Dogs make wonderful pets. They give unconditional love and will bring happiness and joy into your life. However, to benefit both you and your dog, it would be to your advantage to know everything you can about them. Here are the basics in learning to understand and care for your dog.
You will pay a lot to take care for your dog. Every dog is going to need supplies, good food, and will also need medical care. After all is said and done this could cost about $800 or more. Health insurance for your pet can be a great idea to help you in emergency situations.
Make your home dog-proof. It should be perfectly safe before you bring a dog in. Store things like meds and cleaning products in a safe location, and be sure to keep any indoor trash cans behind a cabinet. Some plants can be lethal, so move them out of your dog’s reach.
If you’re taking your pup on a vacation, make sure that you take a picture of him for on your phone. If he gets lost, you have a recent picture you can immediately access in order to print “lost” flyers.
If you have prescription or over-the-counter medication in the house, make sure that your dog does not have access to it. Consuming even a single pill can cause serious health problems or your dog. Call your vet as soon as possible if your dog swallows any pills.
Never take your dog away from home without a leash, even if he is well-behaved. Anything can happen, causing your dog to run away or get in a fight with other dogs or even people. Your dog is your responsibility.
If the dog is doing something right, like sitting before he is leashed, lavish him with praise and affection. This will show your dog that the behavior he is exhibiting is just what you are looking for. This will teach your dog that praise comes from good behavior.
Let your dog have rawhide rather than bones from the meat you eat. Real bones can chip and become lodged in harmful place such as the digestive tract. It has been proven that rawhide is healthy for your dogs teeth, therefore avoid giving your dog natural meat bones.
Do not force your dog to do anything. If your dog is not interested in a treat, do not force your pet to eat it. The best judge of what your dog likes is the dog himself. Fancy name brands mean nothing.
Find out what is going on that is causing your dog to act out. When you let it go, he thinks it is okay to do. Your dog could hurt somebody, including you, so keep him under control.
Make sure to exercise your dog often. Regular exercise and play time promotes the health and happiness of your dog. From a walk to chasing a ball, everything counts. You will thus offer necessary exercise, but will also build strong bonds with the animal.
Instruct your dog clearly about how to walk with 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 this way will help to keep your pet safe, and it will make it easier for you to enjoy walks too. The heel command is crucial for your dog, even if a loose leash walk is being used.
You might find a pure breed dog at the pound. Many pet owners will abandon dogs at pounds when they don’t want them or can’t keep them anymore. Just give a quick call to your local humane society to see what breeds they may have available. You’ll be saving a life.
If you have a dog that can’t function properly when they aren’t around you and develops separation anxiety, try putting on some soft music when you go out. The dog will be less likely to feel anxiety if there is a familiar noise. That might work to appease his anxiety during the time you aren’t home.
Be very careful when choosing your dog’s food. There are many to choose from, so focus on those that are for your dog’s age and size. Also, avoid giving your pet table scraps. They are unhealthy for him.
Prior to getting a dog, take into consideration your lifestyle and the amount of time you are away from home. It’s easy to get a dog and think everything will go fine, but you have to be prepared to be a responsible pet owner.
When you commence the training process, try different reward methods. Try to figure out what your dog needs to do good. If your dog likes food, try giving them food as a reward. If your dog prefers toys, have a quick game of tug of war once your pup does what you want. Certain dogs respond well to petting and rubbing.
Walk your dog daily, regardless of your hectic schedule. Your pet needs to exercise, but also they need to interact with other animals and people. That is crucial to his growth and development, so make your walks a priority.
In sum, dogs offer a level of affection and love that is unrivaled. That said, you have to understand them to return the favor. The article you have just read has provided you with excellent advice on how to raise the best dog. These tips can help improve your abilities as a dog owner.
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