Dogs consistently top the leader boards as the most popular pet. There are currently estimated to be over 10 million pet dogs in the UK alone. These are being added to all the time, especially during the pandemic as many people opted to buy a pet to keep them company during lockdown.
Dogs are well known to improve the wellbeing of those they live with. They provide opportunities for the family to exercise and add unconditional love to the household. However, they also require specific care to ensure that they are happy and healthy, and unfortunately not all owners are aware of this.
Humans should care about animal welfare, especially of those creatures that depend on us, such as a pet dog. Dogs remember bad experiences and it can be traumatic for a dog to change owners if the current owner find they can no longer care properly for their pet.
Dogs are intelligent and highly sociable. They need both mental and physical stimulation to keep them occupied and happy. Millions of dogs are confined for extended periods of time while their owners are at work and this can leave the dogs bored and unhappy.
We know that dogs can sense the world around them and take information from it. They have memories and can solve certain problems. They also experience emotions and individual dogs seem to have distinct personalities.
Enrichment in the form of games and activities that are of moderate to high intensity lowers stress in dogs. Social interaction, including play, is very important to dogs. They communicate with each other and with humans. As a bonus, exercise can encourage dogs to learn more efficiently and can increase their problem-solving abilities. This leads to a more emotionally balanced and confident dog.
How to get veterinary care for your dog
It is wise to take out health insurance for your dog. A basic plan will cover routine treatment and will ensure that your pet is protected. Charities provide low-cost veterinary care for those who may not be able to afford it otherwise.
It’s a good idea to register your pet with a local vet and keep their contact details handy should your pet need emergency treatment. Your pet dog may need neutering, dental work and vaccinations. Your dog will also require year-round flea and worm treatment.
As part of your care for your canine buddy you can learn to carry out a basic daily health check. Examining them will help you keep on top of their overall health and let you notice any possible problems nice and early.
Are dog training classes worth it?
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Most behavioural problems are actually normal behaviours for the dog, they’re just performed at the wrong time or in the wrong place! The earlier you can start training your dog the better. Puppies, for example learn quickly and can start training from around 8 weeks old.
A good force-free dog trainer can provide basic obedience training with the owner or offer training with dogs that have a unique training need. This can include:
- Aggression or Anxiety (including destructive behaviours and biting)
- Hyperactivity
- Fear (including separation anxiety and insecurity)
- Inappropriate elimination and marking
- Excessive barking and stress
It is important to check what kind of training methods the dog trainer uses, and force-free methods are the most effective and will improve the dog’s overall wellbeing. Punishment is not recommended as a method of training. It’s not only cruel to the dog but can also cause more problems, such as aggression and fear.
What are the best online dog training courses?
Some charities provide videos and online training courses offering tips on how to train your dog using positive reinforcement.
Animal Courses Direct offers a Positive Dog Training and Behaviour course which is suitable for dog owners. The short course takes a look at canine body language. This is essential for training dogs as we need to know what they are communicating and how they are feeling. The course then looks at how to train or change behaviours in a positive, force-free way. The course covers clicker training and operant and classical conditioning.
The Foundation Animal Care Studies Diploma is relevant for pet owners wanting to learn more about animal care. The course explores the basic needs of dogs, including their nutritional needs. You will learn about the daily health check and how to recognise general signs of health and ill-health in your dog. The course also looks at enrichment and exercise activities that suit different breeds.
Caring for a new dog
When considering a new pet dog, the first thing to decide is whether to buy a puppy or opt for an older rescue dog.
Dogs that find themselves in rescue centres will often be confused and possibly frightened. Even stray dogs will be anxious finding themselves confined, despite access to food, water and shelter. Some dogs may have been rescued from abroad and endured a long journey by air. Some dogs may have never experienced living in a home. Humans need to feel safe, and this applies to animals too.
The Caring For A New Dog course is of interest to those considering adopting a new dog or those who have recently taken on a new dog. It looks at how to understand dogs, including the subjects of stress and canine body language. The course also studies various aspects of dog care including:
- Introducing a new dog to resident dogs whilst building trust and resilience
- Fear free handing
- Understanding common unwanted behaviours
Caring for an older dog
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The term “senior” can describe an ageing pet, but the number of years a dog is considered to be “senior” varies. Identifiers such as weight, breed and the state of their organs can all help determine whether an individual is considered a senior. For example, small dogs are generally considered as senior when they reach the age of 7. Larger breed dogs tend to have shorter life spans and are considered to be seniors when they are approximately 6 years of age.
Senior dogs will exhibit many subtle changes physically and behaviourally. Dogs can become less mobile and therefore more reluctant to exercise. However, it is essential to keep an exercise routine in place for older dogs.
The Caring For Older Dogs Certificate explores the signs of aging and how to recognise pain in dogs. You will have the opportunity to learn about the latest diet supplements that can assist in treating or preventing disease, as well as medication commonly used for older dogs. The course also studies alternative therapies available for pain relief in the older dog. The course will help you to provide high standards of care for older dogs.
Why not visit our website and discover over 50 canine courses and online training in dog care and welfare? Or you can speak to us directly to speak to a course advisor by calling 0120 200 640.
Also, if you adore animals, you can keep track of all upcoming animal awareness days and events with our FREE calendar! Download it here.
