Before starting dog training, it is best that you, yourself, under go what might be called, "dog care training"...
especially if you've never owned a dog! Pet dog care can be quite different from other forms of dog care...
for instance, seeing eye dogs, police dogs, etc.
  While the basics of keeping your dog healthy and happy are generally very similar, training and dog care for more "official" animals, or service dogs, do differ a great deal in some areas.
This article will be focusing on your dog as a pet, rather than as a service provider! Pet dog health is a prime concern of any dog owner, but should be especially so for the first time owner.
While the service pooch is likely to have a host of folks that play a part in maintaining its health, your pet canine depends solely on one person.
You! In order to keep your dog in top shape, you need to know a few things about doggie maintenance! You might be surprised to learn, for example, that while fairly rare, your new dog might possibly have or could develop dog food allergies! You should learn what to look for in terms of your canine's  behavior that might signal an issue with your dog's health...
such as vomiting.
The occasional upchuck is to be expected and is quite normal.
If, on the other hand, it happens on a consistent basis, you would want to have your poochie checked by a competent vet.
If your furry little tornado is, all of a sudden, lazy and unresponsive to play, you might also consider a trip to the vet.
Would you believe that you can actually get doggie health insurance?? While they can't talk to us, they CAN communicate...
through body language and other signs that let us know when our pups are not feeling themselves.
It's up to us to be watching and paying attention.
Keep a close eye on Fido.
He'll pay you back many times over with the love and affection only a canine can give! Grooming is another important aspect of dog care.
Imagine how YOU would feel if your toenails were never clipped! Bathing from time to time is essential, as well.
You don't want to bathe your pup TOO often, as it's not good for their skin and fur, but you DO want to bathe them! Usually once every month and a half or so is a good rule of thumb.
Dental care? Yep, they need that, too.
There are a great many products focused on your dog's dental hygiene.
If you're not sure which ones to choose, be sure to check with your vet first.
Most of them are more than happy to offer a little free advice from time to time.
Vaccinations and rabies shots play a big role in your canine care.
Most localities, if not all, require at least the rabies shot.
Heartworms can be easily prevented for a very low cost.
Once your pet gets heartworms, though, it's a different story.
They can be gotten rid of in some cases, but quite often it's a much more expensive situation.
Even worse, it's not always possible to rid your dog of the worms...
which can lead to your dog's untimely death! It's much easier for all concerned to prevent them, than it is to treat them.
Tapeworms? Common and easy to get rid of.
Usually, you'll see signs of them in your poochie's poop.
If so, don't be alarmed.
They can be easily gotten rid of with very inexpensive (and usually over-the-counter) treatments.
You can normally find worm pills at any place that sells any sort of pet supplies at all.
These few little dog tips will give you a little insight into the responsibilities that you, as a new dog owner, will face.
Please, before you decide to get one of the most loyal creatures on earth, be sure you're ready to do them the honor of taking care of them.
It's not hard.
It's not work.
It's a partnership.
He'll take care of you, if you'll take care of him!