Small dogs are great companions for urban dwellers.  They do not take up much space making it ideal for apartment living.  But there are common mistakes made with taking care of small dogs.  Some dog owners are uneducated on the difference between handling a small versus a larger breed dog.  Here is an inside look on what you can expect when living with a small breed.

Exercise Your Small Dog

Just because a dog is small does not mean you should carry your dog everywhere.  Dogs need to run around.  A small dog breed is no different.  Allow your small dog to exercise, run around your apartment, play fetch, and expend energy.  It may take less time for a small dog to wear out than a large breed, but exercise and playtime is still necessary to providing your dog with a healthy life.

Do Not Carry Your Small Dog Everywhere

Small dogs are still dogs.  It is good to permit your dog to walk around on a leash when possible.  Do not carry your dog everywhere.  A small dog needs to roam around, and develop social skills.  This occurs when you allow your dog to walk next to you rather than carry it.  For instance, if you approach someone while holding your dog in your arms, you do not allow natural relationships to build between your dog and others.  People will automatically come and pet your dog.  It may cause fear in your dog.  However, if your dog is on the ground, walking, sniffing, approaching other animals and people, as your dog is comfortable, then the natural instincts a dog feels to approach or avoid occurs.  It is part of a fit development of a dog.  If you carry your dog, then you are eliminating this process from happening, which could harm your dog in the long run.

To find out more information about small breed dogs, talk to a Florida dog obedience training professional.  He/she will provide additional information on what it is like to own a small dog and how to adapt to a small breed ensuring the needs of your pup are met.

When adopting a dog, it is vital to your dog’s well being to produce a safe, loving, secure home.  Produce an environment where your dog can grow in a positive manner.   Here are some tips to help you attain this goal.

Do Your Homework

Before bringing a new dog into your home, do your homework.  Research what size dog would be appropriate for your house.  Does your dog need room to run?  Do you have a backyard?  Do you live in an apartment?  Is there limited space in your place for a dog?  These are all circumstances you need to consider before adding any new member of the family.  Your dog needs room to run around, play, and be comfortable.  If you live in a flat with no area to walk your dog on a daily basis, then this could be an issue for a bigger breed dog.  Think about what type of dog is suitable for your living space prior to inviting one into your home.

Match Your Lifestyle

If you are someone who is anal about cleanliness, then perhaps a large dog that drools is not a match for you.  Alternatively, if you love to exercise and are looking for a running dog to come along then do not choose a toy breed.

Dogs come in all shapes, sizes, personality.  Thus, find a dog corresponding with your lifestyle.

To find out more information, talk to a Florida dog obedience training professional today.  A k9 obedience instructor would be able to provide ample facts about what dog breed would be most suitable to you, your home and the lifestyle you live.

When raising a dog in the city, there are many obstacles to face.  There is constant construction, people, traffic, runners, parents with strollers, street signs, vendors and other dogs crossing paths.  So how do you keep your dog safe from all the nuisances around?  How do you ensure your dog is near you and does not get into something harmful?  One way is to keep your dog on a leash, and here is a list of reasons why as a responsible dog owner keeping your dog on a leash is a smart move.

Traffic

You need to keep your dog safe from traffic.  Cars zooming by are too tempting for some dogs to chase after.  Using a leash keeps your dog safe and close in proximity.  In addition, think about roller bladders, skateboarders, runners that go by your dog.  Some dogs tend to chase after these people, which could cause severe injuries of all parties involved.  Keep your dog out of harm’s way, and use a leash.

Health

In the city, there is trash pick-up on the side of the road.  You want to steer your dog clear of the trash area.  If your dog digs through there, a harmful substance could be swallowed without notice.  Alternatively, there could be glass items, light bulbs, and loose nails placed throughout the trash.   You have no clue what people throw away.  Separate a good amount of distance between your dog and these areas.  It is better to keep your dog safe than take any chances.

If you would like more tips on how to train your dog to be comfortable, walk, and train on a leash, contact a Florida dog obedience training professional or a k9 obedience instructor today.  He/she will be able to guide you in the right direction.