Dog ownership is never easy. Similar to kids, dogs have to eat certain food, need physical activity, have to go to a vet, and require cleaning and grooming. There’s so much to do; how will you know where to start? This article will teach you everything that is needed to be a great dog owner.
If you bring your pet on vacation with you, keep a picture of him with you, particularly on your phone. If he is ever separated from you, it will be easy to show people what he looks like or print out flyers with a recent picture showing that you are looking for him.
When it’s time for dog training, you’ll want to do it inside your house or in your yard. Don’t train them in any areas full of people. It will be very distracting for your pup.
Keep a leash on your dog at all times. There are quite a few things that could cause your dog to run off unexpectedly. Ultimately, you’re the one who’s responsible for your dog’s safety, as well as its actions.
Talk to your vet to learn which foods are appropriate for your particular dog. Depending on the type and age of dog, if you purchase the wrong kind of food it may upset their stomach. Always be cautious when you’re thinking of feeding your dog.
If your dog needs to be outside during cold months, buy him a house or build him one. A dog can get ill if he is left out in rough weather, so make sure you have a warm, dry dog house where he can rest. Keep your dog safe from wind, rain and snow by providing it with a house with lots of room and a dry floor.
Never force a dog to do something. If your dog doesn’t want it, don’t force him to eat it. Keep an eye on your dog’s likes and dislikes.
Pay attention to the nails of your canine. If they start curling under, your dog may experience a lot of pain. Simply purchase a pair of clippers from the store. If you’re uncomfortable clipping them on your own, go to a professional groomer. Nail clipping is very affordable.
Make sure that you’re giving your dog enough exercise. Dogs need routine activity and play in order to stay happy and healthy. Not only will your dog benefit from exercise, you will as well. Not only will you both get adequate exercise, these activities help you develop a long lasting bond with your dog.
Set up a vet check for a new dog. As soon as your dog is brought to your home you should get an appointment scheduled with the vet. The vet will provide a full health check and create a vaccination schedule. Also discuss with your vet about spaying or neutering your dog because there is a problem of over-population of dogs in shelters.
Teach your dog the proper way to walk while on a leash. He needs to know to heel next to you, not behind you or in front of you. This ensures his safety and will make going for walks more enjoyable for you. Even if your dog is sometimes walked on a loose leash, it should still know the command anyway.
If your dog is undergoing a course of treatment with medication or therapy, make sure you follow your veterinarian’s instructions precisely. They may not like their cone, but they need it for a purpose. Recommendations that a vet makes are for the good of your pet and if you don’t adhere to these things it could be bad for your pet.
Certain dog breeds are prone to specific health issues, so be aware of what is typical for your dog’s breed. Take the time to read up on your breed so that you don’t get any surprises down the road. Your vet will be able to tell you how you can help your pet prevent illness that it is prone to getting.
Make sure you are providing your dog with the opportunity for plenty of physical exercise as well as staying mentally active. Teach them to do things around the home to help or get a newspaper. He will always feel useful and a part of the family, while the constant reinforcement of training will keep his thinking skills sharp.
If you have a dog but are thinking of getting another one, try to get the two to meet. Dogs are quite social, though not all get along well. If you find one that gets along with your current one, you’ll save yourself a lifetime of headaches.
When you’re training, experiment using various reward systems. The goal is to learn what type of reward motivates your dog the most. Dogs that are driven by food may respond to small bits of hot dog used as rewards. Should your dog like toys, do some tug of war when your dog has done what you desired. Some dogs just like to get petted and rubbed when they’re good.
Don’t be afraid to be stern when disciplining your dog for bad behavior. Do not let your dog get away with anything while training. Not even if he has those big puppy dog eyes! But, by staying firm on the rules, you can avoid issues. For instance, you might not mind offering your dog your scraps when finished, but this can lead to your dog thinking it’s fine to jump and grab the whole steak from your plate!
Use this expert advice daily if you have a dog. Take the time to do more research on how to care for your dog and on any specific issues you are encountering. You’ll find the road to responsible dog ownership a little smoother and less challenging, and you and your canine companion will have a longer, better relationship.
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