Diet, Exercise, Grooming and general Dog care

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Feeding

Feed dogs based on their age, health and size.

For Adult Dogs-Premium-quality dry food provides a well-balanced diet and may be mixed with water, broth or canned food. Your dog may enjoy cottage cheese, cooked egg or fruits and vegetables, but these additions should not total more than 10% of his daily food intake.

Clean, fresh water should be available at all times, and be sure to wash food and water dishes frequently.

Go Now To: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/dog-nutrition-tips and read appropriate sections

Exercise

Dogs need exercise to burn calories, stimulate their minds, and stay healthy. Individual exercise needs vary based on breed or breed mix, age and level of health. A pug does not have the same exercise needs as a border collie.

Exercise also tends to help dogs avoid boredom, which can lead to destructive behaviors. Supervised fun and games will satisfy many of your pet's instinctual urges to dig, herd, chew, retrieve and chase.

Grooming

Help keep your dog clean and reduce shedding with frequent brushing. Check for fleas and ticks daily during warm weather. Most dogs don't need to be bathed more than a few times a year. Before bathing, comb or cut out all mats from the coat. Carefully rinse all soap out of the coat, or the dirt will stick to soap residue. 

Go Now To: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/dog-grooming-tips and read Bathing your Dog and Brushing your Dog

Handling

To carry a puppy or small dog, place one hand under the dog's chest, with either your forearm or other hand supporting the hind legs and rump. Never attempt to lift or grab your puppy or small dog by the forelegs, tail or back of the neck. If you do have to lift a large dog, lift from the underside, supporting his chest with one arm and his rear end with the other.

Housing

Your pet needs a warm, quiet place to rest, away from all drafts and off the floor. A training crate or dog bed is ideal, with a clean blanket or pillow placed inside. Wash the dog's bedding often. 

If your dog will be spending a lot of time outdoors, be sure she has access to shade and plenty of cool water in hot weather, and a warm, dry, covered shelter when it's cold. When first placing the dog house, test the area to make sure the dog’s tie can’t get tangled on items such as trees, fence posts. A tangled dog cannot get to its food, water or safe shelter.

According to New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets: 

 Minimum standards for determining whether shelter is appropriate to a dog's breed, physical condition and the climate shall include: 

(a) For dogs that are restrained in any manner outdoors, shade by natural or artificial means to protect the dog from direct sunlight at all times when exposure to sunlight is likely to threaten the health of the dog. 

(b) For all dogs that are left outdoors in inclement weather, a housing facility, which must: 

(1) have a waterproof roof;

(2) be structurally sound with insulation appropriate to local climatic conditions and  sufficient to protect the dog from inclement weather; 

(3) be constructed to allow each dog adequate freedom of movement to make normal  postural adjustments, including the ability to stand up, turn around and lie down with  its limbs outstretched; and 

(4) allow for effective removal of excretions, other waste material; dirt and trash. 

The housing facility and the area immediately surrounding it shall be regularly cleaned to maintain a healthy and sanitary environment and to minimize health hazards. 

Licensing and Identification

Follow your community’s licensing regulations. Be sure to attach the license to your dog’s collar. This, along with an ID tag and implanted microchip or tattoo, can help secure your dog’s return should she become lost. In New York State, you must present proof of current rabies vaccinations before receiving a license.

Medicines and Poisons

Never give your dog medication that has not been prescribed by a veterinarian. If you suspect that your animal has ingested a poisonous substance, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center for 24-hour animal poison information at (888) 426- 4435.

Socialize your dog 

· Well-socialized dogs make enjoyable, trustworthy companions. Undersocialized dogs are a risk to their owners and to others because they can become frightened by everyday things—which means they are more likely to bite from fear or aggression. 

· The main rule for effective socializing is to let your dog progress at their own pace and never force her to be around someone or something when they are clearly fearful or uncomfortable.

· Don’t chain or tie a dog for long periods of time. Most tethered dogs become frustrated and can feel relatively defenseless, so they’re much more likely to bite. 

Source: ASPCA