Dogs are wonderful creatures who bring joy and companionship to millions of people. While many physically disabled people have medical support and guidance dogs, some people are hesitant to take the plunge as they are not sure if they could provide a dog with everything it needs in terms of exercise. Of course, dogs need plenty of mental stimulation and physical exertion to keep them healthy and happy, but there are many ways to ensure they have everything they need. If you have a physical disability considering bringing a dog into your home, here are five dog care tips that might help.
1. Choose the right breed
There are lots of different breeds to choose from, and each requires different levels of exercise, grooming, and training. To ensure you do not take on more than you have the time and energy for, take the time to find out more about the different breeds in terms of exercise.
2. Train them well
Training a dog to respond to your commands and behave appropriately in the home is crucial for any dog owner, but it is even more relevant for physically disabled owners. You should begin training as soon as the puppy or dog arrives, although training an adult dog is likely to take longer. If you are concerned about the work this involves, a professional dog trainer will be able to help either via classes or private training in your home.
3. Make your home and garden dog-friendly
It is up to you how much of your home you make accessible for the dog, but you might want to make adjustments to ensure the dog can get around with minimal help from you. For example, if you have internal doors that tend to swing shut, trapping the dog in certain rooms, investing in doorstops or hooks will reduce how often you need to come to their aid. If you have a garden that you want the dog to exercise in and relieve themselves, consider installing an automatic sliding door system. For more on this technology, head over to evoproducts.com.
4. Find a reliable dog walker
Some people do not have the time or physical ability to give a dog the exercise they need, but there is plenty of professional dog walking services that can take care of this for you. You may even have friends or family members who are willing to help. When choosing a dog walker, be sure to look at their experience, qualifications, insurance, and testimonials from previous customers. Ensure that you meet them with your dog before committing to using their services as you and your dog should be comfortable with them.
5. Find games you can both enjoy
Puppies and dogs enjoy playing games, and there are plenty out there to keep you and your dog entertained with minimal physical input from you. You could invest in a ball launcher so you can throw a ball further and faster for them for a game of fetch. Puzzles and scent games are also effective at keeping them busy and developing their problem-solving skills so they will not get bored and destructive. If your dog enjoys digging, you could even fill a cardboard box with papers and treats so they can have fun tearing through it. Another idea is to get a small paddling pool, fill it with plastic balls, and a few treats so they can sniff them out.
