Dog ownership is a tradition stretching back hundreds of generations. Obviously, humans and dogs were intended to be companions, and both parties are pleased with the arrangement. But, since you’re the human, it’s up to you take care of your dog. Continue reading for information on how to ensure your dog’s life is a fulfilled, happy and healthy one.
If you decide to take your dog with you on a trip, take a photo of him on your phone. You’ll be prepared to take effective action in case your pet gets lost. You can use your recent photo to illustrate just what your dog looks like as well as to print up flyers, if necessary.
It can be really helpful to incorporate hand signals with verbal commands when first training your dog. It may be easier for your dog to learn commands if they see a visual signal. Try these things to find out what is the best for your pet.
Whenever your dog performs a good action, such as sitting or staying, give it praise and rewards. You need your dog to realize that you’re proud of their behavior and want to see it more often. This shows your pup that when things are done right, he will be rewarded.
Purchase or construct a dog house if your dog must stay outside when the weather is cold. Exposure to extreme weather for long periods can cause health issues, particularly if the dog’s feet get wet. Make certain your dog house has a good floor that keeps your dog up off the ground and dry.
Make sure your dog always has trimmed nails. If they get too long and start to curl, the result could be painful injuries to the nail beds and your dog’s paws. You can purchase clippers and do this at home. If you are worried about doing this, simply take him to a groomer – it doesn’t cost very much to get his nails trimmed.
When it comes to buying food for your dog, don’t skimp by buying the cheap stuff. Your dog will be healthier and happier if you feed it the highest quality food. This may mean that you have to pay a higher price, but you will know your dog is receiving all of the nutrients he needs.
Solid leash training is a must for any dog. Your dog should know how to heel and not behind you or ahead of you. Having a dog that can properly walk on a leash will be more enjoyable for both you and your pup. Even if you decide to give him additional slack on the leash from time to time, teaching your dog to heel remains an important task as a pet owner.
A foster home is something you can provide for a dog that needs it. The shelters are full of homeless pups and lack many resources because of the overcrowding. You can foster one to help out the cause and find out if you want to keep one!
Pure Bred
Even if you seek a pure bred animal, you should not overlook the pound. A pure bred dog is just as likely to be abandoned at the pound as any other if its owners can no longer take care of it. Contact your pound and ask them what breeds are currently there. This action could also help to save the life of a dog!
Be sure your dog wears identification so it can always get back home. One thing a lot of people do to be sure they get their dog back is they fit them with a collar that’s breakaway and has an ID tag. This identification tag needs their name and your own contact information. Micro-chipping is another great option to help in the event that your dog gets lost.
Don’t skip your dog’s annual checkup. This allows the vet to catch any diseases in the early stages before they can cause enough damage for you to even notice. Annual physicals save dog owners money and saves your pet a lot of undue suffering.
Take the dog to see the vet often. He should visit once a year for tests, weighing and vaccinations. A puppy requires more constant vet visits. At the first sign of illness or if your dog is injured, don’t hesitate to take him to the vet.
You need to think everything through before you bring a dog home. There are so many things involved, and it is easy to fall in love with an adorable puppy face. Consider all options so that you know you have taken care of everything.
Were you aware that vitamins are not good for your dog? Your dog doesn’t need a vitamin supplement if he is eating a well-balanced diet. Do not give your dog too many vitamins as this can get them sick. Speak with your vet to determine the correct course of action for your dog.
Your responsibility is to care for your dog and meet its needs. Now that you know what to do, you should be prepared to do it. Just put the tips to work in your life, and you’ll see that your dog is even happier.