Owning a dog is one of life’s joys, but that isn’t the case with every dog. In order to have a great dog who you truly love to be around, there are some important things you must consider. The following tips will help you be an informed pet owner.
Be sure your house is dog-proofed. It is important that you try to foresee any problems your dog might run into prior to bringing him home. Hide cleaning supplies and medicines and hide trashcans in a cabinet. Certain common house plants are toxic, so remove them or keep them out of reach.
You should not kiss your dog. While those sloppy kisses may be cute, be aware that your dog’s mouth is apt to be crawling with germs and bacteria. After all, dogs eat out of the garbage, drink from toilet bowls, and lick all over their body. It’s an old wives’ tale that a dog has a very clean mouth. This is not the truth!
Be sure your dog is neutered or spayed. Research has proven that this can help your dog live longer and also specifically help prevent cancer. Besides, a neutered dog will be less likely to run away or to get in fights with other animals.
Take some time to become familiar with your canine’s non-verbal language. If your dog gets stressed when meeting a new dog or person, don’t force them to meet. That could lead to another person or dog being bitten. Keep an eye out for your dog’s hints, and do what he needs you to do.
Be wary when it comes to flea treatments. Many of them contain ingredients that can put children at risk for cancer at a rate that is 1000 times more than what the EPA considers safe! Talk to your veterinarian about the safest options, and don’t let your kids near the dog while you’re doing a treatment.
Let your lifestyle determine what breed of dog you should bring into your home. If you are very active, think about getting a dog that will run with you. When you prefer to stay home, choose a small dog who doesn’t need much outdoor time. Getting the right fit for you will give you both much more joy.
If a dog does something correctly like sitting before you leash them, give them lots of praise and affection. This is to let the dog know that you want more of that behavior. This will teach your dog that praise comes from good behavior.
Don’t purchase cheap dog food. The cheaper dog foods have tons of additives and preservatives which aren’t the best for your dog. Find an advocacy group that can provide you with a list of vet recommended foods. The higher quality food will benefit your dog profoundly.
Bring your shelter dog to the veterinarian as soon as possible after you adopt him. Dogs from shelters might have been exposed to viruses or might already be sick. It’s smart to ensure your dog has all shots necessary before you take him home.
Properly Walk
Train your dog how to properly walk when on a leash. To properly walk your dog, he must remain directly at your side instead of behind or in front of you. If you walk in this way, you will be sure that your pet is safe so that your walks are more enjoyable. Regardless of how you intend to take your walks, this is a good command for your dog to know.
Get your dog’s hair trimmed around its paws so that hair doesn’t get matted up. Prior to trimming the hair, make sure the hair is straight by using a comb. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this, then you’d probably have to hire a groomer who knows what they’re doing.
Some dogs are more likely to have certain health issues, so you need to know what is expected for your dog. Research the kind of dog you have and see if there are any preventative measures you can take. Also, see what advice the vet has in terms of helping your dog overcome breed liabilities.
If your dog has separation anxiety or you wish to be really nice to them, keep music on while you are going to work. The dog will be less likely to feel anxiety if there is a familiar noise. It may help them conquer their anxiety while waiting for you to return.
Don’t let too many people train your dog. Everyone does things differently, and too many commanders may confuse your dog. Designate one person to be in charge of training and have others reinforce everything the dog learns by adhering to the same rules and respecting the process.
Be careful when choosing what to feed your dog. There are a variety of kinds of dog food on the market; you should choose something that is age and size appropriate. Though just giving your dog your own leftovers is cheaper, it is not good for their health.
Just because you have an outside dog, it doesn’t mean he doesn’t require the same attention as a dog that’s inside. He may develop bad habits including digging, chewing and excessive barking. He may also start acting aggressively. Love him and play with him to avoid these problems.
Be sure that you’re washing your dog’s water and food bowls regularly. Your dog doesn’t want to eat from a dirty bowl, just like you wouldn’t want to. Food bowls should be cleaned on a daily basis and fresh drinking water provided.
There are many different things needed to be the best dog owner you can be. There is more to having a great dog than just choosing an adorable puppy to bring home. You must work at the relationship for it to work. Use what you learned here to make your time with your pet enjoyable.
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