The loyalty of a dog is what it makes it such a wonderful pet. But, it may take some work to get them to that point. They require proper care along with some training to follow the rules you set for them. This guide will allow you to learn those things and more, so continue on.
Try giving the dog rawhide versus actual meat bones. Real bones can chip and fragments may become lodged in their mouths or digestive tract. Rawhide is proven healthy and great for teeth as well, but don’t be tempted to share that T-bone, no matter what kind of eyes your dog gives you.
If your dog behaves badly, correct the behavior immediately. Turning a blind eye to it just makes it harder to fix down the road. You need to make sure your dog is happy to keep them in control and so he does not hurt anyone.
Make sure your dog always has trimmed nails. Your dog will be in pain if the nails begin curling. You can trim them yourself with a pair of store bought clippers. If you don’t feel comfortable trimming them yourself, a groomer can do it for little money.
When you get a new dog, set up an appointment for him at the vet. When you bring them home, schedule a vet appointment. The vet will examine your dog. Also discuss the spaying or neutering process with your vet. This can help to eliminate unwanted animals and keep your dog happy and healthy for a longer period of time.
If you have a pure bred dog, make sure you educate yourself on what type of problems are “normal” for that breed. Take the time to read up on your breed so that you don’t get any surprises down the road. Also, seek advice from your vet.
Local Pound
Even if you are looking for a dog that is a pure breed, always check the local pound. Unfortunately there are many people out there who simply cannot care for their dogs anymore and they end up at the local pound. Paying a trip to your local shelter might help you to find the exact dog you have been searching for. You may be saving a dog’s life.
If your dog seems lonely or seems to have separation anxiety, leave the radio or a CD on when you leave the house. The sounds help your dog feel like others are still home and help your dog feel more secure. This may help ease the dog’s fears and calm him down just enough so he isn’t going crazy while he awaits your arrival.
If you have just one dog and he seems pretty lonely when you are gone, think about finding him a friend. Dogs come from packs, so it’s in their nature to prefer spending time with a member of their own species. Match the two dogs by energy levels and temperament, and both dogs will be in heaven!
You dog should go to the vet on a regular basis. He should visit once a year for tests, weighing and vaccinations. If your dog is younger, make sure that you go to the vet often. It is also important to visit a vet immediately after seeing signs of injury or illness.
Any dog accident in your home should be cleaned up immediately. A combination of an industrial strength cleaner preceding an odor remover is effective. If your dog can still smell the spot he has marked, he will be likely to mark it again.
Do tick and flea inspections on a daily basis with your dog whenever the weather becomes hot. Remove any fleas you find with a specialized comb. Certain products are geared to eliminate fleas and ticks. Speak with your veterinarian about various flea and tick remedies.
If you already have a dog and want to get another one, allow your existing dog to meet the new one before you make your final decision. Most dogs enjoy another dog’s company, but some dogs do not get along. Finding dogs that are compatible is a good way to save yourself hassle and heartache.
You should not just use your dog’s cold, wet nose as a barometer of its health. Your dog can be sick even if his nose is healthy. Using your dog’s appetite, attitude, and amount of energy, you can determine its health. These are more reliable signals of your dog’s health. If you need to take a temperature, you can do so rectally.
Always praise your dog when he does something good. Praise and rewards will help the dog learn faster than dominance and violence. Treating your dog humanely when training is what is most effective and what is best for him. So be kind to your dog when you are training him; you will be rewarded with positive results.
When you first start training, experiment with several types of rewards. Be on the look out for what motivates your pet to perform well. Some pets enjoy getting treats when they do well. If your canine likes playing with toys, tug of war might be a good game for them. Some dogs will consider petting as a reward.
As you can see, taking care of a dog isn’t that hard. Though you may problems initially, using the tips of help will set things on the right path. Use other quality resources, and talk to your vet if you need help with your dog.
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