A lot of people had pets growing up and may even still have a few. If you are a dog owner or looking to become one, there are several things you should know. This article provides some great information about owning a dog so you will be prepared to properly care for one.
When you get a puppy, have him fixed at around two years old. Research shows that doing this can make your animal live longer and reduce their cancer risks. Also, dogs that are fixed lose their desire to stray from the home, lessening the chance of them getting lost or hurt.
Since humans don’t speak dog, we need to figure out how to communicate with our pets non-verbally. If they seem hesitant upon meeting up with other dogs or people, don’t force interaction. This could cause your dog to get scared and to bite. Watch for these non-verbal hints and let the dog guide your actions.
Practice training your dog around your home, where you and your pup can be alone. Avoid training your dog where many people are present. Your dog could become distracted and will be tougher to teach.
If you’re training your dog, don’t just use verbal commands. Try hand signals as well. Your dog may pick things up much easier when they are given these type of signals. Look at both options and see if one particular way works best.
Ask your vet the amount of food your dog needs daily. While some people feed their dogs according to the dog food package guidelines, these guidelines can be incorrect and lead to an overweight dog. Your vet should be able to let you know what your dog’s specific needs are.
If your dog must be outside, build him a house. If his feet are wet, extreme temperatures can be stressful and bad for his health. Keep your dog safe from wind, rain and snow by providing it with a house with lots of room and a dry floor.
Always teach your dog to walk properly on a leash. Your dog should learn to walk by the side of you, teach them to ‘heel’. This keeps you and your dog safe as you walk. Understanding that command is great, even if you choose to still walk with a loose leash periodically.
If your veterinarian prescribes medication or special care for your pet, make sure you follow their instructions to the letter. While a cone around the head is not a pleasant experience for your pet, it may be a necessary requirement for a short time. Your vet makes recommendations that will help your dog be happy and healthy, so you should follow your vet’s advice.
What types of health problems are typical for your dog? Check out their heritage and try to prevent problems that you know they’re prone to. Also, ask your vet what you can do to help your canine beat the odds for his breed.
Love your dog! A lot of owners focus on correcting bad behaviors rather than displaying affection for their dog. This can cause problems later on. Give your dog positive reinforcement every time they do something right. This will make it more likely that your dog will behave well.
When selecting the ideal diet for your dog, investigate the options thoroughly. A variety of foods are available, but that doesn’t mean they’re all perfect for your pet. While feeding your dog leftover food saves you money, it doesn’t make for a healthy diet.
The temperature of your dog’s nose is not a good indicator of its health. Your dog can be sick even if his nose is healthy. Instead, monitor your dog’s health through energy levels, demeanor, and appetite. These attributes will give you better cues into how your dog feels. Check a dog’s temperature rectally.
You should now have some good information about provided a dog with good care. Information is the key to having a happy life with your pet. Keep the information from this article in mind as you work towards taking better care of your dog.
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