Caring for Dogs
All information you need to give your precious pup the best care
How to care for your new dog
Adopting a dog is a lifelong commitment to that pet. It’s also the start of an amazing bond that you and your family will share with your new dog.
Within this section, you will find information that will help you better understand dogs and their needs. Whether you’re thinking about adopting or are beginning your new life with your adopted dog, you can do so knowing that PAWS Chicago is here to support you along the way.
Use this guide as a resource for questions about how to care for your new dog. When you need more information or have concerns, contact our team for assistance.
Doggy Basics
Thinking about adopting a dog? This info will help you understand more about what dogs need, how they perceive the world and how they evolve through the stages of life.
The Special Bond Between Dogs and Humans
Proto-dogs found an evolutionary imperative for becoming full-fledged dogs. Read more
How Dogs Age
Dogs age 7 years for every year that a human does. Read more
Canine Senses
Understanding how your dog makes sense of the world around him. Read more
A Dog's Basic Needs
Security, comfort and a lot of love will be some of the your dog’s most basic needs. Read more
Understanding Dog Behavior
Learning to speak the same language as your dog—or at least understanding why your dog is acting the way he is acting—is essential in forming a strong bond with your dog. Rewarding appropriate dog behavior, as opposed to punishing negative behaviors, is one of the most powerful tools you can use to shape or change your dog’s actions. It also makes that behavior more likely to occur in the future.
This type of training is called positive reinforcement. It’s a humane method of teaching your dog to perform behaviors using a reward such as treats, attention and verbal praise. It also creates stronger bonds between you and your dog.
Medical Care for Your Dog
All dogs adopted from PAWS Chicago are up-to-date on vaccinations. We do, however, recommend you schedule an annual exam to have your dog’s heart, weight, skin and teeth checked, and have a fecal sample taken.
Other things to consider
Providing for Your Dog
No matter what age or how healthy you are, make sure you have preparations made for your dog if you become unable to care for him.
Weather Tips
Dogs, like people, are sensitive to changes in the weather. Just as we make changes to our wardrobe and behavior with the changing seasons, we also need to ensure our dogs are kept comfortable.