Answers to questions on back of new Brainy Dog Flyer
1. Choose a dog based on
a) His cuteness number.
b) What your last dog looked like.
c) The most popular breed.
d) Energy level and personality.
It's easy to choose based on looks. Those of us with functional eyes, many times, make poor decisions because we decide based on visual images instead of what's inside. Challenge your brain to make decisions based on things that really matter. Personality, heart, kindness, intent. These things have much more value than looks.
With dogs think about:
Energy level
Money and time needed for the breeds grooming
Probability of medical issues of many pure breeds
What's best for the dogs future (adopting from shelters)
There is SO much more. Do your research first.
3. Pick up your dogs poop when.
a) You have nothing else to do.
b) Once a week.
c) Every time he/she goes.
d) Never, it's biodegradable.
Yes, it's true, if a dog poops in the woods you still have to pick it up. Come on, have you ever seen dog poop around town? In the park? In the woods? It's Icky to think you almost stepped in dog poop that didn't even come from your dog. In fact, pick it up even if it's not from your dog. We have all missed the great event of our dog pooping while we were distracted, so, pitch in. Some where, some place, someone has probably picked up YOUR dogs poop... and MY dogs poop. Thank you for that by the way.
Other justifications for picking it up every time:
Your dogs feces is an indicator of health. Too hard or too soft is not healthy. Know your dogs poop.
If you wait, wiggly things in your dogs poop might get away. Watch for parasites in fresh poop.
It's your yard too. A poop free yard is nice for humans.
Your neighbors yard is not your dogs bathroom. Less complaints if you ALWAYS carry bags... AND use them.
And yes, it sets a good example for children and adults that are learning to care for dogs.
2. Give your dog water
a) Once a day.
b) Let him drink out of the toilet
c) 24 hours a day, every day.
c) Whenever he asks.
We have access to water all the time and so should our dogs. If your dog has trouble "holding it" all night, there may be a medical or behavioral reason for that.Withholding water is the last resort for me. First get thorough Veterinary
check and behavior evaluation from a qualified trainer, such as Brainy Dog. Think about this:
The toilet may be full of cleaner you just poured in to soak a while.
Dogs dump water bowls over all the time water gets dirty just from dogs drinking it.
On hot days between evaporation and your dog trying to stay hydrated, water goes fast.
If you wait until your dog asks for water, he/she is probably, already partially dehydrated.
4. Feed your dog
a) The cheapest food you can find.
b) Table scraps.
c) Highest quality food you can afford.
d) Cook for your dog.
Well, there are two right answers here. IF you have a recipe approved by a Vetrinarian who has studied dog nutrition in depth, by all means cook for your dog. Otherwise, stick to a high quality prepared dog food, sold in a quality Pet supply store. One such store is "Trailblazer Pet Supply" in Chico. More thoughts:
Local human grade food in the correct proportion must be healthy for our dogs. It just makes since.
Know what you are feeding. Words like "meat" and "animal fat" in dog food can be anything, and if you knew what animal they are referring to you may very well pass that product by.
If you cook for your dog without an approved recipe, you may be providing unhealthy proportions and causing health problems.