Dog magazine

They have always been our most faithful companions. Whether hunting, as a steadfast sentinel or driving cattle, they are indispensable and a full-fledged member within the family. Dogs have been man’s companions for centuries. Anyone who has lived with them once would never want to do without them again. However, to ensure that they want for nothing, they need a number of accessories, the right care and the best possible training right from the start. In this guide, you will learn everything about man’s best friend and what you need to make your dog feel comfortable.

Any other animal is as docile, loyal and cuddly as the dog. In the course of evolution, our present-day domestic dog has developed from the wolf in all its behavioural patterns and visual characteristics. At the same time, dogs differ enormously in terms of breed-specific characteristics. There are small to large breeds, some with long or short fur and very different character traits.

The FCI (Federation Cynologique Internationale) is the largest worldwide association that sets breed standards and divides the different breeds into 10 groups ranging from herding dogs and hunting dogs to companion dogs and retrievers. This subdivision makes it easy for people to find out which dog suits their lifestyle. Here you will find a list of the most popular dog breeds including all their characteristics and behaviour.

Thus, the dog as a pet is something very special and has been for generations. But the demands should not be underestimated, because most breeds need more than just petting. If you want a dog as a member of the family, you should be very clear beforehand that you are not making a decision for the moment, but that ideally you can offer the animal a nice home for many years.

Even before the new family member moves in, some accessories should be ready. These include their own retreat, suitable bowls, hygiene articles and the right food. Of course, a variety of toys should not be missing either. Because playing together is not only ideal for preventing boredom, it also strengthens the bond with your pet.

Daily exercise is a must for every dog owner. On walks together, your dog can not only get away from it all, but also meet other dogs, smell different things and gather many impressions. Then again, there are also dogs that need to be really challenged. Many animals accompany their owners when jogging, cycling, hiking and are happy to take part in any sporting activity. Breed-specific characteristics in particular can play a big role here. While some breeds are naturally calmer and more leisurely, there are others that not only need a lot of mental work every day, but also demand a lot of physical activity.

In order for your dog to become a loyal companion that you like to take with you everywhere, you should make some rules clear to him from the very first moment. Especially for puppies, it is advantageous to visit a dog school. There, the little dog will not only be with other dogs of the same age and species, but you as the owner can also exchange tips on training and other general dog questions.

Loving consistency is the keyword in training your dog. Reward correct behaviour and ignore or reprimand incorrect behaviour. Physical violence has no place in dog training and can only reinforce wrong behaviour or trigger aggression.

In order to teach your dog the right behaviour, no matter what age, you have several tools at your disposal. From dummies to clickers, tethers or tuglines, you are sure to find the right one for you and your dog. Here we inform you about interesting tips and tricks in dog training for a great human-dog relationship.

Dogs are carnivores and, following the example of their wolf ancestors, need fresh meat as the main ingredient of their diet. But the choice of food is enormous and it’s easy to lose track of all the products and brands. Maybe our nutritional advice for dogs will help you choose the right food.

However, it is clear that dogs have very different requirements for their daily food. They can also suffer from chronic diseases, be overweight or be allergic to certain foods. In addition, your dog needs a different nutrient composition at each stage of life. For example, puppies focus on healthy and species-appropriate growth, while seniors need a lower energy content and the aim is to maintain vitality and health for a long time. Finally, breed-specific characteristics also play a major role in the choice of food. For example, a Chihuahua usually needs a different food than a Great Dane.

However, the most important thing is that your dog likes it and doesn’t turn up his nose when he looks in the bowl. In addition to wet or dry food, many dog owners also use BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food). Here you combine the individual food components yourself from vegetables, oils, raw meat and vitamins as well as food supplements. Most dog owners simply have to try things out at the beginning if they have a particularly fussy dog.

To keep your dog healthy, proper grooming is essential. This includes claw trimming, coat care, dental hygiene and regular check-ups at the vet. But you should also take a close look at your dog yourself from time to time. It is therefore important that you teach your dog from the beginning to let you touch and examine him everywhere. You can build this up playfully and let it become a routine at some point. No one knows your dog as well as you do and notices changes, whether physical or behavioural, as quickly as you do.

For grooming and keeping your dog healthy, there are also a number of tools available, such as dog shampoos, claw trimmers, brushes for combing out the undercoat and products for dental and oral hygiene.

Since dogs can also get sick, it is also important to find a good vet that you trust and that your dog feels comfortable with. Since a visit to the vet can sometimes be very expensive, it is worthwhile to have pet health insurance that covers a large part of the costs, just as it does for humans.

In our guidebook, we have compiled the most important questions about your dog and inform you about numerous tips and tricks on the subject of dog training, care, nutrition, illnesses and living together with humans and dogs.

In addition, you will find everything a dog’s heart desires in our online shop. From sleeping places, food with accessories, toys, leashes, collars and transport options, you will find a large selection of different products and brands in the best quality and at reasonable prices.