Dogs have a unique ability to give companionship and loyalty to their owners. This is why a dog owner needs to learn whatever they can about how to care for their pet so that it lives a long and healthy life. The piece below is an ideal starting point.
Your dog can not tell you what is wrong, so just listen to his body language. Hesitant dogs need to be taken out of fearful situations. This could lead to the other dog or person getting bit. Keep eye on non-verbal clues and look toward your dog for your next move.
Talk to your vet about what foods are best for your dog. Some foods can cause sickness or an upset stomach. Never give your dog any food you are not sure of.
Use your lifestyle to pick the dog breed you need to get. If you jog a lot, buy a dog that likes to run, and not something like a toy poodle. However, if you’re someone who stays mainly at home then seek out a small dog that loves to be adorned with lots of love while lounging around the house. Avoid a mismatch if you want both of you to be happy.
Talk to your vet about how much to feed your dog. While some people follow the direction on the back of the dog food packaging, they are sometimes incorrect and may make your dog overweight. Ask your vet for some recommendations if you are not sure which brands are best for your dog or need help with quantities.
If you’re adopting a dog through a local shelter, try scheduling a vet appointment right away. You never know what condition the dog might be in. Have your dog checked over and given vaccinations as soon as possible.
Do not buy cheap food items for your dog in an effort to save money. Your dog will be healthier and happier if you feed it the highest quality food. Although this could mean paying a higher price for a better brand, at least you know that your pet is getting the required amount of nutrients in their diet.
Love your dog! As it usually happens, many times owners focus more on bad behavior rather than good ones. With dogs, this can lead to trouble. Dogs need to be praised five times more frequently than scolding. This will reinforce that positive behavior brings due rewards, and thus lead to a better behaved pet.
Make sure that you can get your dog back by ensuring they carry some type of identification. A breakaway collar that includes an ID tag will ensure the return of your dog if they should wander. Put your own name and contact information on it, along with your dog’s name. A micro-chip can also be installed on your dog.
Keep in mind that more is not always better when it comes to the number of folks training a dog. Be sure that each person working with the dog uses the same commands and responses. Therefore, ensure that only one person is doing the training. The other people should only reinforce the person’s rules and stick by them.
It’s not that unusual for dogs to cut themselves after stepping on discarded debris or broken glass. Wash any small cut your dog has with some antiseptic and then put a bandage on it. If it is a very deep cut, you should take him to a vet.
When you first start to train your dog, you should give a number of reward systems a shot. What does your dog like best? If food is what drives your dog, use small, hot dog pieces as reward. If he likes to play, engage him in a game when he successfully performs the action you are looking for. A lot of dogs love to be petted and loved on.
Even a properly contained, outdoor dogs need a lot of attention. He will develop very bad habits, like barking, digging or chewing if left alone too often. He could also become aggressive. Play with him often and let him know you love him, and he will be happy.
Many people love owning a dog, in part because of the affection and companionship that it brings to their lives. If you own a dog or are thinking of getting one, get off to a great start by learning how to properly care for your pet. What you learned here has provided you a wealth of knowledge that you can always use to your advantage.
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