Many people have had a dog in the house when they were young, or they have one now. If you are a dog owner or looking to become one, there are several things you should know. This article helps you to fine tune your skills as a dog owner.
Think about your life and then find a dog breed that will fit in well with your habits. For instance, joggers may want dogs that can run along with them, instead of a toy breed that cannot. However, if you’re someone who stays mainly at home then seek out a small dog that loves to be adorned with lots of love while lounging around the house. Getting the right fit for you will give you both much more joy.
Hugs are great, but steer clear of kisses. Dog kisses are very unsanitary. Dogs dig in trash cans, drink from toilet bowls and sniff and lick various body parts on themselves and other dogs. It is not true that a dog has a cleaner mouth than a person. Definitely do not believe that!
If a dog does something correctly like sitting before you leash them, give them lots of praise and affection. You want to let your dog know that the behavior is something that you want to see. This is called positive reinforcement.
Always, have your dog spayed or neutered. Your pet stands to enjoy a significantly better (and longer) life. It’s been verified through research that this simple procedure reduces cancer risks and provides other benefits, too. Additionally, dogs who undergo this procedure are much less likely to wander off and maybe get into to an accident.
Offer rawhide rather than actual meat bones. Real bones can splinter and can get caught in your dog’s mouth or digestive tract. It has been proven that rawhide is healthy for your dogs teeth, therefore avoid giving your dog natural meat bones.
Your dog cannot communicate through speech; therefore, you must learn its non-verbal language. If your dog gets stressed when meeting a new dog or person, don’t force them to meet. This can lead to a bad ending for your dog, the other pooch or the other person. Keep an eye out for your dog’s hints, and do what he needs you to do.
Be certain that your dog is getting sufficient exercise. Exercise keeps your dog healthy, both physically and mentally. Whether you take a dog on an extended walk or toss a ball around, your dog and you will both benefit. It also grows your bond with the dog.
When you’re thinking of taking a dog with you when you travel, snap a photo of the animal with your phone. If he is ever separated from you, it will be easy to show people what he looks like or print out flyers with a recent picture showing that you are looking for him.
Your dog needs attention and shouldn’t be left alone outdoors all day. While this is what many people do, dogs require socialization with people and/or other animals. If your dog is alone outside, it will quickly get lonely. Not only that, but during heavy rainstorms and snowstorms, it is imperative that you bring your dog indoors as well, to avoid the inclement weather and temperatures.
Your lifestyle can help determine what dog breed is a good match for you. Joggers should get a high energy dog, for example. If you prefer to stay at home, seek out a small dog that loves to snuggle on the couch. Finding a dog that matches your personality will make both of you happy.
Take some time to trim your dog’s paw beds during every grooming session. This can help prevent mats. Prior to trimming it, straighten the fur using a comb. If you have a hard time with this, enlist the services of a groomer.
Talk to your vet about appropriate nutrition for your canine. Most dog food packages include guidelines but keep in mind that these instructions might not be adapted to your dog. Talk to your vet about what is acceptable and what your dog’s particular needs are.
Be cautious with your female dog if she’s in heat. If you don’t, she may become pregnant. A male is able to smell her from as much as five miles in the distance! This may cause a fight or impregnation if a male dog spots her.
Your dog deserves to have quality dog food. Cheap brands are full of fillers, preservative and even chemicals. 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.
Remember that too many people training your dog can mess up the training. Training methods vary by person, and multiple trainers can confuse the dog. 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.
Brushing your dog every day is going to stop them from shedding in your home, but more than that. It’ll also give them a very beautiful and shiny coat. Brushing distributes the natural oils of the skin throughout the hair coat for added sheen and softness.
Take your dog for regular vet visits. It’s important that the dog sees a vet every so often to make sure there aren’t any shots that they might need. A puppy requires more constant vet visits. If your dog shows signs or injury or illness, you must see a vet immediately.
Keep the nails on your dog trimmed. If they get too long, they may start to curl under and cause your dog pain. You can use store bought clippers to trim them yourself. It is best to take your dog to the groomer if you do not want to do it yourself.
Clean up completely if your dog uses the bathroom on your floor. Clean it well, and then snuff out any remaining smell with an odor remover. If you still smell poop, your dog will too and might strike again.
Do not try to save money by choosing the cheapest dog food. High quality foods are always your best bet. Quality brands are more expensive but they will significantly increase the life expectancy of your dog.
When the weather gets warmer, begin checking your pup for ticks and fleas daily. If you find fleas, use a flea comb and get rid of them. There are also other products you may want to consider using to get rid of fleas and ticks. Speak with your vet concerning these products and other options.
Your dog should not be left alone outside all day. Yes, people do this too often, but dogs require interactions with people and other dogs for their well-being. A dog by himself tends to be lonely and not motivated to do anything. Not only that, but during heavy rainstorms and snowstorms, it is imperative that you bring your dog indoors as well, to avoid the inclement weather and temperatures.
Don’t rely on just a wet and cold nose to determine a dog’s health. Even if your dog is sick, there are different reasons his nose may be wet and cold. You can keep track of your dog’s heath by paying attention to it’s appetite, demeanor, and energy levels. These are better signs of how your dog is feeling. You can also check the temperature rectally.
You might find a pure breed dog at the pound. Pets are abandoned due to a variety of circumstances, so you might be lucky enough to find one at the pound. Paying a trip to your local shelter might help you to find the exact dog you have been searching for. You can save the life of a dog this way.
You need to establish a healthy diet for your dog. Foods high in calories are fine for puppies who are growing. However, when these same foods are eaten during adulthood, they could cause extreme weight gain, which can cause damage to your dog’s health.
Make political decisions which will help your dog! Look to see if your local government is passing laws which limit dog owners’ rights. This is often caused by a few bad dogs, or a particular breed. Stand up for your rights!
You need to be firm with your dog. Do not let your dog get away with anything while training. This can especially be true if the dog is a cute one. But, if you stay firm, you can avoid accidents. For instance, you might want to give your dog a few scraps after dinner, but it may cause the dog to feel entitled to the full plate.
Choose your dog’s food carefully. There are many kinds of foods you can pick, but the one you choose should fit with your dog’s size and age. You might think that you can save money by feeding your dog table scraps, but this is very unhealthy.
Be patient with your dog. While training your dog, keep in mind that his attention span is not as great as yours. Try training your dog for a few minutes each day so he doesn’t get too frustrated at first.
There is a lot that goes into owning a dog as evidenced by this article. Incorporate the tips you learned here and use them when caring for your dog, and soon you’ll see a remarkable difference in the life of your dog. Take time to read this article if you have questions.
Walk your dog daily, even if you’re busy. It provides your dog with the proper amount of exercise and can allow him to see the world around him. This is something that has to be done for a dog to properly grow, so be sure you walk your dog.