Are you wondering how to take better care of your dog? The many responsibilities of dog ownership can be overwhelming to a lot of first-time owners. The thought of a dog that will always misbehave crosses some people’s minds. Avoid this sad option, and learn how to raise a happy, healthy dog with these tips.
You must dog-proof your residence. Prior to bringing your dog into your home, be sure that it is entirely safe. Hide medications and chemicals, cover your trash, and put food where he can’t get to it. Many common household plants are poisonous, so keep them away from your dog or get rid of them.
Be wary about certain flea treatments to use for your dog. Some medicines can put your children in harms way. Talk to the vet to determine if there are other options for your dog.
Don’t give your dog leftovers from your own plate. This teaches dogs bad habits. In fact, a steady supply of scraps may encourage your dog to gain unhealthy amounts of weight and set off serious digestive problems. Make your dog leave the room if he begins to beg, or train him to spend mealtimes in another room entirely.
Reward your dog for doing right things, such as sitting while you place it’s food down, with lots of praise and attention. This will show that you appreciate what your dog is doing. Your dog will quickly understand that the praise is connected to a certain action.
Buy or build a home for the dog if they need to stay outside when it’s cold. Getting cold or wet can cause your dog to be stressed and can cause health problems. Make sure that your dog has a spacious home that they can go into to get out of the weather.
Do not force your dog to eat things. Some dogs won’t love all treats, and you shouldn’t push your dog to like something. Find out your dog’s likes and dislikes and feed him accordingly.
If you choose to adopt a pet, take him or her to the veterinarian as soon as possible. Dogs in shelters could be sick or may have already been exposed to some viruses. It’s crucial that your pet has all necessary shots before it’s brought into your house.
Teach your dog the proper way to walk while on a leash. Your dog has to understand the “heel” command and respond to it by walking beside you, not ahead of or in back of you. Walking like this can keep them safe and help you enjoy walks too. When you dog understands the command to heel, you can relax occasionally and walk with a loose leash without having your arm pulled off.
If you’ve been considering adopting a dog but still aren’t sure, you could try to become a foster owner first. Thousands of animals are living in shelters, which is less than ideal for many dogs, while they wait for a chance to be adopted. Fostering an animal will help animals and help you decide whether or not you would like to keep a dog of your own.
If you’re thinking about getting a dog that is pure bred, keep the local pound in mind. A lot of people give their dogs to the pound because they can no longer keep their pet for whatever reason. Visit your local animal shelter to see the dogs they have on offer and ask about breed-specific rescues. You’ll be saving a life.
Be sure to give your dog proper political representation. Watch to see if there are any laws passed that affect your situation as the owner of a dog. It is usually indicative of a particular breed or certain owner’s recent actions. You need to talk to your local officials and stick up for rights of dog owners.
When it comes to training your dog, you should never have several people in charge. Many people do it differently than just having a few commands to give your dog. One person should be the master while the others reinforce what the dog is learning.
Annual vet check-ups are important. Vets can detect diabetes, kidney, and thyroid issues before you see signs. This saves you money on vet bills later on, or heartache from your pet’s suffering.
If your puppy has an accident, take the time to clean thoroughly. Make sure that you clean up the mess quickly and thoroughly. If you still smell dog waste, the dog could be emptied to return to the scene of the crime and repeat the actions.
Think over what you have to do every day, including vacations and anything else before you get yourself a pet. Wanting a dog is the easy part, but taking responsibility of one and giving it the love it needs is difficult.
Watch what your dog is eating. When they are small, puppies can eat a lot of calories, as it helps their growth. But, adults dogs who eat these foods tend to gain weight, leading to health issues.
You know that consistency is important in the lives of your children. Your canine friend is similar to your children in this way. Uncertainty about where the day is going will make your dog irritable and prone to disobedience. When your dog is in a bad mood, their behavior will be bad as well. So make sure you set a time for play, meals and training.
If you have a dog then you know that a lot goes into it. Sometimes it can feel like you are working non-stop. Now that you’ve looked over the tips here, you have more ideas to help you deal with any problem that comes along. Less stress is going to lead to a much happier you.
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