Keeping a pet does not have to be difficult because there are some simple things that you can do to keep the both of you happy for a long time.

The Do's:

Pets have to be showered with praise and affection to help build their confidence and make them feel secure. Animals that are not given affection tend to be very withdrawn and unhappy.

Try and set some time each day when you can have some quality time with your best friend. If you have a dog, you can take walks together and if it is a cat, you can let it sit on your lap quietly. When spending time with your pet, you should make sure you make some physical contact to make your pet feel loved.

When training your pet to follow the rules you have set, you have to be firm but you must remain loving. This will make your pet follow the rules better compared to just forcing it.

A pet has to be provided with a living environment that is safe, appropriate and exciting. The kind of shelter you provide has to ensure that the pet is warm when it is cold and protected from the hot sun during summer. The shelter should also be big enough to accommodate your pet. If you have a pet that sleeps indoors, you can select a specific part of the house where you can place mat or blanket that your pet can sleep on.

Give your pet a diet that is varied, balanced and healthy. The foods you give to your pets should be specially made for them. Avoid giving your pet leftover foods because some of the things the human foods are made of can end up affecting your pet.

You have to be sensitive about your pet's wellbeing and this includes both the physical and emotional. Make sure you visit the vet when you realize there is something wrong with your pet.

Provide an exciting environment for your pet and do not let it get bored. Pets have to be allowed to be themselves and you should always include your pet in many of the things that you do.

Make sure you take good care of yourself because the pet relies on you for its existence. It is important to make arrangements with family members and friends to make sure that your pet is well taken care of when you are not around.

The Don'ts:

Pets should never be hit for any reason. Hurting your pet is never justified even when you feel that your pet has disobeyed you. This is one of the things that can destroy the trust and love that your pet has.

Never take your pet for granted by denying it attention, food and appropriate shelter.

It is not fair to expect your pet to behave like a human being

Pets should never be exposed to any danger in the home or outside and this means even your friends and family should not abuse the pet.

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John Hammond has many hobbies and interests. As well being a keen blogger and article writer for many sites, he has also recently created a site focusing on Lawn And Garden Decor. The site is constantly being updated and has articles such as Lawn Flamingos to read.