Grooming:
First and foremost, grooming should always be kept as fun as possible. Dogs do remember so it is best to schedule it at a time when they are most relaxed. Start with short sessions, no more than 5 minutes and gradually lengthen the sessions. This is also the time to begin holding and playing with the most common sensitive areas....tail, feet, and ears.

Proper Brushing:
This is very important. Brushing, or combing, not only helps prevent tangles but it removes dirt and helps nourish the coat by spreading around your pets natural oils. This is the time to check their coat for ticks, fleas and/or flea dirt.
Short Smooth Coats -

• You only need to brush once a week
• Use a rubber and bristle brush - this will loosen dirt, dead skin and remove hair
• You can even polish their coat with a chamois

• You should brush 2-3 times a week
• Use a slicker and bristle brush

• Most need daily attention or at least every other day
• Matting can happen very quickly
• You should use a slicker and bristle brush paying close attention to behind the ears, at the elbows, and around the potty

Nail Clipping
This is the time when you will be happy that you started playing with your pets feet at an early age. I recommend the guillotine style nail clippers and a small bottle of blood clotting powder. The frequency of nail trimming depends on the dog and its lifestyle but generally every 4 weeks. A dog that is up and frequently walking on hard surfaces will naturally wear down his nails but lets face it, most pets are indoors and will need your assistance. If nails are not regularly trimmed, over time the continued striking of the nails against surfaces will cause excessive pressure on the bones resulting in a weakened foot structure.
How to cut the nail -

• First pick up a paw and gently pull it toward you. If your pet resists, praise and treats will usually help.
• Gently push on the first knuckle with one hand (this will cause the nail to push out further allowing you better visibility) and begin to gradually shorten the nail with the other. Be sure to stop before you reach the quick, which is the part of the nail that contains the nerves and blood vessels. On white nails this is easy to see, the quick is the pink area. You will make your cut just beyond it. Black nails are a bit harder. Start by taking off the hook of the nail. There will be a darker circle in the middle of the nail. Continue to make small snips until this dark area covers most of the nail. Once you have reached the small white dot in the center, you should stop cutting. Remember....if you only cut off the tips of the nails, eventually the quick will grow further into the nail making it impossible to have a healthy nail.
• If you nip the quick, do not panic. Get the blood clotting powder and gently apply until the bleeding has stopped.
• Do not forget to trim the dewclaw which is located on the inside of each leg just above the paw. Dogs can have dewclaws on both front and back legs, or just front legs, or none at all. Dewclaws that go untrimmed can end up growing into the pad resulting in a very sore wound and possible infection.

Ear Cleaning:
Cleaning the ears is a very important part of grooming. A healthy ear will look clean with pink shiny skin in the canal area. Ear problems may take the form of odor, excessive discharge, inflammation of the canal or noticeable sensitivity from the pet. Dropped or folded ears are more prone to ear problems. When cleaning an ear, never probe farther than you can see. Softly swab with either a Q-tip or cotton ball with a liquid ear cleaner.

Teath Cleaning:
Bad breath is the most common sign that your dog is need of a dental check up. So often with pets, dental care is put off until there is a problem. Just as we do with our own teeth, regular brushing will help prevent many future dental problems. You can clean your pets teeth with a specially made pet toothpaste or a baking soda and water mixture once or twice a week. You can purchase a pet toothbrush or use a child's soft toothbrush, gauze pad, washcloth, or piece of nylon pantyhose stretched over your finger.

Feeding:
Dogs are omnivores (able to eat food from both animal and vegetable origins) and require a mixture a protein, carbohydrates, fatty acids, and various vitamins and minerals.

• Vitamins are required for bone growth, good vision and for the body's metabolism
• Minerals are essential for strong bones and teeth
• Fats are required for energy and contain essential fatty acids that provide healthy skin and a shiny coat
• Carbohydrates also provide energy and the fiber content aids digestion
• Protein is essential to develop healthy muscles, organs, nails, hair, cartilage and ligaments
• Water is also an essential ingredient and vital to your dog's life -clean, fresh water must be available at all times
• You should feed a...
  • ...Puppy that is 8 to 12 weeks four times a day
  • ...Puppy that is 3 to 6 months three times a day
  • ...Puppy that is 6 months to 1 year two times a day
  • ...Dog that is over a year should be fed once or twice a day

Exercise:
Dogs need exercise. It not only helps them burn calories but it stimulates their minds and keeps them healthy. Exercise will also help avoid boredom which will eventually lead to destructive behavior. You will need to gauge their activity on their individual exercise needs. These will vary depending on breed or breed mix, age, and health.

Housing:
When choosing a place for your dog's bed or crate, there are several things to keep in mind. First, dogs are creatures of habit and where you start out your puppy is more than likely where your grown dog will sleep. Second, choose a warm, quiet place to rest away from drafts and off the floor. A training crate is ideal and will become your dogs haven. If your dog will be spending a lot of time outside, they will need a dog house that will provide adequate shelter from the wind and rain. The house is best placed in the a shaded area for the warmer months. The house should be large enough for the dog to enter, turn around and lie down. During the winter months, a heavy cloth should be hung over the entrance to keep in heat and keep out wind and moisture. Dogs prefer loose bedding, generally a couple of blankets that will need to be regularly washed. Most importantly.dogs should always have access to water.