Dogs give humans the loyalty and company that is usually only found in other humans. This is why a dog owner needs to learn whatever they can about how to care for their pet so that it lives a long and healthy life. The following article will teach you all about dogs.
Carefully consider what your home is like when deciding on a breed of dog. If you like to go out running in the evenings, select a dog that also enjoys vigorous exercise. On the other hand, if you are the type of person to sit at home, you need a smaller breed that will enjoy lounging around with you. Getting the right fit for you will give you both much more joy.
Real Bones
Don’t give your dog real bones. Real bones can chip and splinter, this can cause your dog to choke and wreak havoc on his digestive tract. It has been proven that rawhide is healthy for your dogs teeth, therefore avoid giving your dog natural meat bones.
Avoid pushing things that your dog dislikes onto him. If you purchase a treat your dog doesn’t appear to like, just try another brand rather than making him eat. You need to find out what your dog does and does not like.
Take your time to teach your dog what kind of behavior is right or wrong as soon as it occurs. If you ignore it, you are going to make the problem harder to contain, and you aren’t sure what the result of bad behavior will ultimately be. Be sure to control and contain your dog to prevent problems with people.
Daily brushing brings great rewards – much more than just a reduction in shedding. Brushing keeps the coat shiny and healthy. Brushing distributes the natural oils of your dog’s fur evenly and it promotes the health of his skin as well.
Do not leave your dog outdoors for extended periods of time. Many people do this, but dogs need interactions with others. If there is only one dog in your household, he may feel lonely outdoors. In addition, inclement weather and freezing temperatures can be dangerous for your dog.
If your veterinarian prescribes medication or special care for your pet, make sure you follow their instructions to the letter. Your dog likely will not enjoy wearing a cone, but the vet prescribed it for good reason. Your veterinarian only has your dog’s best interests at heart, and if you don’t listen, you may inadvertently cause your dog harm.
If you’ve got just one dog and he doesn’t seem all that happy or is left alone a lot, think about getting him a friend. Dogs are known to be pack animals and enjoy the company of other dogs. You need to match like-tempered dogs together.
Your dog needs both physical and mental exercise. Train him to fetch the newspaper and help with other household chore. He will always feel useful and a part of the family, while the constant reinforcement of training will keep his thinking skills sharp.
Keep a dog tag on your dog at all times. A popular way to ensure your dog gets back home safely is to make them use a breakaway collar that has an identification tag. Make sure that a current telephone number and the dog’s name are included on the tag. Micro-chipping is an even better method.
Take your dog to the vet regularly. Your pet will need to go to the vet so it can get tested for heart worms, get a general check up, and to see if the shots are still up to date. If your dog is younger, make sure that you go to the vet often. If you see any signs of injury or illness, talk to your vet immediately.
Anytime your dog has an accident in your home, remove any trace of it. Use a cleaner with professional strength, followed by any odor remover. If your dog can still smell its waste, it may use the bathroom in that spot repeatedly.
Before adopting a dog, be sure to give the matter careful consideration. There are so many things involved, and it is easy to fall in love with an adorable puppy face. After you have thoroughly contemplated all of the pluses and minuses of having a new dog in your life, you can make an informed decision.
Think about how you live your life on a daily basis, as well as vacations and other events you participate in before deciding to get a dog. Wanting a dog is the easy part, but taking responsibility of one and giving it the love it needs is difficult.
You should not always use the same rewards when training your dog. Be on the look out for what motivates your pet to perform well. Dogs will always respond to food as a treat, so see what types works best. If your dog has a favorite toy, reward the desired behavior with playtime with his toy. A few dogs are even motivated by being petted!
If your dog is kept outside, he still needs your attention as much as a dog that is kept inside. Your dog could develop bad habits such as chewing or barking if it is alone all the time. Dogs that feel isolated often become aggressive. Be sure to play with your dog and show him friendship and affection so he will feel happy.
Be sure to thoroughly and regularly clean the bowls that your dog uses. Your dog will appreciate eating out of a bowl that is clean, just as you would. Clean the bowls daily and give your dog fresh water and food.
Owning a dog is a great experience and will definitely enrich your life. The best thing dog owners can do is study dog care information. This guidance can be a great resource well into the future.