Learn About Dog Care Within This Article
Are you the owner of a dog that has bad behavior? Is your dog a chewer, and just loves chewing on your favorite items without a care in the world? Perhaps it is time that your dog learns how to behave the right way. In this article you will find the information you need to turn your dog into a well behaved family member.
Dog-proof your home. Prior to bringing the pooch home, check that the whole home is safe. Make sure all of the medicine is put away and the cleaning supplies are up and safe. Some very common plants are quite toxic to animals, so always make sure they are out of reach.
Your lifestyle should be a determining factor in the breed of dog that you choose. For example, if you’re a jogger, get a type of dog that can run with you, not a toy-poodle. If you spend more time in the home, a more sedate, indoor dog will fit your lifestyle best. You should find a dog that fits well with your personality.
Your dog needs to have an annual checkup, the same as you do. Your dog is not able to talk, so it is not easy to know when he’s got arthritis or an aching tooth. Annual checkups can catch these things before they become major problems.
Be sure to praise your dog thoroughly any time it behaves correctly, such as sitting when it is time to put their leash on. You need to reward good behavior. This is called positive reinforcement.
Make sure that your dog gets neutered. Research suggests that this small thing can give extended life to your dog by reducing cancer risk. It also keeps dogs from humping, running away from home or becoming violent at puberty.
Try not to buy low quality food for your dog. Cheap dog food usually includes fillers (such as corn or soybeans) which are not appropriate for dogs. It may also contain poor quality ingredients which may hurt your dog’s health over time. Professional associations and dog advocacy groups may offer lists of the highest quality foods available. Your dog will benefit greatly from better food.
It’s a good idea to have your regular dog training sessions in your own yard or at home. Training in busy areas with lots of people around should be avoided. Too many people causes distractions, making it hard to train them.
Get a dog house if you have a dog that you leave outside, in case the weather gets bad. If his feet are wet, extreme temperatures can be stressful and bad for his health. Keep your dog safe from precipitation and winds by providing him with a place that is spacious, with a dry floor.
Make use of hand signals when training your dog versus relying only on verbal commands. Hand signals can really help your dog. Not every dog will learn the same, so try different techniques with your dog.
Daily brushing for your dog does more than simply prevent shedding. A daily brush will make their coat radiant and shiny. When you brush fur, you’re also spreading around the oils that help keep your pet’s coat looking shiny and healthy.
Whenever you adopt from the pound, take the dog straight to the vet. Shelter dogs have likely been exposed to all kinds of viruses, such as parvo and distemper, which are deadly. You need to be sure that you get your animal all of the shots it needs prior to bringing it home.
Clip your dog’s nails. If they start curling under, your dog may experience a lot of pain. You can buy clippers in a pet store and do them yourself. If you aren’t comfortable with this, invest a little money and take your dog to the groomers.
Your dog has to be leash trained. Your dog should walk beside you, not lag behind or run ahead, and should obey the command “heel.” Doing this will not only be easier on you, but it will also keep your dog safe. When you dog understands the command to heel, you can relax occasionally and walk with a loose leash without having your arm pulled off.
When you’re choosing your dog’s food, don’t cut costs by going with the cheapest option. When you look at the big picture, it is good for your dog to consume nutritious, good quality food. Although this could mean paying a higher price for a better brand, at least you know that your pet is getting the required amount of nutrients in their diet.
Get your dog’s hair trimmed around its paws so that hair doesn’t get matted up. Use a comb first, then start cutting. Another option is to take your dog to the groomers and ask for this task to be performed.
Get your new pet a veterinary exam. Make a vet appointment right after the dog comes home. The veterinarian will make sure your pet is as healthy as you think he is and also talk to you about vaccinations. Set up an appointment to have your dog fixed, too.
If you wish to get a dog that’s a pure breed, you may have some luck with the pound. A lot of dog owners leave their dogs in the city pound when they can’t look after their dog anymore. Simply call your pound and see what they have. You may get to save a canine’s life if you do this!
Teach your dog the right way to walk with a leash. Your dog has to understand the “heel” command and respond to it by walking beside you, not ahead of or in back of you. Walking this way will help to keep your pet safe, and it will make it easier for you to enjoy walks too. The heel command is crucial for your dog, even if a loose leash walk is being used.
Ensure your dog will return by placing some type of identification on them. A popular way to ensure the return of your dog is to use a breakaway collar and ID tag. This identification tag needs their name and your own contact information. Another good thing to do would be to have a micro-chip put in your dog.
Certain breeds of dog are prone to certain health problems, and you should be aware of what’s typical for your type of dog. Research his background and prepare for problems he might have. Your vet will be able to tell you how you can help your pet prevent illness that it is prone to getting.
Be sure your dog sees the vet once a year. It’s important that the dog sees a vet every so often to make sure there aren’t any shots that they might need. Puppies need to go to the vet more often then adult dogs. It is also important to visit a vet immediately after seeing signs of injury or illness.
Dog behaviors will now improve. You no longer need to watch the dog destroy your home and intimidate others. Your dog’s behavior depends on you. Use the tips here to have a happier dog.
If your puppy has an accident, take the time to clean thoroughly. You want to be using a professional grade cleaner along with an efficient odor remover. If you do not clean up the mess well enough, your dog might just go again in the same spot.
