Responsible Dog "Ownership"
Remember, we domesticated dogs, they didn't domesticate us.
When a human takes an animal into their life a set of responsibilities comes with the animal. We have brought dogs into our lives for centuries so that they have evolved into a dependency relationship with us. Because of this dependence upon us, we have no choice but to take our responsibility for their well-being seriously. And one part of our responsibility as humans, is to keep other humans from abusing or neglecting these animals. While we remain responsible for any animal we bring into our life, this article is about our responsibility to our Canines, our dogs.
There are certain basic things we must assure our dogs have; food & water, safe shelter, and appropriate health care. We also need to assure they are properly trained, at least in basic behaviors, so they can live within our society without posing a risk to themselves, or us.
There are certain basic things we must assure our dogs have; food & water, safe shelter, and appropriate health care. We also need to assure they are properly trained, at least in basic behaviors, so they can live within our society without posing a risk to themselves, or us.
Food & Water
Food and water are necessary for life, of course. But the Food needs to be nutrititious enough to sustain a healthy body. A dog needs protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals like our own bodies need. The proportions are the key though. Whether feeding processed kibble, cooked or raw foods, or some combination, your dog has to have value.
Just like humans, poor nutrition can lead to dozens of illnesses; weakened organs, bones, joints, and immune systems. Their bodies will fail over time to be able to recover from illness, injury, or even simple cell replacement. Poor nutrition will slow brain development in puppies, reduce necessary energy to exercise and build muscle, and produce an aging life before its time.
Water balances the nutrition for your dog and is a critical part of life. Not enough water means dehydration can set in. Dehydration raises your dogs body temperature. Because dogs don't sweat to cool themselves, they need to pant; but that is more difficult when dehydrated. The spiral toward heat exhaustion and heat stroke escalates. Movement, sunlight, rising temperatures all add to the problem.
Water also is a necessary component to helping your dog digest food, filter and expel waste from cells, and maintain a healthy circulatory system. And water needs to be fresh and clean, just like we like it. Dirty or brackish water can carry parasites and disease, some of which can be passed on to us.
One part of your dog's food and water requirements include regularly changed, clean dishes. No matter how clean your dog licks his dish, it still will need regular cleaning, and not once a month.
Just like humans, poor nutrition can lead to dozens of illnesses; weakened organs, bones, joints, and immune systems. Their bodies will fail over time to be able to recover from illness, injury, or even simple cell replacement. Poor nutrition will slow brain development in puppies, reduce necessary energy to exercise and build muscle, and produce an aging life before its time.
Water balances the nutrition for your dog and is a critical part of life. Not enough water means dehydration can set in. Dehydration raises your dogs body temperature. Because dogs don't sweat to cool themselves, they need to pant; but that is more difficult when dehydrated. The spiral toward heat exhaustion and heat stroke escalates. Movement, sunlight, rising temperatures all add to the problem.
Water also is a necessary component to helping your dog digest food, filter and expel waste from cells, and maintain a healthy circulatory system. And water needs to be fresh and clean, just like we like it. Dirty or brackish water can carry parasites and disease, some of which can be passed on to us.
One part of your dog's food and water requirements include regularly changed, clean dishes. No matter how clean your dog licks his dish, it still will need regular cleaning, and not once a month.
Shelter
Providing shelter for your dog is an essential part of his care. The Finnish Spitz is a nordic breed so carries a heavier coat than many other dogs. Although their coats make them much more comfortable in winter weather, they need shelter to help them remain dry. They should have a break from severe, continuous cold extremes and blowing wind. They need bedding to rest upon so their body can renew and recharge energy levels.
If you Finnish Spitz is kept in hotter climate, shelter from heat is a primary goal. They need shade, protection from wind, rain, hail and dust storms. You may be a Sun-Lover but a double coated dog needs to have protection from too much heat. This isn't to say they can't be outdoors in the summer, just that you need to be aware of their need to have cool resting places.
No matter the climate; whether the shelter is a dog house in an outdoor run, or in your home beside you; part of your dogs shelter needs to include a bed where he can find comfort and rest. And don't forget, ready access to fresh clean water.
If you Finnish Spitz is kept in hotter climate, shelter from heat is a primary goal. They need shade, protection from wind, rain, hail and dust storms. You may be a Sun-Lover but a double coated dog needs to have protection from too much heat. This isn't to say they can't be outdoors in the summer, just that you need to be aware of their need to have cool resting places.
No matter the climate; whether the shelter is a dog house in an outdoor run, or in your home beside you; part of your dogs shelter needs to include a bed where he can find comfort and rest. And don't forget, ready access to fresh clean water.
Health Care
The most sensible reason to provide healthcare for our Finnish Spitz is because they are part of our family. Health care, however, does not just mean "fixing" an injury or illness. It means prevention of injury and illness too.
The first principle of Health Care, for human or dog, is fresh clean water and nutritious food. The second principle is understanding your dog. A Finnish Spitz is one of the healthier canine breeds, but knowing to what their breed is predisposed by genetics or familial history helps prevent or mitigate health concerns. Part of understanding your dog is to regularly examine him. Is that bump new? Has the fur thinned for no good reason? Is that a new behavior and "just doesn't seem right"? Handling your dog, playing, grooming, training, walking with your dog;; all can give you clues to his current health status.
The third principle is Don't Wait. If your dog is off his diet; not drinking or drinking excessively; more tired or lack-luster; developing skin issues; or walking "differently" or painfully waiting may show marked improvement over a day or two, but may delay vital treatment.
Observe (and document), call for advice, seek medical care. The fourth principle is knowing the difference of when to do each of these actions.
The fifth principle is to learn basic emergency first aid and cpr for your dog. Of course this includes having at least basic emergency supplies on hand in one easy to access place.
The first principle of Health Care, for human or dog, is fresh clean water and nutritious food. The second principle is understanding your dog. A Finnish Spitz is one of the healthier canine breeds, but knowing to what their breed is predisposed by genetics or familial history helps prevent or mitigate health concerns. Part of understanding your dog is to regularly examine him. Is that bump new? Has the fur thinned for no good reason? Is that a new behavior and "just doesn't seem right"? Handling your dog, playing, grooming, training, walking with your dog;; all can give you clues to his current health status.
The third principle is Don't Wait. If your dog is off his diet; not drinking or drinking excessively; more tired or lack-luster; developing skin issues; or walking "differently" or painfully waiting may show marked improvement over a day or two, but may delay vital treatment.
Observe (and document), call for advice, seek medical care. The fourth principle is knowing the difference of when to do each of these actions.
The fifth principle is to learn basic emergency first aid and cpr for your dog. Of course this includes having at least basic emergency supplies on hand in one easy to access place.
Training
One of the worst things you can do with any dog is to bring him home and leave him in the backyard alone. Dogs in general, but Finnish Spitz in particular crave to be with their human pack family. They are an intelligent breed, but if you don't become a leader, they will definitely take over; something that will only bring problems.
Dogs, if not trained from the outset to be respectful of others, will unwittingly hurt others. Just like human children, limits have to be gently set to teach without breaking the spirit. Finnish Spitz are especially sensitive to harsh words, voice tones, and body language. Striking them, impatience, harsh voices; all are elements used to cook up problems.
Teaching our dogs the rules, and boundaries not to be crossed helps them develop into loving companions we can share our lives with for a long time. Teaching them with patience, acceptance, and gentleness makes us better too. Training benefits both human and canine for a "fur-ever" friendship all too rarely experienced. It is ultimately in our own best interests.
Dogs, if not trained from the outset to be respectful of others, will unwittingly hurt others. Just like human children, limits have to be gently set to teach without breaking the spirit. Finnish Spitz are especially sensitive to harsh words, voice tones, and body language. Striking them, impatience, harsh voices; all are elements used to cook up problems.
Teaching our dogs the rules, and boundaries not to be crossed helps them develop into loving companions we can share our lives with for a long time. Teaching them with patience, acceptance, and gentleness makes us better too. Training benefits both human and canine for a "fur-ever" friendship all too rarely experienced. It is ultimately in our own best interests.