Are you considering adopting a homeless pup from the shelter? Or do you prefer to get a dog from a dog breeder? Whether you prefer a purebred dog or a versatile mixed breed, you will add hours of enjoyment to your life when you get a pooch. That said, it comes with a great deal of responsibility too, so read this article in full to learn what lies ahead.
Dogs don’t talk so you should learn his non-verbal language. If it seems as though your dog holds back when around other dogs or people, don’t insist that they interact. This may cause a human or the other canine to get bit. Watch out for those non-verbal clues and let your dog guide any actions you perform.
Do not feed your dog “people food”. This teaches dogs bad habits. In fact, a steady supply of scraps may encourage your dog to gain unhealthy amounts of weight and set off serious digestive problems. Resist the temptation and only give dog food to your pup.
When you are training your dog, it is always best to incorporate the use of hand signals in addition to using verbal commands. When provided with signals of this type, dogs tend to pick things up faster. Give both methods a shot, and see what your pet prefers.
Talk to your vet about what foods are best for your dog. A lot of the time a dog might not want to eat some brands of dog food, this might make them sick. Be safe when taking care of your dog.
If your dog displays a good behavior, praise it or reward it with a treat. This will show your dog that the behavior he is exhibiting is just what you are looking for. It will show your dog that doing the right thing will earn him praise from you.
If you choose to adopt a pet, take him or her to the veterinarian as soon as possible. You need to find out if they picked anything up at the shelter. You need to ensure your dog gets their shots.
The cheapest dog food may not always be the best buy when considering what food to feed your dog. Overall, your dog will benefit form a lifetime of quality food. Even though you are paying more, it will save on health bills down the road.
Fostering a dog teaches you about the responsibilities of dog ownership. Many homeless dogs are waiting for a home in shelters, where overcrowding is a major problem. Besides helping you figure out if full-time ownership is right for you, fostering will also do a great deal for the cause of abandoned animals as a whole.
Do not allow your dog to remain outdoors all day long. While this happens quite often, a dog needs interaction during the day. A dog left alone outside will get very lonely. Keep in mind that your dog can also get sick if the weather is too cold or humid.
Trim all hair surrounding the dog’s paws so that it does not become matted. Comb the tangles out before you start trimming. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this, then you’d probably have to hire a groomer who knows what they’re doing.
When giving your dog medication or special treatment, follow vet instructions closely. Even if your dog resists, it is important for their health that you listen to the veterinarian. Your vet makes recommendations that will help your dog be happy and healthy, so you should follow your vet’s advice.
If your dog has separation anxiety or you wish to be really nice to them, keep music on while you are going to work. Your dog will appreciate the company of the sound, and he will feel more secure. This could be the perfect fix to keep him calm until you return.
Spend some time deciding which brand and type of dog food to give your pet. Find a type suited for your dog’s breed, age and condition and be sure to consider other factors such as potential allergens. Although the temptation to feed your dog scraps off the table, this is not the most healthy diet for your dog.
When you’re picking out another dog to live with the one you already have, your current dog should meet the new one first. While dogs are social instinctively, certain breeds and temperaments get along better with others. If you find that your dogs are compatible, a lot of anguish and trouble can be saved.
Did you know that vitamins could actually be harmful to your dog? If you are feeding your dog a well-balanced dog food, specific to his age, weight and health needs, additional vitamins can do damage. Certain vitamins can be overdosed and result in damaged joints, bones and blood vessels. Before you begin giving your dog any vitamins or supplements, make sure that you check with your vet first.
You should take the time to reflect about your lifestyle before getting a dog. Wanting a dog is the easy part, but taking responsibility of one and giving it the love it needs is difficult.
Dog care is now your expertise. Always be open to new information about dog ownership, and learn from your dog as well. You should think about joining a forum to talk to other dog owners. Learning is a life-long endeavor, so don’t stop now!
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