A Place to Exercise.

Spot needs regular exercise, no matter what size he is. However, the frequency and duration necessary varies from breed to breed and even from dog to dog. One thing is certain. Dogs that get enough exercise always behave better than those that don’t.

Fencing your yard will make exercising Spot easier on you. A well- installed chain-link fence is sufficient for most dogs. If yours likes to dig, check the condition around the bottom of the fence frequently. If Spot is going to spend several hours at a time outside, he’ll need fresh water and shelter from heat, rain, and cold. Shade is especially important. When checking an outdoor area for shade, remember the section that looks so cool and inviting in the morning may be blistering under the summer sun by afternoon.

A Place to Call His (or Her) Own

Spot should have a doghouse if he’s going to spend more than a couple hours a day outdoors. Many pet supply stores have dog doghouses for sale, or you can easily make one yourself. The following are the attributes of good doghouses:

• The floor of Spot’s house should be raised off the ground two or three inches. That protects it from rain, snow, morning dew, and general dampness.
• A removable roof or a hinged roof will make it easier to clean inside the house.
• The door should be near one side wall of the house (not in the middle) and partitioned off, with the sleeping space on the side away from the drafty door.
• Don't buy or build too big a house. To conserve body heat, the sleeping space should be cozy—just right for Spot to curl up comfortably.
• Cedar chips make great bedding for the inside of Spot’s house. They smell wonderful, provide good insulation, and usually stay clean and dry for quite a while. If cedar bedding isn’t available, wood shavings are a dependable second choice. Remember to always lay the bedding a half-inch to two or three inches deep, depending on winter weather conditions in your area.

Safe Toys

Toys aren’t an extra, but an essential. Spot needs something safe to gnaw on, and should have a couple of toys available all the time. Whenever he is placed in his crate, he should be accompanied by a safe toy or two, and toys should also be handy when he is out and about, enjoying time with the family. Spot’s toys should be purchased or created especially for him, so that he will learn the difference between his belongings and yours. For example, it isn’t fair to give him an old shoe to gnaw on and then get angry when he destroys your bedroom slippers. A shoe is a shoe to a dog, and if he is encouraged to play with one, he won’t understand that the others are off limits.

Even though Spot is an adult, not a teething puppy, he may still enjoy chewing. Encourage the habit because chewing is good for dogs. It helps remove plaque from their teeth, promotes healthy gums, and keeps them occupied and content.

Rawhide chew toys are a traditional favorite, but there have been rare accidents when a dog ripped a chunk from a rawhide, got it caught in its throat, and choked. So give Spot rawhide only when you’re home and in the same room with him, and don’t choose rawhide for his crate toy.

Squeaky toys (lightweight rubber or plastic with squeakers inside) are great fun for dogs, but they are easily torn apart and swallowed, dangerous squeaker and all. Get Spot a squeaky toy by all means, but keep it out of his reach unless you're watching or joining in the play. Some owners get the squeaky out every few days as a special reward and enjoy watching the playful pouncing.

Chew toys made of nylon are safe in Spot’s mouth even when you aren’t home, and small dogs prefer the softer, equally safe, gummy- type nylon chews. Solid, hard rubber toys are also safe and fun, but depending on his size and perseverance, Spot may eventually mangle even those labeled “indestructible.” If he gouges pieces out of his rubber toys, don’t leave him alone with them.

The braided rope toys sold at pet supply stores are fun for games of tug, and an aid in keeping Spot’s teeth tartar free. If Spot starts unstringing his rope, don’t leave him alone with it; swallowing the strings could cause intestinal problems.

For the ultimate crate treat, buy a sterilized bone toy (available at most pet shops), and stuff it with real cheese. That will keep Spot occupied for quite a while.

After Spot owns a few toys, don’t let him have them all at once. Instead, rotate them every few days, putting different ones in his crate, and in the room where the family gathers. That way Spot will be less likely to become bored with his belongings.

Practical Dog Dishes

Practical food and water dishes are easy to clean and difficult to tip over. Many companies have designed dishes with these features in mind. Spot should have separate dishes for food and water. The food dish should be washed after each use, and the water dish should be refilled with fresh water frequently and washed thoroughly once a day. Position Spot’s food dish so it won’t slide across the floor while he is trying to eat. Placing it in a corner usually does the job.

It’s always best to feed Spot indoors, but if you feed outside during the warm months, pick up the food dish within ten minutes. Otherwise, every bug in the neighborhood will be attracted to Spot’s outdoor play area. When feeding outside during the winter, never use metal dishes. Spot’s tongue could stick to the frozen metal. Constant access to fresh water (not snow) is critical, so purchase a self-warming dish if you won’t be around to change the water frequently.

Grooming Gizmos

All dogs need some type of brush or comb, a nail clipper, a quality pH-balanced dog shampoo (sometimes you may need insecticide shampoo or dip), and a soft toothbrush. You may also want to purchase a dry shampoo (one that works on dry hair and doesn't need rinsing), for occasional spot cleaning. The rest of Spot’s bathing needs are probably already in your medicine chest (see Grooming Your Dog for bathing and grooming details). Additional grooming equipment that will help you keep Spot healthy and beautiful depends on the texture and amount of his coat. When purchasing brushes, combs, nail clippers, trimming implements, and other grooming tools, always choose respected brands. Besides lasting longer, good grooming equipment makes the job easier and faster for you, and much more pleasant for Spot.

Collar and Lead (or Leash)

Spot’s collar fits properly when it applies no pressure as it encircles his neck, but isn't loose enough to slip over his lowered head. The collar should be flat, made of nylon webbing or leather, with a buckle and ring for attaching the lead.

The lead should be four to six feet long and made of leather, nylon webbing, or some other strong, flexible fabric. Neither the collar nor the lead should be made of chain. You may want a chain training collar as a teaching aid, but Spot should wear it only during training, not in place of his regular collar. (See Lead Breaking Your New Dog for information on the proper fit and placement of chain training collars.)

Cleaning Up Your Act

It’s important to clean up after Spot when you take him for walks; in many places, it’s the law. While there are various items on the market for this purpose, many dog owners simply carry a couple of plastic zip-lock bags. The bags fit in a pocket or purse, and may be turned inside out for the pick-up, then closed and tossed into the nearest garbage can. Or you may prefer the long handled poop scoops sold in pet supply stores. These are also convenient for cleaning up the yard, as are the fork-type versions.

Extra Attention

Spot will need the reassurance of your presence when he is a disoriented stranger in your house, so try to launch your relationship when you can give him a little extra time. Dogs want someone to bond to, and being there for Spot will usually be all it takes to cement the tie.

And in Addition...

Before bringing Spot home, you should have nutritious dog food in the cupboard and the address and phone number of a trusted veterinarian. See articles under "In Sickness and in Health" for more on feeding and veterinary care.