Looking for tips on raising a happy, healthy pup? Dogs are pack animals—they depend on you for love and protection, so keep them inside, take them for walks, and make them a part of your family. Dogs left unattended in their own yards, even for a few minutes, have been stolen, poisoned, and beaten. Because of the danger and cruelty that it poses, several communities have banned the chaining of dogs. You and your dogs speak different languages. Compassion, clarity, and consistency are the most important elements of dog training. Puppies should be taken out at least once every two hours (or within a half hour after eating or drinking) and guided to the same spot where they can smell having relieved themselves before. Take your adult pooch out at least four times a day and allow him or her time to linger and smell the fire hydrants. Crating has recently become a popular practice often used on adult dogs by people who say that they are protecting their dogs. Dogs are safest and most comfortable wearing a nylon harness, not a collar, when out walking. Animals get depressed if deprived of adequate social interaction, so let them “chat” and play with other dogs on walks and at parks. Sterilizing dogs helps stem the tide of companion-animal overpopulation. Never wait to take your dog to a veterinarian if there is any sign of illness or injury, but don’t leave your dog with the vet for any longer than absolutely necessary or allow the vet to refuse to let you see him or her upon request. If you have been feeding your dog commercial pet foods, you may be jeopardizing his or her health. Feed dogs first, before you eat. Take care to keep your dog safe in the car: Even on a 78°F day, the temperature inside a shaded car is 90°F, while the inside of a car parked in the sun can reach 160°F in minutes. Countless animals are killed, injured, or lost on commercial flights each year. Kennels can be stressful and scary and even harbor disease.

The only thing in that that I kind of question is the whole, "feed your pets first" thing. From what I've seen(esp. from Victoria Stillwell, my favorite dog trainer) eating first just enforces that you are pack leader, and if your dog eats first they may question your roll. I donno though. Victoria also made the lady eat cereal out of a(clean) dog bowl. LOL That paragraph is from PETA's website, isn't it?

The only thing I can add to this is that I do feed my dogs first. Therefore, when I sit down for my meal, they are already sated, and don't sit there begging for food. As far as pack leader goes, yes, the pack leader usually eats first. However, with dogs in the home, there is plenty of opportunity to establish who is leader. I am not sure that it really matters who eats first as long as the people in the home make sure that the dogs know their place on the totem pole. My dogs are reminded on a daily basis.