Becoming a dog owner is a major commitment. You want to make sure you and your pooch live a long, healthy, happy life together. Mary Murch, the American Kennel Club’s canine good citizen director and a certified applied animal behaviorist, offers the following tips on how to keep your pup healthy and happy.

- Choose a veterinarian for routine care. Select a veterinarian with whom you feel comfortable. Your dog’s veterinarian will work with you to establish the best care plan for your pup, including a vaccine schedule and various medical treatments. Preventive care will improve your dog’s quality of life by protecting him from worms, ticks and fleas.

- Provide good nutrition. What you feed your dog affects his health over the course of his life. Feed your pup a high-quality food with the proper amounts of protein, fat, fiber, vitamins and minerals. If you are unsure of which food to select, your veterinarian can recommend a brand. In addition to food, your dog should always be hydrated. If your dog stays outdoors for part of the day, be sure there is clean water available.

- Provide daily exercise. Daily exercise is good for your pup’s heart, lungs, circulatory system and muscles. In addition, it will help maintain a healthy weight.

- Groom your dog. Routine grooming tasks such as brushing, bathing and caring for the paws, nails, eyes and ears will keep your dog free of external parasites and skin infections. While bathing only needs to be done as needed, ideally, brushing should be done every day. Brushing helps keep your pooch’s coat in mint condition by cleaning the coat and stimulating the skin oils that create a gorgeous, healthy shine.

Provide a protected and clean living environment. Having a safe environment at home is crucial to your puppy’s well-being. Keep toxic foods, plants, chemicals and other substances out of your dog’s reach. Pick up objects that can be accidentally chewed or swallowed, including small toys and electrical plugs. Barriers can be used to prevent your puppy from entering hazardous areas.

- Keep your puppy’s mental health strong, using a positive reinforcement approach. To find a class, visit www.akc.org.