For original article click here
Dogs have long been known as man’s best friend, and for anyone who has ever owned a canine companion would likely agree, there is nothing quite like the love of a faithful dog. Owning a dog can come with so many great benefits. However, dog ownership isn’t always easy. There is a lot that goes into owning a dog and keeping them safe, healthy and well-behaved.
Before you adopt or purchase a dog, you should know some of the basics that go into dog ownership so you can be the best pet owner possible for your new pet. Below, you will find several high-quality and informative dog resources that will help you understand your pet more and be the best owner possible for your dog.
Navigation
[toc]
General Dog Care Resources
There is a lot that goes into owning a dog and if you aren’t already familiar with some of the basics of dog ownership, it is important to do your research first before welcoming a new pet into your home. These general dog care resources can provide you with the foundation you need to be a great pet owner.
The Complete Dog Care Guide– Here are all of the basics that you need in order to get started.
Puppy 101: The Ultimate Guide to Raising a Puppy– Sure they are cute, but there is a lot that goes into raising a puppy. Here is your guide to caring for a puppy all the way through adulthood.
Being a Responsible Dog Owner– Did you know that many dogs can live for 15 years? A dog is a long commitment, so it is important to know what to expect before bringing one home.
Major Dog Responsibilities– Dog ownership isn’t all snuggles on the couch and walks through the park. Here are some of the hidden dog responsibilities that many new owners may not know about.
Dog Duties for Kids– If you want the whole family involved in owning the dog, this resource will help you determine which types of dog chores are appropriate for kids of all ages.
Bringing Home a New Dog– There are important dog care tips that you should start using form the minute you bring your pooch home.
Dog Breeds 101
There are so many different types of dogs, in all types of shapes and sizes. Different breeds are often characterized by different personality traits, behaviors and features. Below are some great resources on dog breeds.
An Overview of Dog Breeds– Here is a glossary of most of the major dog breeds that are common in the United States today.
Big Dog vs Small Dog– Are you a big breed person or a small breed person? If you aren’t sure, this resource can help.
Purebred or Mutt? – Some of the best dogs are actually mixes of a bunch of different breeds. Here is how you can decide whether a purebred is right for you or if a mixed breed is more your style.
The Most Family Friendly Dog Breeds– If you have a lot of little ones running around, then you want a family-friendly dog that can handle the chaos. This guide will tell you about the most family friendly breeds out there.
Great Dog Breeds For Apartments– Just because you don’t have a yard, it doesn’t mean that you can’t be a great dog owner. This resource will help you learn about dogs that can do well in confined apartments—the breeds on the list may actually surprise you.
Choosing a New Dog
Whether you work with a breeder or adopt from a shelter, picking the right dog for your family can be a difficult, and very important decision. Here are some great resources for choosing the perfect pooch for your lifestyle.
Choosing the Right Dog For You– Not sure what you want in a dog? This resource guide will help you narrow down what it is that you are looking for in a new pet.
Am I Ready for a Dog?- Owning a dog is a big responsibility—here is how to make sure you are ready.
Dog or Puppy? Puppies can be cute, but they are also a lot of work. Here are some tips on how to choose between a puppy and an adult dog.
Choosing a Shelter Dog– There are hundreds of thousands of dogs that find themselves in shelters. If you want to rescue one of these dogs, then this guide will help you navigate the waters of choosing a shelter dog.
Working With a Dog Rescue– Working with a dog rescue is actually different than adopting from a shelter. Here is a guide on how to best work with a dog rescue organization.
Choosing a Breeder– If you prefer to work with a breeder instead of adopting, here are some things that you should know about picking the right breeder.
Dog Feeding and Nutrition
Your dog’s diet is very important, and can be a major factor in their overall health, well-being and energy. Here is everything you need to know about dog feeding and nutrition.
General Feeding Guidelines For Dogs– This guide covers the basics of feeding your dog and determining a meal schedule.
Dogs and Food Allergies– Just like people, many dogs have allergies. Here’s what to know about dog food allergies.
Which Diet is Right for My Dog?- There are so many different types of dog diets out there, here’s what to know about the most common ones.
Information on the Raw Diet– Many pet owners are now switching to the raw diet, but this is what you need to know about it first.
Dogs and People Food– You may want to share all your snacks with your dog, but not all “people food” is healthy for pets.
Choosing the Right Treats for Your Dog– Treats are a great motivator and a great reward for dogs. Here’s how to make sure you’re choosing the right treats.
Training Basics
One of the biggest responsibilities of owning a dog is undoubtedly training. Here are some resources for dog training basics.
Potty Training– Perhaps the biggest obstacle dog owners face with training is teaching their dog to go to the bathroom outside.
An Overview of Training Philosophies– Different trainers have different philosophies when it comes to dog training. This resource goes over them all.
Teaching Basic Commands– Sit. Shake. Roll over. All of the basic commands are covered in this guide.
Attending Dog Classes– Group dog classes are a great way to get your dog started with training. Here is how to choose the right one.
Training Your Dog to Walk on a Leash– It can be challenging to train a dog to walk nicely on a leash, but this resource will cover different ways to do it.
Crate Training Your Dog– Crate training can help with a number of issues and it can give your pup a “room” of their own in your house. Use this guide to better understand the benefits of crate training.
Resources on Dog Behaviors
Dogs and humans are completely different creatures, and while we may love these pets, it doesn’t mean we always understand their behaviors. These resources will help you gain a better understanding of what your dog is doing—and why.
Common Behavior Issues in Dogs– Even the sweetest dogs can exhibit behavior issues—these are the most common ones dog owners run into.
Which Dog Behaviors are Normal and Which Are Not? Humans often misinterpret many dog behaviors, this guide will help you understand what is normal and what is not.
Reading Dog Body Language– Dogs have a body language that is all their own. This guide will tach you the basics.
Is it Time to Hire a Trainer?- Sometimes dogs, just like people, need a professional to step in and help them correct certain tendencies and behaviors.
Aggression in Dogs– Dog aggression can be very difficult for pet owners to understand and manage. This guide highlights some of the causes of and solutions to aggression.
Nipping and Play Biting– This is one of the most common dog behaviors and one of the most difficult to correct. Understand why dogs nip and play bite with this guide.
Exercise and Enrichment Your Canine Companion
All About Dog Parks– Dog parks can be great, but not for every pup.
How Much Exercise Should You Give Your Dog- The old saying is “a tired dog is a happy dog,” but understanding the right balance of exercise is key.
Mental Enrichment for Your Dog– Dogs don’t just need to work their bodies, they need to work their minds too, and this resource will show you how.
Dog Socializations– Learn how to set up structured, friendly social sessions for your pup to provide exercise and enrichment.
Walking and Running With Your Dog– There are so many benefits of walking and running with your dog that can keep your pup healthy and help grow your bond.
All About Dog Toys– The right toys can provide exercise and stimulation—here are ones to try.
Dog Product Reviews
Proper Health and Wellness For Dogs
If you want to keep your dog as healthy as possible, these resources can help make sure your pet is staying happy and healthy—and help you prevent different health issues from arising in the first place.
Choosing the Right Vet– The right vet can make all of the difference in your dog’s health and overall well-being. This guide will help you determine which vet is the right vet for you.
Common Health Issues in Dogs– Before you own a dog, you should learn about some of the most common health issues that impact canines.
About Dog Vaccines– With so many vaccines on the market today, it is important to understand what shots are available and what they can protect your dog from.
Parasites in Dogs– Parasites are very common in dogs—here’s how to treat them all.
All About Fleas and Ticks– This resource can show you how to keep your dog’s and your family safe from fleas and ticks.
Dental Care for Dogs– Proper healthcare for dogs also includes keeping their pearly whites strong and healthy.
Dog Blogs For Every Dog Owner
If you are a dog lover and want more resources on dog ownership, then blogs can be a great resource to stay up-to-date on all types of dog articles, information, tips and tricks and fun pictures and videos. Here are some of the best dog ownership blogs out there today.
Fidose of Reality– This blog will help you better understand your dog’s physical and emotional wellbeing, while giving you plenty of helpful tricks.
Herepup!- If you want to stay up-to-date on all news stories related to dog, then this is the blog for you.
It’s Dog or Nothing– This blog is designed for the super-dedicated dog owners who want to discover the best of the best for their pooches.
Rubicon Days– This blog is a source of information and positivity for dog owners who have challenging pets on their hands.
SlimDoggy– This blog will give you all types of information on how to keep your dog fit and healthy—and maybe even lose a few pounds too.
Dakota’s Den– If you are looking for a wealth of information on dogs and all types of topics, then this blog is for you. It covers virtually every dog topic under the sun and is filled with adorable photos and videos.