Dog ownership isn’t easy. You must care for a dog as you would a child with proper care, feeding and grooming, socializing, education and medical care. Where can one go for information on handling all these issues? This article is a great place to get started acquiring dog ownership know-how.
Avoid kisses and stick with hugs. Dog kisses are very unsanitary. Dogs dig in trash cans, drink from toilet bowls and sniff and lick various body parts on themselves and other dogs. It’s an old wives tale that your dog’s mouth happens to be cleaner that a human being. It certainly isn’t the truth.
Always, have your dog spayed or neutered. Studies show that these operations help your dog live longer and can reduce cancer risks. Also, dogs that are fixed do not want to run away as much.
If you have medications at home, ensure that it is safely hidden away and out of the reach of your dog. If your dog has access to these pills, there can be fatal consequences. If this does happen, call your vet immediately.
Don’t let your dog out of your property without wearing a leash, regardless of how well he behaves. A wild animal could draw his attention and make him run off into danger, or an unexpected provocation could result in some unpleasant situation with other people and their dogs. Your dog’s actions and safety is your responsibility.
Stop trying to force your dog to do things. If you purchase a treat your dog doesn’t appear to like, just try another brand rather than making him eat. Keep an eye on your dog’s likes and dislikes.
If you’re adopting your pet from a shelter, it’s important that you take it to see a vet immediately. Dogs from shelters might have been exposed to viruses or might already be sick. The best thing to do is to ensure that you new dog has all the necessary vaccinations before it comes home with you.
Take the time to train your dog on a leash. Your dog should walk beside you, not lag behind or run ahead, and should obey the command “heel.” Doing this will not only be easier on you, but it will also keep your dog safe. Even if your dog is sometimes walked on a loose leash, it should still know the command anyway.
Do not allow your dog to remain outdoors all day long. Dogs need to interact with people or with other animals. A dog with no companions can feel very isolated and stressed out if he is left alone outside. In addition, if severe weather strikes, your dog needs to come inside in order to ensure its protection.
If your dog has separation anxiety or you wish to be really nice to them, keep music on while you are going to work. The noise will keep him company and make him feel a little more secure. This is a good way to keep your dog from feeling lonely.
If you have a dog that doesn’t look like it’s very happy because it’s always alone, think about getting your dog a friend. Dogs love to be social and hate to be alone. Match them carefully by energy levels and temperament so that they can enjoy themselves.
Stay politically active for the sake of your dog. Legislation aimed at dog owners is proposed every now and then, and you need to know if this affects you. It’s often only motivated by the actions of a specific breed or a few bad apples. You should speak out as a good dog owner, and talk with officials in your area.
When it comes to training your dog, you should never have several people in charge. Having multiple people train your dog will only confuse him. Designate one person to be in charge of training and have others reinforce everything the dog learns by adhering to the same rules and respecting the process.
Before you add a dog into your lifestyle, consider both the pros and cons of this decision. There is a lot involved and it’s too simple to fall for a cute puppy’s face. Always consider everything involved with becoming responsible for another life, and be sure you are able to handle it all.
Dogs are motivated by different incentives when you are training them. Be on the look out for what motivates your pet to perform well. If food works best for your dog, reward it with tiny hot dog pieces. You could also play tug of war for a few minutes to reward your dog. A few dogs are even motivated by being petted!
The information provided above will be useful in your daily interactions with your dog. It should help you build the strong foundation that you need. Using these suggestions, treat your dog right!
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