So, you got a dog. Or maybe you’re about to. Either way, that fluffy, drooly, tail-wagging creature is looking at you like you’re the center of the universe. And in their world—you actually are. Which means it’s on you to figure out how to take care of your dog without losing your mind or accidentally raising a four-legged chaos machine.
Taking care of a dog isn’t really complicated, but it also isn’t as easy as just… feeding them twice a day and calling it done. Dogs need food, care, affection, routine, discipline, a little freedom, some structure. Kind of like us. The trick is finding the balance.
Feed Them Right
Let’s not overcomplicate this. Junk food diets don’t work for humans, and the same thing goes with dogs. Scooping kibble from a bag is fine if it’s good stuff, not loaded with filler that makes your pup sluggish or gives them stomach problems. Fresh food? Even better sometimes. Some people cook meals for their dogs—rice, chicken, veggies. Personally, I think that’s too much work, but hey, if it makes you feel like a better parent, go for it. Just don’t toss them grapes or chocolate and act surprised when you’re at the emergency vet at 3 a.m.
Water, too. Bowls full and fresh. Warm water that’s been sitting all day in the sun is gross. Think about it.
Exercise is Non-Negotiable
You know what happens if you don’t walk your dog? Destruction. Shoes in shreds, furniture scratched, barking like crazy in the middle of the night. Dogs were born to move, to run, to smell everything. A short walk around the block isn’t enough for most breeds, especially high-energy ones like huskies or shepherds. Imagine locking an athlete in a bathroom all day and telling them to relax. That’s what you’re doing if you skip the walk.
So, take the damn dog outside. Twice a day minimum. Sometimes more. And honestly, you’ll feel better too. Dogs trick you into exercising without you noticing.
Grooming: More Than a Pretty Coat
Baths are overrated unless the dog smells like something died. But brushing? That’s the secret. Keeps the fur in check, gets rid of tangles, and makes your dog feel loved. It also stops half of your house from turning into a carpet of loose hair. Don’t forget their nails. Overgrown nails mean pain, weird walking patterns, potential injury. Either clip them yourself or pay a groomer ten bucks. Skipping it just isn’t worth it.
And teeth. I know, nobody likes brushing dog teeth, but rotten dog breath isn’t just gross—it’s unhealthy. I never brush every single day, but a chew toy and regular checks help a lot.
Training (or You’ll Regret It)
Want a dog that bolts through open doors, jumps on strangers, chews through cables? Don’t train them. Training isn’t about being a drill instructor. It’s about being clear. Dogs actually like rules. Consistency makes them calm because they know what to expect.
Sit, stay, come—basic stuff at minimum. Walking on a leash without pulling like a sled horse—huge sanity saver. Some people obsess with teaching tricks. Tricks are cool, but good manners? Way more useful.
Health and Vet Visits
Yeah, the vet bills hurt. Everyone complains about them. But dogs can’t look at you and say, “Hey, my stomach hurts” or “I think my ear’s infected.” They just suffer quietly until it’s bad. Regular checkups save you, and them, from bigger disasters. Shots, flea prevention, all that boring stuff—it matters.
It’s like car maintenance. Ignore it, and the breakdown will cost you ten times more.
Love and Attention
Here’s the part that’s easy to do but just as easy to forget when life gets busy. Dogs are pack animals. They crave companionship. Leaving them alone eight hours a day with nothing to do eventually messes with their head. Some dogs get destructive, others get depressed. You can literally see it in their eyes. Not exaggerating.
Spend real time with them. Play. Talk—yes, actually talk. They don’t understand every word, but they get the tone. Touch them, scratch their ears, let them climb onto the couch sometimes even if you swore you’d never let that happen. They’ll give it all back—loyalty, excitement, comfort—one thousand times over.
