Usually, having a dog is an enjoyable part of life. However, this is not true for all dogs. To get the most of the time spent with the dog, keep certain things in mind. This article will tell you all about dog ownership.
It is fine to hug your dog, but avoid those wet kisses. Your dog’s mouth is fairly dirty at any given time. Dogs tend to dig through garbage cans, drink out of toilets and explore the hind quarters of other animals. There is a belief that the mouth of a dog is cleaner than that of a human. This is not true, at all!
Obviously, dogs are unable to sleep. Therefore, you have to pay attention to your canine’s non-verbal cues. You should never pressure your pet into interacting with strangers, be they human or canine. It could end up with someone getting bit. Look for your dog’s non verbal cues and react accordingly.
Store your prescriptions and over-the-counter medicines in a safe place where your dog cannot get them. If the dog gets near the pills, then just a few of them could do serious harm and result in a trip to emergency room. If your pet does manage to ingest some medicine, contact the vet right away.
Be careful of the ingredients in many flea treatments. A lot of the ones on the market have ingredients that are 1000 times more potent than what is considered safe by the EPA and it may be a cancer risk for children. Ask the vet about flea powders and other products that are less hazardous for kids.
Even if your dog is well-behaved, never leave home without putting him on a leash. There are a number of distractions that could cause your dog to run off into a dangerous situation. Your dog’s safety and behavior are your responsibility.
Allow your lifestyle to dictate the type of dog you adopt or purchase. For example, if you’re a jogger, get a type of dog that can run with you, not a toy-poodle. On the other hand, a cuddly small dog may be perfect for those who enjoy a quiet evening reading on the couch. Steer clear of a breed mismatch if you want to be a happy dog owner.
Do not buy the cheapest dog food you can find. Over the course of the dogs life he will be much healthier if you stick to high quality food with plenty of nutritional value. Even though you are paying more, it will save on health bills down the road.
If you’re thinking about getting a dog, but aren’t sure you want to make the commitment, try serving as a foster home. A lot of shelters that take in homeless or abused animals have a way to let you adopt them for a while. Fostering a dog could help the cause as well as find you a new companion you cannot bring yourself to return.
Learn what health problems are most typical for your breed of dog. Do what you can to combat those issues early. Speak with your vet to determine the correct course of action.
Stimulate your dog mentally by giving him exercise and physical activity. Train him to do fun things like retrieve a ball. He will always feel useful and a part of the family, while the constant reinforcement of training will keep his thinking skills sharp.
Know any canine laws that might affect your ownership. Watch for local legislation that may be passing through the system, restricting and regulating dog owner’s behavior and rights. This typically occurs because of a certain kind of breed that has attacked other people, usually because of the negligence of the owner. Stand up for your rights!
Remember the saying “The more people that work on something, the less likely they are to succeed” while you train your dog. Everybody does things differently, and a dog can be confused by having several commanders. One person should be in charge, and everyone else needs to reinforce everything this person teaches the dog.
Dogs tend to get cuts and scrapes on their paws from things they step on. Wash any small cut your dog has with some antiseptic and then put a bandage on it. If the cut is deep, contact a vet.
Some vitamins can be bad for your dog’s health. If your dog eats commercial foods, he doesn’t need vitamin supplements unless your vet advises you to give them to him. An excess of some vitamins can cause blood vessel damage, as well as damage to his joints and bones. Speak to your vet about your dog’s requirements.
When you first start to train your dog, you should give a number of reward systems a shot. You need to figure out what motivates your particular animal. If your dog is food driven, try using small pieces of hot dogs as a reward. If he likes to play, engage him in a game when he successfully performs the action you are looking for. You may even find that your dog is best motivated by a little rubdown and affection.
Just because you have an outside dog, it doesn’t mean he doesn’t require the same attention as a dog that’s inside. If you leave your dog alone for extended periods, he may chew, dig and/or bark out of sheer boredom. There is also a chance me may become aggressive. Spend some time with your dog and take the time to train it properly.
There are many different things needed to be the best dog owner you can be. It’s not as simple as getting a cute puppy that’s the perfect friend. You’ll have to be very responsible with your new dog. Use the excellent tips provided here to improve your life with your dog.