Are you a dog owner or were you one before? If this is the case, then you’re probably aware of how great it is to own a dog. However, like most things, owning a dog is much easier if you have the right information and knowledge. This article provides excellent information on caring for a dog.
Because dogs cannot speak to you, it is important to learn their non-verbal cues. If your dog gets stressed when meeting a new dog or person, don’t force them to meet. This might lead to a bite to another dog or even to a person. Keep an eye out for your dog’s hints, and do what he needs you to do.
Use flea treatments with caution. A lot of the ones on the market have ingredients that are 1000 times more potent than what is considered safe by the EPA and it may be a cancer risk for children. Ask the vet about flea powders and other products that are less hazardous for kids.
When training a dog, practice in the yard or your home. Training in busy areas with lots of people around should be avoided. Distractions occur, making it difficult to get your dog to focus on basic commands.
Never take your dog outside your yard without a leash. There are quite a few things that could cause your dog to run off unexpectedly. Understand that any damage your dog causes to other people and their pets is your responsibility, so you need to always use caution when off your property.
Instead of feeding your dog meat bones, give him rawhide. Bones can lodge in the mouth or throat, causing devastating injuries. Rawhide bones are tested and veterinary approved, and they can benefit your dog’s teeth and gums too. Treat your dog to one regularly.
You shouldn’t make your dog do something it doesn’t want to do. If you got them a treat and they aren’t interested in it, don’t make them eat it. It’s important to take your pets likes and dislikes into consideration and to not push them into anything unnecessary.
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Pay attention to the nails of your canine. Long nails cause huge amounts of pain. Nails can easily be clipped. Your local pet store will have the tool you need. If you aren’t confident enough to do it yourself, take the dog to a local pet groomer.
Take your new dog to the vet. As soon as you bring your new dog home, make an appointment with your vet. The vet will provide a full health check and create a vaccination schedule. Consider having your pup spayed or neutered as there is already an overpopulation problem.
Learn what health problems are most typical for your breed of dog. Research his ancestry and take steps to prevent problems he might be prone to. Your vet can also tell you how to give your dog the best odds for overcoming any conditions that are typical for his breed.
Make sure that you are keeping up with your dog’s vet appointments. The vet will be able to spot signs of diabetes, thyroid issues and kidney trouble a while before your dog shows any signs. An annual check-up for your pet can help to avoid future expense and needless suffering for your dog.
When the weather heats up, ticks and fleas become active. Remove any fleas you find with a specialized comb. You should invest in some quality products designed to kills fleas and ticks. Speak with your veterinarian about various flea and tick remedies.
Were you aware of how harmful vitamins can be to your pet? Don’t give your dog extra vitamins if he’s eating a well-balanced diet. Too many of some vitamins can damage joints, bones, and blood vessels. Have a conversation with your veterinarian before adding any vitamins to your dog’s diet.
Think about how your life is lived, including vacations and events that you go to, before considering a dog. Many people want dogs, but not everyone is able to handle all the hard work that comes with caring for a dog.
When engaged in dog training, stick to the methods that use positive reinforcement. Praise your dog and give it a treat when it does something well instead of using punishments to get rid of bad behaviors. Treating your dog well isn’t just the humane thing to do, it’s effective. Always treat your dog with kindness during training so you will see a much better end result.
Use different reward systems to find out what your dog prefers. Determine what motivates your dog to obey. Use food as a positive reward when you start. Maybe your dog will respond better to a game of tug-of-war with a favorite toy. Some dogs just like to get petted and rubbed when they’re good.
Wash the water and food bowls for your dog often. Just like you, your dog doesn’t want to use food and water bowls that are dirty. Wash bowls daily and fill them up with fresh water and food.
Anyone with kids knows how key a schedule can be to their daily lives. Dogs are quite similar to children in this respect. If your pet has no knowledge of how the day is to proceed, the end result can be a cranky and ill mannered dog. The behaviors they show will reflect their mood. So make it that you have set times for training, meals, and play.
As mentioned in the introduction, dog ownership can have many rewards. It’s better when you’re knowledgeable about dogs. Thanks to the knowledge found here, you should be more informed on dogs. Take advantage of what you have learned and enjoy a healthy, happy relationship with your dog!
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