Would you like to rescue a puppy from the local pound? Do you want a purebred animal instead? Getting a dog will give you endless amounts of love, whether it be mutt or show dog. But, you have to be responsible as well, which is why you should read the whole article that follows.
If your dog comes with you on vacations, you need to have an up-to-date picture of it on hand and in your phone. If he just so happens to run away from you, you should have a picture so you can find him.
Don’t let a dog go off property without their leash, even if they’re well behaved. A feral animal might catch their attention, causing them to pursue them, or an unplanned incitement might lead to a bad situation with other pet owners. Your dog’s safety and behavior are your responsibility.
Think about your own lifestyle when considering the dog breed you want. If you like to go out running in the evenings, select a dog that also enjoys vigorous exercise. If you prefer to stay home curled up on your couch, go for a small dog that likes to be spoiled and that will curl up along with you. Don’t get a dog that you don’t fit in with if you can avoid that.
Try not to force your dog to do new things. If you’ve purchased your dog treats that it doesn’t want to eat, set them aside. Find out your dog’s likes and dislikes and feed him accordingly.
Be certain that your dog is getting sufficient exercise. Dogs require metal and physical exercise to ensure a happy puppy. Your dog will get the exercise it needs (and you’ll be a little more active yourself!) from virtually any kind of outdoor activity you share with it. Not only will you both get adequate exercise, these activities help you develop a long lasting bond with your dog.
Your dog has to be leash trained. The dog needs to stay beside you, not behind or in front of you. It also needs to know the command “heel”. Your dog will be safer in this position, and you’ll both enjoy your walks more this way. Even if your dog is sometimes walked on a loose leash, it should still know the command anyway.
If you’re considering becoming a dog owner, but are unsure if you’re ready to take the step, you can foster one. A lot of abused and homeless animals are in shelters waiting, but resources are slim. Lend a hand by fostering a dog, and determine if it is a good fit for you and your family.
If you are interested in adopting a pure breed, consider visiting the dog pound. Many pet owners will abandon dogs at pounds when they don’t want them or can’t keep them anymore. Just give a quick call to your local humane society to see what breeds they may have available. This can help save the life of a beautiful dog.
It is best to train your dog entirely by yourself. Your dog might become confused by different methods, different vocal commands and different ways of offering praise or punishment. Be sure that one individual is in control of the training and keeps others working with the dog on the same page.
It isn’t unusual for dogs to injure their paws by stepping on bits of glass or other debris. If your dog suffers from a little cut, it should be washed with some form of antiseptic and the bandaged. If the cut is deep, it is best to go to a veterinarian.
When the weather heats up, ticks and fleas become active. Try using a flea comb to remove any fleas that you find. There are a lot of available products that can control fleas and ticks on your dog. Ask your vet which are best.
Carefully choose your dog’s food. There are many options, but you should match your dog to food that was made for his age and size. You might think that you can save money by feeding your dog table scraps, but this is very unhealthy.
You must carefully think for a while before getting a dog. While a puppy’s face is adorable, you must consider everything as far as providing care. Make sure that you understand all of the care dogs need so that you will know if you’ll be able to do it all.
Train your dog using positive reinforcement. Rewards and praise work better and faster than violence and dominance. Humane treatment is more effective and works better over time. Be kind to your dog and get some help if you have a hard time with the training.
When you first start training, experiment with several types of rewards. The goal is to learn what type of reward motivates your dog the most. If food is the motivator, use hot dog pieces as a reward. Dogs that are more responsive to some play time can be rewarded with a game of catch. Other dogs may respond to affectionate petting and rubbing.
You are now aware of what your dog needs to stay healthy, so ensure you’re fully stocked when it arrives at your home! Continue learning all you can as new ideas on dog ownership pop up online quite frequently. You should think about joining a forum to talk to other dog owners. Do not ever stop teaching your dog.
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