7 Ways to Save Money on Your Pet

Don't forget about 2 other simple investments in your dog's health and safety...both mental and physical: obedience classes and a leash for walks! Obedience classes are the #1 thing you can do to help prevent behavior problems as your puppy grows up. The classes (particularly "puppy kindergarten" classes) provide your dog with socialization to other dogs and people, and with more advanced classes, they can teach your dog how to deal appropriately with noisy, scary, unusual things (such as people carrying umbrellas, wearing funny clothes, wheelchairs, loud noises, etc). Also, by learning good behaviors (how to sit, lay down, come, stay, etc on command, and to not jump up on people or grab food/items that they aren't allowed to have, or pulling on the leash), you can prevent accidents such as running out the door and into the road, or eating something toxic/dangerous, or running up to play with another dog that might turn out to be less than friendly.

Also, keep in mind that behavior problems are one of the top reasons for pets being euthanized or surrendered to shelters.

A leash is required for safe exercising of your dog outside the home, especially if you don't have a fenced yard. And most dogs turned loose into a fenced yard just lay down and nap after few minutes alone outside anyhow. Exercise outside their home environment gives them more reliable exercise, and more mental stimulation: there are many more new sights, sounds, and smells for them to explore. And there's no doubt that a dog with more mental and physical exercise is a happier, healthier, and better behaved dog....as I like tell my clients "a tired dog is a good dog!" This is especially true of the working/herding/sporting breeds.

Dr. Ann Will of OH 6:27PM September 17, 2010