When you arrive at the pet store or pound, you probably are dreaming of a kind dog who will sleep quietly in bed with you every night and obey your every command. However, the dog you get may have a drastically different personality. Regardless, you are now tasked with caring for your dog, and this article will teach you the ropes.
Be sure your house is dog-proofed. Prior to bringing your dog into your home, be sure that it is entirely safe. Put up all of your cleaning supplies and medications, and be sure you put away any trash cans. Since some plants are very harmful because of their toxicity, it’s best to get rid of them or put them in an area that the dog cannot get to.
Hug your dog, but don’t kiss him. In theory, giving a dog a kiss is cute, but realize that the mouth of a dog is generally very dirty. Dogs are always getting into garbage, drink from places like the toilet, and they clean their bodies with their tongues. There is a belief that the mouth of a dog is cleaner than that of a human. However, this simply is not the case.
Just like humans benefit from an annual physical, your dog should see the vet at least once a year. Since your dog does not speak the human language, he simply cannot tell you if his tooth aches or his arthritis is making it difficult for him to walk. Taking your dog for a yearly checkup allows relatively minor problems to be detected before they turn into major issues.
Do not feed your dog from the table. This will only teach him to beg constantly and also inhibit his appetite toward his regular food. You might be wrecking your dog’s health by giving him table scraps. Make your dog stay out of the room when the family is eating.
You won’t just stop your dog from shedding on your carpet if you brush him on a daily basis. Brushing daily can ensure your dog’s coat is shiny and healthy looking. When you brush fur, you’re also spreading around the oils that help keep your pet’s coat looking shiny and healthy.
It’s important to make sure that your pup’s nails stay trimmed. If the dog’s nails curl under, your dog might be in pain. You can always do your own trimming with clippers from the store. If your dog does not respond well when you try to trim the nails, a groomer or even your veterinarian can handle the task.
Make sure to exercise your dog often. Dogs need consistent physical activity to ensure they are physically and mentally fit. Playing fetch or going for a nice walk will be good for both you and the dog. You can get a lot of much needed exercise and build a stronger bond with your dog.
Don’t leave your dog outside all day long. This is done for various reasons, but your dog needs interaction with people. If there is only one dog, he may become lonely. In addition, during snowstorms and rainstorms, you need to bring your dog inside to avoid bad weather and extreme temperatures.
Trim the hair around your dog’s paws to prevent it from getting matted up. You ought to use a comb as a means to straighten it before trimming. If this scares you, have a professional do it.
If you have to leave your dog alone for a whole day, leave a radio or a TV on. Your dog will appreciate the company of the sound, and he will feel more secure. It could be the right trick to help relieve your dog’s anxiety.
Be sure your dog wears identification so it can always get back home. This is typically a collar with a tag on it. This identification tag needs their name and your own contact information. Another option is to have a micro-chip put on your dog.
Get to your vet on a regular basis. Your dog should see a vet for check-ups, blood tests and to ensure they’re up to date with vaccinations. Puppies tend to need the vet more than adults. You also should see a vet as soon as possible if your dog seems ill or gets injured.
When you eat snacks, you might be tempted to offer some to the dog. You can do this with some foods, but not all. Your should not give your dog grapes, caffeine, or chocolate, for instance. They can cause illnesses and, in some cases, even death, and your dog will not benefit by receiving them.
Always praise your dog when he does something good. Rewards and praise can help the dog to come around much quicker than violence or dominance. Treating your dog humanely when training is what is most effective and what is best for him. Being nice to your dog and treating him well during training will yield the best possible results.
You’ve just been given a treasure chest full of good advice- don’t throw it away. Use whatever you’ve learned and apply it and you should have the dog that you’ve always dreamed of owning. The happiest dog will make for the happiest owner.
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