OUT AND ABOUT WITH YOUR DOG
Once your dog is properly vaccinated, you can properly socialize it with other dogs. Your vet will give you guidelines on when this will be permitted, but usually depends on the first and second battery of vaccinations having been given.
Then they can go out onto the street, but be vigilant—don’t let them sniff or lick pee or sniff or lick other dog poop, and certainly be very careful of anything on the ground like a twig or bone. Puppies are like children-they ‘see’ with their mouths!
Dogs require a lot of attention and exercise to help keep them healthy and in top condition from head to tail. After all, you won’t be in good shape if you don’t hit the gym from time to time. Most dogs can thrive with a walk several times a day. Breeds such as huskies, bichon frises, or golden retrievers require special care.
For example, huskies are bred as working dogs, and need a lot of exercise as well as play time with their owners. My friend got a harness and a sled on wheels so the dog could tow him, instead of him trying to walk him and getting his arm pulled out of his socket.
Golden retrievers are social animals, and they will feel lonely, and rejected if left alone for too long. Loneliness and bordom are two of the main reasons why a dog will start to chew or generally misbehave in the house, or even become destructive.
Other breeds, though social animals. may not react in the same manner as a golden. Many are happy with a large yard and or run. But even if you do have a yard, you should still walk your dog regularly as part of your bonding time with the pet.
If you live in an apartment, you might paper train or pee pad train your dog, especially if it is a small one, but remember that regular walks will help keep it fit and healthy, its toenails down, and its bowels regular from the exercise. Teacup Yorkies are all very well and fine, or the designer chihuahua, but it is a living creature which needs fresh air.
Paper training is not always easy, though, as dog’s tend to be den animals and don’t like to soil their home. But accidents do happen–you can hardly blame it if you are at work all day, and it wants to pee. Just YOU try not going to the bathroom for 10 or 12 hours and see how you feel.
Get a dog that suits your circumstances, and how you can manage in case of illness. There is no sense in having a 50 pound standard poodle if you live in a 4 storey walk-up.
Your dog will also be welcome on puppy play dates and doggy day care if it has all its vaccinations, and of course, you will be able to travel on public transport, particularly planes, with your dog as well.
The Importance Of Regular Dog Vaccinations As Part Of Your Dog’s Overall Care Part 5 deals with vaccinations and other dog health care aspects you need to consider.