Olivia D.

Dogs

Introduction

Would you like to have fun? If so, then you are not alone. Dogs are the
right pet for you! Imagine coming home from school or coming home from
work and all of a sudden a soft little puppy licks your face. I would love
that, wouldn’t  you?

Also, in this book, you will learn about what supplies dogs need,
exercising and playing with your dog and  what they should not touch or
eat. As well as how to train your dog, and the similarities and differences
between dogs and cats.     

Chapter 1 Dog Supplies

There are many Supplies you need for your dog. One thing you need for
a dog is a leash.  A leash is something that connects to a collar.  A collar
is what a dog wears around its neck.  If your dog is not trained and it does
not have a collar or a leash so you can hold on to it, it  will run away. If it is
fast you might not be able to get it, and it could get lost or hit by a car. If
your dog pulls on the leash then a harness is better than a collar, because
it keeps the dog from pulling.  Another thing dogs need are toys. They
need to have fun and play. It is not that hard to play with your dog. It
also makes your dog like you more.

The last thing your dog should have is somewhere to sleep. My dog Lola  
has her own bed. Some little dogs sleep in their owner’s bed. If you have
a little dog, then it should have a little bed. If you have a big dog, then it
should have a big bed. Lastly, if you have a very big dog, then they should
have very big bed.

Chapter 2 Play Time

Dogs need to play for many reasons.  Playing is fun for you and your dog. This
helps dogs and owners make a strong bond.  They also get lots of exercise
when they play. Some dogs need to get their energy out, so they don’t do
anything bad when they are in the house. You need to walk your dog around
because you don’t want a hyper dog.  Hyper is when someone has a lot of
energy, and is always jumping around.

You could bring your dog to the dog park.  These are areas where dogs can
run around and play with other dogs. If your dog does not  get along with other
dogs then you should not bring them to the dog park. This is because dogs
that don’t get along can fight and they can get hurt. Some dogs are not very
nice to other dogs, just like some people are not very nice to other people.

You might think I don’t have lot of  time, so I can’t take my dog to the dog
park or I can’t walk my dog. Then what do you do? You can play with your
dog in your backyard. You should also play with your dog  at least once a day.
That is not a rule but it’s something you should do.

Lastly, What will you do if you go away on vacation and can't bring your dog?  
You can bring your dog to doggie camp. Then they will get to play with other
dogs.  My dog Lola goes to Camp Bow Wow. They feed and take care of your
dog when you are away.  Doggie day camp is also a good way for your dog to
get exercise and play with other dogs if you don’t have time to do it yourself.   

Chapter 3  Bad Foods

If your dog touches or eats something they should not, they can get sick
or even die.  One thing your dog should not eat is chocolate. Even a little
chocolate could hurt a dog. Two other things your dog should not eat are
grapes and raisins.  They are both highly toxic for dogs.  What if you don’t
realize that your dog ate Chocolate, grapes, or raisins? Here are some
ways you can tell if your dog ate one of these foods, Low energy or poor
appetite maybe a bad sign.  If this happens call the Vet right away.

Raisins, Chocolate and Grapes are foods dogs should avoid.

Chapter 4 I’m Hungry

Now that you know about what dogs should not eat you should know what
they can eat and how often. The food you feed your dog is their main
source of nutrition.  You should choose a food that is best for the type
of dog you own. For example, dogs that have a lot of energy need food
with more protein. If dogs don’t eat the right food they won’t have any
energy to play and won’t be healthy.   

Now you need to know how much your dog should eat. Did you know
adult dogs eat two times a day and puppies eat 3 times.  When you feed
your dog it provides them with energy to play around. My dog Lola eats
2 times a day, once in the morning and once in the evening.  She gets
snacks throughout the day too. How much your dog eats depends on
their weight. Most brands of dog food have a label that tells you how
much food your dog should get by how much they weigh.

Chapter 5 Training Time

Training your dog has many steps. When training your dog you can clap
or stomp to get their attention.  Once you get their attention you can give
them a command such as sit or stay. If they do not listen you correct them
by saying “No!”.  You need to be firm so they understand they are not
listening. If they do the right thing, make sure you let them know and say
good girl or good boy. This a great time to give them treats and attention.  

Also, if your dog pulls on your leash you can say, “Heal." Heal means
that the dog needs to walk right next to you.  If that does not work you
can put them on the harness. If you want your dog to drop something you
can teach them by using two tennis balls. Throw one and once they bring
it back tell them to “Drop” then throw the other one.   

You also need to train your dog to go to the bathroom outside. You might
be wondering how will I know when my dog needs to go to the bathroom.
Most wait near the door. Others are thought to ring a bell inside the house.

You also want to train your dog to not  jump on people. When your dog
jumps say “NO!” and pull them down.  When they stop jumping on people
make sure to say good job, so they know they did it right.

Chapter 6 Dogs Vs. Cats

Dogs and cats are different and similar in so many ways. Dogs love playing
with you and  cats don’t play as much. Some cats are outside cats and they
stay outside and never come in the house.  Some cats are inside cats and
never go outside. They are trained to go to the bathroom in a litter box that the
owner has to clean.   Both dogs and cats give lots of love. Dogs get so excited
to see you. They may wag their tail and lick your face when you come home.
Cats wait till you come to them. Dogs and cats are there for you when you need
them.  Dogs and cats both cuddle. The biggest dog in the world was a
Great Dane. His name was Zeus. Zeus was 44 inches tall and weighed
155 pounds!!!! The biggest cat in the world weighed over 40 pounds.
These are some similarities  and differences about dogs and cats.

FUN FACT Dogs are super  fast when it comes to running. The fastest dog can run 45 mph.

Conclusion

Now that you know a lot about dogs you should get one. To me, dogs are
amazing animals.  I couldn’t imagine life without my dog. After reading this
book I hope you love dogs just as much as I do.

 About The Author

Olivia is a third grader in Samuel Staples Elementary school. She lives in
Easton Connecticut with her mom, her dad, her brother Greyson, and her dog
Lola.  Lola is a Spinone Italiano (not a popular breed) and the inspiration for
this book.