out '5 Products You Need to Wash Your Dog' here.



7.  Puppy Pads and Poo Bags

Puppy pads are used for the first month usually so make sure you have enough to get through that time.  With poo bags just buy as many as you think you will need depending on how often you will take your dog away from home.

8.  Toys

Essential for puppies and dogs to keep them busy!  I always leave toys with my dogs so that if they ever want to chew anything there is a toy right beside them.  I also give Hugo a Kong toy with treats inside while I leave the house.
9.  Treats

I know plenty of people who don't use treats to train their dogs but I think it works great.  I always try to buy the healthy treats or raw/cooked meat.


10.  Health Care

When you get your puppy or dog you will need to get some things to keep them healthy.  The basics are flea treatment, wormer, eye drops and ear cleaner.
 The Rider's Pets