Dog ownership can be a joyful experience, but only if you know how to be a responsible owner. To really get the most out of your relationship with your dog, you need to spend a little time learning about proper dog ownership. This article has some great tips for taking better care of your dog.
Don’t let your dog out of your property without wearing a leash, regardless of how well he behaves. You never know when something might spook him or distract him, leading to devastation. You are solely responsible for the dog’s actions and for the dog’s safety as well.
It takes a lot of money to raise a dog. Every dog is going to need supplies, good food, and will also need medical care. After all is said and done this could cost about $800 or more. Pet health insurance can help; although you will pay a monthly or yearly fee, you will often be covered if a big medical emergency occurs for your pet.
Purchase a dog that can keep up with your lifestyle. For instance, if you like to go running, you’re not going to want a little dog that can’t keep up with you. Also, if you like to stay at home, find small dogs that prefer sitting on laps and being stroked. Finding a dog that matches your personality will make both of you happy.
Hugs are great to give your pets, but kisses are not that great. Dog kisses are very unsanitary. They eat garbage or poop and even sniff other dog’s butts. There is an old wives’ tale that says that the mouth of a dog is cleaner than that of a human. This is not in the least bit true.
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. Your dog will soon understand that good behavior is rewarded with praise.
Just like humans, dogs should go to the vet for a checkup yearly. Even the best dog owner will find it difficult or impossible to detect the first signs of health troubles, like a tooth infection or arthritic joints. Regular checkups will assure these issues are caught before they turn into something big.
A daily brush will do much more than prevent your dog from constant shedding. Their coat will become shinier when they are brushed everyday. The reason for this is that brushing helps distribute the skin’s oils throughout the coat to condition the fur and skin.
Get your dog spayed or neutered. Statistically speaking, dogs who are “fixed” live longer lives and are less prone to cancer. A spayed or neutered dog is also less likely to stray from its home, meaning it won’t risk getting lost or winding up in a street accident.
Trim your dog’s nails on a regular basis. The nails can cause the dog discomfort if they start to curl under. Purchasing some nail clippers at your local pet store is a good idea. If you aren’t comfortable with this, invest a little money and take your dog to the groomers.
If you are on any kind of medication, you should ensure your dog never gains access to it. Just a few of your pills could literally kill your dog. Call your vet as soon as possible if your dog swallows any pills.
If you want to get a pet from a shelter, find a vet who can examine your new dog. Shelter dogs have likely been exposed to all kinds of viruses, such as parvo and distemper, which are deadly. That is why it’s important to have a full checkup and a course of vaccinations before you bring your puppy home.
Train your dog in your backyard or home, as these are safe, convenient areas. Don’t train in a park. Your dog may have trouble paying attention, and even the simplest commands could go right over their head.
When making a dog food selection, the cheap stuff is rarely the best choice. In the long term, it’s crucial to feed healthy, high-quality food to your dog. Although the food may cost more, you know that your dog is receiving the correct nutrients from quality food.
Don’t go for the cheap stuff when you buy dog food. Generally, food that is less expensive is not as healthy for your pet due to preservatives and additives put into the food. Use a consumer awareness or animal advocacy group to obtain a list of the best foods that come with the highest recommendations by professionals. Your dog will appreciate your research.
Certain dogs are prone to medical conditions and make yourself aware of this before selecting a dog. If you don’t know the type of dog he is, research it so you will know the type of problems your dog could have. You should inquire with your vet about how you can take care of your dog the right way.
Genuine meat bones may be tempting, but it’s best to stick to rawhide. Real bones can splinter and can get caught in your dog’s mouth or digestive tract. Rawhide is a healthy alternative and will help keep your dog’s teeth clean as he satisfies his need to chew.
If your dog seems lonely because you’re not home all the time, get him a little friend. The company could do your pet a lot of good. Match them carefully by energy levels and temperament so that they can enjoy themselves.
A daily brush will do much more than prevent your dog from constant shedding. It leaves them looking gorgeous, for one thing. When you brush fur, you’re also spreading around the oils that help keep your pet’s coat looking shiny and healthy.
Your dog needs both physical and mental exercise. Make sure he can get the paper and help you around the house. Doing this will help your pet to feel like a loved and needed family member, and teaching your dog these skills will give it some much needed mental exercise.
Take your dog outside so that he can get fresh air and exercise. Dogs require metal and physical exercise to ensure a happy puppy. Regardless of the activity you choose, whether it is a game of fetch or a walk around the neighborhood, both of you will benefit. Exercising with your dog will help you establish a bond with it.
If your dog has to listen to many people, he may end up confused. Everyone has their own methods, and experiencing a number of them can leave your pooch confused. Pick a single person to be the main person doing the training, and let the others know what that person’s methods will be so they can follow along.
Your dog needs attention and shouldn’t be left alone outdoors all day. It is important that your dog has interaction. A dog left alone outside will get very lonely. It’s especially important that your dog be inside if the weather outside is nasty.
Dogs sometimes get tiny cuts on their paws. Wash any small cut your dog has with some antiseptic and then put a bandage on it. If the cut is deep, contact a vet.
If you only have one dog and they aren’t happy or can’t handle being alone a lot, consider getting them a companion. Dogs are animals that love to be with other dogs. Find another dog that has the same energy levels and temperament and you’ll be sure to find something your dog will love!
It is crucial that you take your dog into see the veterinarian on a regular basis. Your dog should be checked for things like heartworms regularly, and his shots need to be current. When your dog is still a puppy, it’ll need to go to the vet more often. This will help your vet diagnose any physical issues with your dog.
When you train your dog remember that the end result might be ruined if too many people try to take charge. Many people do it differently than just having a few commands to give your dog. One person should be the master while the others reinforce what the dog is learning.
Be very careful when choosing your dog’s food. There are many options, but you should match your dog to food that was made for his age and size. When you give your dog leftovers to save money, you have to make sure your dog is getting the right nutrients and vitamins.
In order to be a great owner for your dog, there are some things you need to know. Do not adopt the first cute puppy you see and take the time to do more research. It’s up to you to be responsible. Use the tips you just read to properly train your dog and make sure it is happy.
Positive reinforcement is the best method of training a dog. A dog learns quickly when he knows he will be rewarded. Treating your dog well isn’t just the humane thing to do, it’s effective. So treat your dog kindly when training and you will see better results.