Regardless of your level of experience with dogs, it is likely that you know that there is a lot that goes into raising a new dog. If you have never owned a dog, it’s important you become familiar with the particulars before acquiring a pet. The following article will help you to be the best dog owner possible.
Since dogs cannot talk, you need to learn your dog’s cues. Don’t force interaction with other pets or people if your dog is showing reluctance. That could lead to another person or dog being bitten. Take heed of these non-verbal cues, and act accordingly.
If you’re training your dog, don’t just use verbal commands. Try hand signals as well. These types of signals are sometimes easier for a dog to learn. Experiment with each way and determine what works.
Your vet can give you some good advice on what you should feed your dog. A puppy’s stomach may not be able to handle particular foods, which may cause stomach issues. Choose dog food adapted to the age of your puppy and use common sense when determining which foods are healthy for your dog.
Which breed you need to buy depends on your lifestyle. A good example would be if you are a runner. A dog that can keep up with you while you run would be a good choice. On the other hand, a cuddly small dog may be perfect for those who enjoy a quiet evening reading on the couch. Selecting the right dog will make you both happier.
Genuine meat bones may be tempting, but it’s best to stick to rawhide. Real bones can chip or break and are dangerous for the dog. 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.
Brushing your pup daily can do much more than reduce shedding in your home. Brushing every day can also help your dog to have a shiny and beautiful coat. When you brush a dog, you are moving the skin’s oils evenly throughout its fur, so it really makes the fur shine and feel great.
Schedule a visit to the vet when you get a new pet. Make the appointment when you buy your dog. Your vet will be able to give a clean bill of health, and appoint a schedule for vaccinations. Remember that there is a tremendous dog overpopulation problem, so you should have your dog spayed/neutered.
Learn what health problems are most typical for your breed of dog. Research his background and prepare for problems he might have. Also, ask your vet what you can do to help your canine beat the odds for his breed.
If you have to leave your dog alone for a whole day, leave a radio or a TV on. The sound will help him feel more secure and not as alone. This is a good way to keep your dog from feeling lonely.
Make sure that you show your dog affection at all times. As is often the case, dog owners frequently focus on bad behavior instead of good. This can cause problems later on. You should ensure you give your dog positive reinforcement. This increases the chance that your dog will repeat the good behavior rather than the bad.
You need to ensure your dog will come back if he runs away; that is why you need to have a collar with his information on it. A popular way to ensure your dog gets back home safely is to make them use a breakaway collar that has an identification tag. This tag needs to have the dog’s name as well as a way to contact you. A micro-chip can also be installed on your dog.
Take your dog to the vet regularly. An annual check-up should include blood tests and any needed booster shots. Puppies must visit the vet more often. It is also important to visit a vet immediately after seeing signs of injury or illness.
If you have a snack, you might think that it’s okay for your dog to take a bite. There are certain human foods that should not be fed to a dog. Always avoid giving your dog chocolate and grapes, for instance. Such foods tend to harm the health of dogs.
Some vitamins are not beneficial for dogs. If your dog is eating a balanced diet,do not give him additional vitamins. Too much of some vitamins can cause injury to the bones, joints and blood vessels. Speak to a vet before beginning any dog vitamin regimen.
Use different reward systems to find out what your dog prefers. Take the time to learn what will motivate your pet the most. Dogs that are driven by food may respond to small bits of hot dog used as rewards. You could also play tug of war for a few minutes to reward your dog. Petting can be the best reward too.
Properly caring for your dog should be easier now that you know more on this topic. All you must do is practice patience so your dog is aware you love him. Keep reading to learn more, too.
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