A Pet at Home

Rahul's family brings home a puppy. Little Rahul learns to feed, pet, and play gently with their new family member.

Meanings in Rahul, Anita, Vikram, Puppy

Key words and phrases

puppya young dogThe puppy wagged its tail happily.

petan animal kept at home for companionshipEvery child loves having a pet.

gentlekind and careful, not roughBe gentle while petting the puppy.

feedto give food to someone or somethingRahul helped feed the puppy every morning.

leasha strap used to hold and guide a dogAlways put the puppy on a leash outside.

barkthe sound a dog makesThe puppy barked at the doorbell.

responsibleable to be trusted to take care of somethingOwning a pet teaches children to be responsible.

wag its tailwhen a dog moves its tail to show happinessThe puppy wagged its tail when Rahul came home.

veta doctor for animalsThey took the puppy to the vet for a check-up.

companiona friend who spends time with youThe puppy became Rahul's best companion.

kennela small shelter or house for a dogThe puppy slept in his kennel at night.

food bowla dish used to serve food or water to a petRahul filled the food bowl every morning.

vaccinationan injection given to protect an animal from diseasesThe vet gave the puppy his first vaccination.

trainingteaching a pet to follow commands or behave wellBasic training helps the puppy learn simple commands.

chew toya toy given to a dog to chew on safelyThey bought a chew toy so he wouldn't bite the furniture.

playfulfond of playing and full of energyThe puppy was very playful in the evening.

groomingcleaning and taking care of a pet's fur and bodyGrooming keeps the puppy's coat clean and healthy.

obedientfollowing instructions and behaving as toldThe puppy became more obedient after training.

walkan outing where a dog is taken outside to exerciseRahul takes the puppy for a walk every evening.

cuddleto hold someone or something closely and affectionatelyRahul loves to cuddle with the puppy before bed.

Useful sentences

Ask Can I feed the puppy today?
Answer Yes, but be gentle while giving him the food.
Ask Why is the puppy barking so much?
Answer He's probably excited or wants to play.
Ask Should we put a leash on him outside?
Answer Yes, always use a leash for his safety.
Ask When is his next vet visit?
Answer It's scheduled for next Monday.
Ask Can I pet him now?
Answer Yes, but remember to be gentle.
Ask Has the puppy had his first vaccination yet?
Answer Yes, the vet gave it to him last week.
Ask Can we take him for a walk in the evening?
Answer Yes, he loves walks around the park.
Ask Should we buy him a chew toy?
Answer Yes, it will keep him from chewing the furniture.
Ask Is he getting more obedient with training?
Answer Yes, he already sits and stays on command.
Ask How often does he need grooming?
Answer Once a week keeps his coat healthy.

Dialogue

VikramLook, Rahul, we brought home a new puppy!

RahulWow! Can I pet him?

AnitaYes, but be gentle, he's still very small.

RahulHe's wagging his tail! I think he likes me.

VikramYou'll need to help feed him and take him for walks too.

RahulI promise I'll be responsible and take good care of him.

AnitaGood. We should also start his training soon, so he learns simple commands.

RahulCan I teach him to sit and stay?

VikramOf course, and remember to fill his food bowl at the same time every day.

RahulI will. I think he's already getting playful with me.

Common mistakes

Saying "the dog is barking to me" instead of "the dog is barking at me."
Saying "take care the puppy" instead of "take care of the puppy."
Saying "he wags his tail to me" instead of "he wags his tail at me" or simply "he wags his tail."
Saying "give him vaccination" instead of "give him a vaccination" or "get him vaccinated" (use the article "a" or the verb form).
Saying "he is doing playful" instead of "he is being playful" (use "being," not "doing," with an adjective like "playful").
Saying "take him for walking" instead of "take him for a walk" (use the noun "a walk," not "walking," after "for").

Quick quiz

1. What is a "puppy"?

2. A strap used to hold and guide a dog is called a ___.

3. Complete: "The puppy ___ its tail happily."

4. What is an injection that protects an animal from diseases called?

5. What word describes a dog that is fond of playing and full of energy?

6. Which sentence is correct?

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