Mammal
Dog
- Space
- A home with a secure yard or reliable daily walks
- Daily time
- 1 to 2 hours or more a day
- Company
- Lives with people; many enjoy other dogs
- Lifespan
- About 10 to 15 years, shorter in giant breeds
Size, energy and age
Breed tells you roughly how big a dog will get and how much exercise it may need, but individuals vary. Herding and working breeds often need hours of activity and a job to do. Many small and toy breeds live longer than giant breeds. Mixed-breed dogs from a shelter can be wonderful companions, and staff can often tell you about energy level and manners.
Puppies need house training, socializing and near-constant supervision for months. An adult dog lets you see its size and temperament before you commit.
A daily routine
- Meals at set times, measured to the amount on the food label and adjusted with your vet's help
- Walks and play suited to the dog's age and fitness, at least twice a day for most dogs
- Short training sessions, five to ten minutes, a few times a day
- Something to chew and puzzle toys for mental work
- Toilet breaks every few hours for puppies, and often enough for adults
Feeding
Choose a food labeled complete and balanced for your dog's life stage. In the US, look for a nutritional adequacy statement on the bag that refers to AAFCO standards. Keep treats small; a common rule of thumb is that they make up no more than about 10 percent of daily calories. Fresh water should always be available. If you want to switch foods, mix in the new one gradually over about a week.
Grooming, nails and teeth
Brush coats on a schedule that suits the breed, from weekly for short coats to daily for long or curly coats. Trim nails when you hear them click on hard floors. Dental disease is very common in dogs, and brushing with a dog toothpaste is the most useful home habit. Never use human toothpaste.
Training with rewards
Reward-based training, using food, toys or praise for the behavior you want, works well and builds trust. Start with sit, come, a loose-leash walk and settling on a mat. Punishment tends to make fear and aggression worse. A group class with a qualified trainer helps both of you, especially with a first dog.
Routine health care
Book a vet check within the first week or two of bringing a dog home. Your vet will advise on vaccines, parasite prevention for fleas, ticks and heartworm, microchipping and whether and when to spay or neuter. Those choices depend on the dog and where you live, so ask your vet to set a schedule for your dog.
Foods and items to keep away
Several common foods are dangerous to dogs. Keep these out of reach:
- Chocolate, especially dark chocolate and cocoa powder
- Xylitol, a sweetener in some gum, candy, baked goods and peanut butters
- Grapes, raisins and currants
- Onions, garlic, chives and leeks
- Macadamia nuts, alcohol and cooked bones
- Human medicines of any kind
If your dog eats something on this list, call your vet or an emergency clinic right away, even if the dog seems fine. Don't try home remedies or make the dog vomit unless a vet tells you to.
Dog care: questions
How long can a dog be left alone?
It depends on age, training and the individual dog. Puppies need very frequent breaks. Many adults manage a few hours, but a full workday alone is too long for most without a midday walk or a dog walker.
How do I know if my dog is a healthy weight?
You should be able to feel the ribs easily under a thin layer of fat and see a waist from above. Your vet can show you how to score body condition at home.