Would you like to save a little puppy from the pound? Or, would you prefer a pure bred dog from the breeder? Whatever kind of dog you want to get, it can really make your life brighter when that pet shows you it loves you. You have to realize, however, that you’re going to have to be a responsible pet owner. Use the following guide to help you to be sure that you are.
It can be quite costly to own a dog. Not only do you have to buy food, but you have to pay their vet bills and purchase other items that they need. You could spend as much as a thousand dollars in one year on your pet! Pet insurance can be a good investment because your pet may require emergency care for illness or injury.
Make your home doggie-proof. Check your whole home to be sure it is safe prior to bringing a dog home. Hide medications and chemicals, cover your trash, and put food where he can’t get to it. Certain common house plants are toxic, so remove them or keep them out of reach.
Table Scraps
You should never give table scraps to your dog. This causes regular begging and will cause him to dislike his food. Table scraps are also not nutritionally sound for a dog, and this might mean digestive problems, obesity, and other ailments. Don’t allow your dog to beg at the table while you are eating.
Check with your vet to determine the amount of food to feed your dog daily. Even though many people stick to the label on the can or package of the dog’s food, sometimes these guidelines might not work for the type of dog that you have. This could lead to your dog becoming obese. Check with you vet to find out about the feeding guidelines for your particular dog.
Correct bad behavior the first time you see it from your dog. When you let it go, he thinks it is okay to do. The dog may harm somebody, even you, so control them.
Be certain that your dog is getting sufficient exercise. Dogs need consistent physical activity to ensure they are physically and mentally fit. Your dog will be happy with any kind of activity, even if it’s just going for a walk or throwing them a ball. Exercise is a great way to bond with your pet.
Train your dog how to properly walk when on a leash. The dog needs to stay beside you, not behind or in front of you. It also needs to know the command “heel”. This will keep him safe, and it’ll make walks more enjoyable. Even if you’re using a loose leash from time to time, you should still train your dog so that it understands when you issue that command.
Take some time to trim your dog’s paw beds during every grooming session. This can help prevent mats. Prior to trimming it, straighten the fur using a comb. If this process is something with which you are uncomfortable, have a professional groomer do the job.
If you are looking for dog of a particular breed, don’t discount your local pound. Lots of dog owners will leave their dog stranded whenever they don’t want it anymore. Call the pound to see what breeds they’ve got. This could help you save the life of a dog.
If your dog gets anxious and lonely when you leave, put some music on before you head out. The sounds will help your pet feel safer and will make it feel like it’s not alone. This might just quell his anxiety while waiting for you to return.
Your dog needs exercise and entertainment. Teach him to get the newspaper and do other helpful things around the house. Your dog will feel like a useful member of the family, and the reinforcement will keep his training sharp.
Anytime your dog has an accident in your home, remove any trace of it. Use a cleaner that’s professional strength and follow that up with a good odor remover. If your dog can still smell its waste, it may use the bathroom in that spot repeatedly.
If you have a dog but are thinking of getting another one, try to get the two to meet. Dogs happen to be social creatures, but that doesn’t mean they all get along. If you find two dogs that can get along, you’ll save yourself some trouble.
Dogs do not necessarily need vitamin supplements like humans. Dog food usually meets your dog’s nutritional requirements by itself. An excess of some vitamins can cause blood vessel damage, as well as damage to his joints and bones. Speak to a vet before beginning any dog vitamin regimen.
When you first start training, experiment with several types of rewards. This will make things more fun and enjoyable for your dog. If your dog likes food, try giving them food as a reward. If you have a dog that loves toys, play a game with them quickly after they do something you trained them to do. You may even find that your dog is best motivated by a little rubdown and affection.
Dog care is now your expertise. Keep learning as much as possible, and find answers online when you come up with questions about your new dog. Discussing dog tips and ideas online in a forum can be very useful. Learning takes a lifetime, so don’t stop!
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