Are you a current or former pet owner, or are you considering becoming one? If you’ve already experienced the joy of dog ownership, you know how great its benefits can be. But, like most other areas in life, dog ownership can be more rewarding when you are properly educated. Read on to find some new advice.
Your dog speaks to you, but it is through non-verbal cues. Your job is to learn to listen carefully so you understand the message. Don’t force interaction with other pets or people if your dog is showing reluctance. That could lead to another person or dog being bitten. Watch your dog and be aware of his actions.
It can be quite costly to own a dog. Food and supplies can run you over one thousand dollars a year. Also, should an emergency arise, this can cost thousands so you might consider pet health insurance.
When it’s time for dog training, you’ll want to do it inside your house or in your yard. You should avoid training in heavily populated areas. Your dog could become distracted and will be tougher to teach.
Make sure that your dog gets neutered. A neutered dog will live longer and have less risks of developing cancer. It also keeps dogs from humping, running away from home or becoming violent at puberty.
Don’t force anything into a dog. If your dog doesn’t want it, don’t force him to eat it. When you are a new dog owner, it may take a while to figure out what he does and doesn’t like.
If you have medication is your home, even if it is just over-the-counter medication, place it where your dog cannot access it. If the dog gets near the pills, then just a few of them could do serious harm and result in a trip to emergency room. If, by chance, a dog does eat some of your pills, contact the vet right away.
Make sure that your dog receives plenty of exercise. Regular exercise and play time promotes the health and happiness of your dog. You will enjoy the time you spend doing these things with your dog as well. Besides just getting some exercise, you’ll be creating a bond between you and your dog.
Table Scraps
When you get a new dog, it is best that you schedule a check-up at the vet right away. Directly after getting your dog, be sure to make a check up appointment with a trusted vet. The veterinarian will set the dog up with the proper vaccinations and give it a routine health checkup. Also see about getting your dog fixed because there are tons of animals in shelters and adding to that problem isn’t good.
Resist the urge to give your dog table scraps. Feeding a dog from the table only reinforces begging. The dog will also be less likely to eat its normal food. Table scraps can be bad for his health as well, leading to obesity and digestive disorders. You need to make sure your dog is not near the dinner table. This will make it easier for your pet (and you!) to avoid temptation.
Avoid keeping your dog outdoors all day, every day. A lot of people allow this, but dogs are social creatures that need other beings. Especially if it’s only one dog, it can get very lonely. In addition, in extreme weather, you must bring your dog inside to protect it from the weather and temperature extremes.
Never allow your dog to leave your yard without a leash even if he seems very trustworthy and calm. A wild animal may set your dog off and send it running into traffic, or someone could provoke your dog and get injured by accident. You’re responsible for everything your dog does, and for his safety. as well.
Trim hair around a dog’s paws so that hair mats don’t form. Use a comb and a small pair of scissors for this task. If this process is something with which you are uncomfortable, have a professional groomer do the job.
Ask the vet about how much the dog should eat each day. Some people refer to the label on the package to determine the quantity of food to feed their dogs, but those guidelines are not always right and using them can cause your dog to become overweight. Speak to the vet about what makes sense for your dog.
If your dog gets anxious and lonely when you leave, put some music on before you head out. The sounds will help your pet feel safer and will make it feel like it’s not alone. This could be the perfect fix to keep him calm until you return.
Give your dog rawhide instead of real meat bones. Bones can chip and get lodged in the digestive tract or mouth. Rawhide bones are tested and veterinary approved, and they can benefit your dog’s teeth and gums too. Treat your dog to one regularly.
Prior to bringing home another dog, arrange a meeting between your current pet and your prospective pet. Some dogs get along better with one another than others. Finding a compatible dog will save you anguish and trouble.
The daily brushing of your dog’s coat is beneficial, in more ways that just stopping constant shedding. Brushing every day will also help give them a gorgeous, glossy coat. This is mainly due to the fact that brushing allows the oils in the skin to be distributed evenly. That keeps the skin soft, shiny, and healthy.
Before getting a dog make sure you have thought about your daily routing, as well as special events like vacations. Wanting a dog doesn’t mean you’ll provide the best environment for him.
When it is time to buy dog food, avoid buying the cheapest brand. After a while it’s good for the dog if it has been eating nutritious and high quality food. You’ll have to pay more, but you can be certain your dog gets the right vitamins and minerals from good sources.
Use a lot of positive reinforcements during dog training. Rewards and praise can help the dog to come around much quicker than violence or dominance. Humane treatment is more effective and works better over time. So be kind to your dog when you are training him; you will be rewarded with positive results.
Schedule a visit to the vet when you get a new pet. Do this as soon as your dog arrives at your doorstep. Your vet can make health recommendations, make sure that vaccinations are up to date and help with maintenance items like flea care and proper diet. Consider having your pup spayed or neutered as there is already an overpopulation problem.
When you first start training, play with different reward systems. Be on the look out for what motivates your pet to perform well. If find that your dog is motivated by food, a hot dog, cut into small pieces, is a great reward. If your dog prefers toys, have a quick game of tug of war once your pup does what you want. Some dogs will consider petting as a reward.
The hair around a dog’s paws can easily get matted, and should be trimmed on a regular basis. Straighten hair with a comb a bit before you trim it. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this, take your dog to a groomer.
Crate training a puppy is a great idea if no one is available during the day to watch him. This will prevent your puppy from damaging your home, and he will not use the bathroom anywhere he shouldn’t.
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. You can also speak with your vet about any precautionary measures you can take to help your dog avoid the problems associated with his breed.
A new puppy should be socialized as early in life as possible. Taking your dog to a dog park, on a play date, or to a groomer is a good way for them to socialize with other dogs.
Always make an annual checkup appointment for your dog. From thyroid issues to heartworm, your vet can find something wrong which isn’t visible to the naked eye. Annual exams can prevent lots of unneeded expenses later on.
Take your dog on a walk every day, no matter how busy your schedule is. Your dog will benefit not just from the exercise, but also from the opportunities to see different things and encounter other humans and pets. That is crucial to his growth and development, so make your walks a priority.
If you are shopping for a new dog and already own another dog, it is a good idea to take your old dog along. Dogs are quite social, but sometimes two particular dogs just are not compatible with each other. You can prevent future problems if you are able to get a dog that is compatible with the dog you already have.
If you have a new dog, you have to figure out where he will sleep. If you want them crated at night, do not let them start sleeping in the bed with you. If you do want your dog to sleep with you, make sure that you’re going to want to there every night.
When you are enjoying a snack, you might be tempted to share a little with your dog. Some foods are fine to give, but others really are not. Chocolate and other highly caffeinated treats, as well as grapes, are examples of poor treat choices that shouldn’t be shared with your pet. These types of food are very detrimental to your dog’s health.
Do not let your dog stay home by itself for extended periods. Try to make arrangements for your dog to go out if you have to work long hours. Leaving a TV or radio on can make them feel better. A pet sitter is another option that you can consider instead of keeping your dog in isolation.
After reading the above information you now see what a great experience being a dog owner can be. It’s better when you’re knowledgeable about dogs. Armed with the knowledge imparted here, you have a deeper understanding of the care of dogs. Use these tips and enjoy the time you have with your canine!
You need to set down rules and keep following them. You might be tempted to let your pet sleep with you every now and then. This is not fair to your pet, because he or she will not understand why they can do something one time but it is not okay to do again. Be consistent and do your best to always communicate your expectations clearly.