Dogs can give you a great, loyal companionship that is similar to ones found in human friendships. It is important, then, that you learn everything you can about taking care of your pet and making sure he lives a happy life. The following article is a wonderful place to begin.
Consider the situation before allowing a dog to kiss your face. Dog kisses may be seen as cute, but their mouths aren’t all that clean. Dogs love to dig in garbage, get into the toilet, and then they lick their butts, yuck! Keep in mind that an animal’s mouth is full of germs. This is absolutely a myth!
Try using hand signals when training a dog instead of just using verbal commands. Dogs tend to read body language and signs very well. Experiment with each way and determine what works.
Think about your life and then find a dog breed that will fit in well with your habits. For instance, if you are athletic, you might want an active dog, not a poodle. Likewise if you spend quite a lot of time at home you may want to get a dog that likes to be pampered a lot. You and your dog will both be happier if you are a perfect match.
Check with your vet to determine the amount of food to feed your dog daily. While some people follow the direction on the back of the dog food packaging, they are sometimes incorrect and may make your dog overweight. Check with you vet to find out about the feeding guidelines for your particular dog.
Don’t go for the cheap stuff when you buy dog food. Generally, food that is less expensive is not as healthy for your pet due to preservatives and additives put into the food. Use a consumer awareness or animal advocacy group to obtain a list of the best foods that come with the highest recommendations by professionals. Your dog will benefit greatly from better food.
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 will ensure that your pet is not too far ahead or behind you. Regardless of how you intend to take your walks, this is a good command for your dog to know.
You can find pure breeds at the dog shelter. Lots of dog owners take animals to the pound when they can’t care for them any longer. Make a phone call to local pounds and shelters and see what kinds of dogs are there. You may save a poor dog’s life if you do this.
Let your dog know that you care about him. Similar to other areas of life, dog owners notice a dog’s bad behavior rather than the good. If you focus on the negatives, they will not maximize their potential. You should ensure you give your dog positive reinforcement. This will make them very happy when around you.
If you only have one dog and they aren’t happy or can’t handle being alone a lot, consider getting them a companion. Dogs are naturally pack animals, and they like to be around other dogs. Match them carefully by energy levels and temperament so that they can enjoy themselves.
Be cautious with female dogs in the heat. If you aren’t, you may have to deal with an unwanted pregnancy. Male dogs can smell her scent from up to five miles. This causes fights as well as sexual behavior.
It is not unusual for a dog to step on sharp objects that leaves it with cuts. If your dog has a tiny cut, use an antiseptic to wash it with and then bandage the area. If the cut seems very deep, take him to the vet.
It often feels right and natural to offer your faithful canine buddy a morsel of whatever treat you’re enjoying. You can do this with some foods, but not all. Chocolate, caffeine, and grapes are some examples of food that should not be given to dogs. These foods can hurt your dog’s health.
Dog Vitamins
Did you know that vitamins could actually be harmful to your dog? Avoid giving your dog vitamins if he has a balanced diet. Too many of some vitamins can damage joints, bones, and blood vessels. If you’re going to be giving your dog vitamins, be sure to talk to your vet first.
When you’re training your dog, it’s important to utilize positive reinforcement. A dog learns quickly when he knows he will be rewarded. Humane treatment in training is not only better for the dog in the long run, but will be more effective as well. Therefore, be kind when training your dog and enjoy the great outcome!
Even outdoor dogs require lots of love and attention. He is likely to begin barking, digging holes or chewing if you do not give him enough attention. In addition, it may turn aggressive, which can be very problematic. Your dog needs lots of play and love to ensure his happiness.
Be sure to thoroughly and regularly clean the bowls that your dog uses. You wouldn’t want to always eat from the same dirty plate, so why should you expect your dog to? Wash them every day, and keep the food and water fresh.
Really consider what you’re feeding your dog. Not all brands of dog food are created equal, and cost does not always imply quality. Talk to your vet about what types of food are best for your dogs. They’ll consider all the factors when making the right decision. The right food can really help your pet live longer.
Dog ownership undoubtedly offers lots of benefits, including true friendship. If you own a dog or are thinking of getting one, get off to a great start by learning how to properly care for your pet. The above advice can be used for times to come.
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