Q&A for How to Take Care of Your Dog's Basic Needs

Besides the basics of food, water, and shelter, a dog needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to be happy. To fulfill these needs, you can walk your dog, play games with them, and train them to follow commands.

A dog's basic needs include healthy food, water, appropriate shelter, a place to toilet, preventative healthcare, a chance to show normal behaviors, and a sense of security.

If you don't have the items you need, you aren't ready to get a dog. These items can all be found at pet stores, department stores and online.

You shouldn't, grapes and raisins are toxic to dogs. They can lead to kidney problems and potentially even be fatal. He should be okay if he only ate one grape but do not give him any more.

Take your dog outside every hour so he can relieve himself. (Especially after a meal or nap.) Praise him when he uses the bathroom outside and give him a treat after going back inside. It's always easier to housebreak a dog when it's a puppy, so the earlier you start, the better.

It depends on the tea. It must be cold, caffeine-free, and without any sugar or milk. Really, though, all your dog needs to drink is water.

No. Grapes and raisins are both toxic to dogs. Always do a quick google search before feeding something to your dog.

Yes, as long as it doesn't have seasoning or spices. Never give them bacon, as that's way too salty for them. Plain hot dogs and things like that are fine in moderation.

Yes. The dog park is called “Vijay Mandal Dog Park”.

You should be very careful about giving your dog any human food. Certain foods are fine, but only in limited quantities. Others should be avoided entirely. You should do some research about your dog's breed and what kind of human foods they can have before giving them anything.

Yes, you can, assuming the meat is still good.

Domesticated dogs are largely carnivores that eat some omnivorous foods. It is entirely acceptable to feed your dog a pure kibble diet. Or, you can mix their diet up with some cooked or raw meat, fish, vegetables and rice.

I have two labradoodles, and they're great with the family. They can be anywhere from miniature to standard sized. They're a cross between a lab and a poodle. Labs are smart, gentle, kind, outgoing, even-tempered, and easy to train. Poodles are smart, alert, faithful, eager to please, and trainable. Together, they make a really good breed of dog. They're not usually aggressive, but do require proper socialization, like any dog. Remember: Adopt, don't shop. There are plenty of wonderful dogs in shelters that need homes.

It is not required every day, especially if they chew on toys that help to clean their teeth. However, it is recommended to brush them occasionally. Your vet should be able to tell you how often your dog's teeth should be brushed based on their dental history.

Dogs who are under-socialized, or not exposed to some things at crucial points when they're puppies, may be fearful of men, people with hats, etc. This is common! Men are often scary to dogs who haven't been exposed to them enough. In your dog's view, your dad is a giant with a deep, booming voice who probably smells strongly of testosterone. Pretty scary!

Usually they will do things that are out of character, like they might stop eating or drinking, or they might be more tired than usual. Check out the article on How to Know When Your Dog is Sick for details.

No. Table scraps often contain meat fat that a human didn't eat as well as bones. Both are dangerous for dogs. Fat trimmed from meat, both cooked and uncooked, may cause health issues in dogs. And, although it seems natural to give a dog a bone, a dog can choke on it.

Follow the methods in Puppy Proof Your Home .

Dogs will usually find a soft blanket to sleep on. Take my dog for example, he will find a nice comfy spot somewhere in the house. my dog usually finds a dark spot so the sun wont be in his eyes. Dogs usually lie down with their hind legs under them and their tail curled around them. It is recommended that if your dog finds a place in your home and stays there a lot, such as my dog, to lay down a comfortable blanket or buy a doggie bed.

At first, when your dog has learned to go in the front yard, watch him a few times until you trust him. And if he always runs away, then buy a really long leash and then keep one end inside and the other strapped to the dog's leash, so he doesn't just go to the bathroom in one place.

Giving it a stern lecture should do, as well as disappointed body language; dogs can read you with ease. Save yelling for major offenses, and never hit your dog! Take good care of your pet.