Your dog waits for their meal just like you wait for your favourite pizza — with their whole heart! Feeding is one of the most important responsibilities of a pet owner. Dogs love routine, so try to feed them at the same times every day.

How to do it right:

• 🐾 Find out how many times a day and how many grams of food your dog needs (ask a parent or check the food packaging).
• 🐾 Always wash the bowl after meals — just like you wouldn't want to eat from a dirty plate, neither does your dog.
• 🐾 Remember fresh water — refill it at least once a day.
• 🐾 Don't feed your dog from your plate — chocolate, onions and grapes are toxic for dogs!

A walk for a dog isn't just a bathroom break — it's a big adventure! Sniffing, exploring the world, running — all of this makes your dog happy and calm at home.

How to walk smartly:

• 🐾 Walk your dog at least 3 times a day, depending on their breed and age.
• 🐾 Hold the leash firmly — not too loose so the dog doesn't run off, not too tight so you're not pulling them.
• 🐾 Always clean up after your dog — it's your responsibility as an owner and a matter of respect for others.
• 🐾 Watch your dog during the walk — if they're limping or something worries them, tell an adult.

Regular brushing is more than just looks — it's caring for your dog's health. It removes dead fur, prevents matting and is a great bonding time for you both!

How to brush your dog:

• 🐾 Check which brush is right for your dog (long-haired dogs need a different brush than short-haired ones).
• 🐾 Brush gently, always in the direction of fur growth — don't tug or pull.
• 🐾 Brush regularly: short coats — once a week, long coats — even every day.
• 🐾 Check at the same time for ticks, wounds or skin changes.

Bath time can be a challenge — but only at first! Once your dog gets used to the water, it can become a nice routine. Don't bathe them too often — once every 3-6 months is usually enough, unless they've really rolled in mud 😄

How to bathe your dog step by step:

• 🐾 Prepare the shampoo, towel and everything you need before you start — so you don't have to leave mid-bath.
• 🐾 Only use shampoo made for dogs — human products can irritate their skin.
• 🐾 The water should be lukewarm — not too cold, not too hot.
• 🐾 Avoid getting water in the ears and eyes — wash the head very carefully.
• 🐾 After the bath, dry your dog well — first with a towel, then with a hair dryer on warm (not hot!) air.

Play isn't just fun — it's a need! Dogs that don't play get bored and may start destroying things at home. Time spent playing together is the best gift you can give your dog.

Play ideas:

• 🐾 Throwing a ball or stick — a classic that never gets old.
• 🐾 Tug of war — dogs love it, and you'll get some exercise too!
• 🐾 Hide treats — hide a snack in different spots and let your dog find it. It exercises their nose and brain!
• 🐾 An obstacle course from cushions and chairs — creative indoor fun.

This is one task many owners forget — which is a shame! Dogs can have dental problems just like people. Unbrushed teeth = pain, tartar and expensive vet visits.

How to brush your dog's teeth:

• 🐾 Use a special dog toothbrush and toothpaste — human toothpaste contains fluoride which is harmful to dogs!
• 🐾 Start slowly — let your dog sniff the paste, then gently massage their gums with your finger.
• 🐾 Brush 2–3 times a week, and if possible — every day.
• 🐾 As extra support, buy dental chews — they help keep teeth clean.

A dog's ears are a place where dirt, wax and moisture easily build up — especially in dogs with floppy ears (like Labradors or Cocker Spaniels). Neglected ears can lead to painful infections.

How to care for your dog's ears:

• 🐾 Check the ears once a week — look for bad smell, redness or dark brown dirt.
• 🐾 Use a special dog ear-cleaning solution and a cotton pad — never a cotton bud!
• 🐾 Only wipe what you can see from the outside — don't reach in deep.
• 🐾 If your dog shakes their head, scratches their ear or it smells strongly — time to see the vet!

Learning commands isn't training — it's communication! When your dog understands what you expect, they feel calmer, safer and more confident. And you'll feel so proud when your dog sits on command 😊

Basic commands:

How to practise commands:

• 🐾 Keep sessions short — 5–10 minutes a few times a day is ideal.
• 🐾 Always reward with a treat and praise when your dog does it correctly.
• 🐾 Be consistent — always use the same word for the same command.
• 🐾 Never shout or punish your dog for a mistake — they're learning, just like you!

The vet is your dog's doctor. Even if your dog looks healthy, regular check-ups are important — just like you go to the doctor for a check-up.

• 🐾 Remind your parents about yearly vaccinations and worming treatments.
• 🐾 Observe your dog every day — are they eating normally? Do they have energy? Are they limping?
• 🐾 If something worries you about your dog's behaviour — always tell an adult.

🐾 Remember — you are your dog's whole world!

They don't understand explanations about being busy or tired. But they perfectly understand your presence, your voice and your touch. Every bowl of food, every walk, every moment of play — to them it's proof of love. Care for them with your heart, and they'll reward you with a loyalty you won't find anywhere else in the world. 🐕❤️