For thousands of years now, dogs have been domestic animals. It seems clear that humans were meant to have dogs as pet, and it seems as though it’s a quite good arrangement. However, your dog must be properly cared for. Here you will find some advice that should guide you if you wish to have a healthy dog.
You should not kiss your dog. Dog kisses are cute, in theory, but understand a dog’s mouth is typically very dirty. Dogs are always getting into garbage, drink from places like the toilet, and they clean their bodies with their tongues. Your dog’s mouth is not really any cleaner than a human’s mouth. This statement is most definitely not true.
Since dogs cannot talk, you’ll need to learn about your dog’s way of communication. When dogs seem hesitant upon meeting others, never force an interaction. One of the animals could become aggressive. By reading the body language of your dog, you can ensure that this does not happen.
Table Scraps
Avoid giving your pup table scraps. Your dog will constantly beg for food when you are eating and will not be hungry when the time to feed it comes. Table scraps can also be unhealthy and lead to excess weight and digestive problems. Put your dog in another room while the family eats, and do not allow him to reenter the dining space until dinner is done.
Practice your training regimen for your puppy near your home. Don’t train them in any areas full of people. Being around others can cause distractions, meaning it is more difficult for your dog to master basic commands.
Talk to the vet about which foods you should avoid giving the dog. Following his advice on the different foods for different stages of your dog’s life can avoid sickness and stomach upset. Be cautious of what you feed your dog.
Let your dog chew some rawhide rather than meat bones. Genuine bones can chip, and the pieces may become stuck in your dog’s teeth or digestive system. Rawhide is very healthy and will help your dog develop some strong teeth. Never ever give him a real bone!
Don’t force your dog to do anything. If you’ve purchased your dog treats that it doesn’t want to eat, set them aside. When you have a dog, get to know his likes and dislikes.
Always make sure your dog understands how to walk correctly on a leash. They should walk by your side, instead of behind or in front of you, and they must respond to “heel.” This ensures his safety and will make going for walks more enjoyable for you. This command will be very useful if you walk your dog while keeping the leash very loose.
Be sure to give your dog proper political representation. Keep an eye on legislation that might regulate or restrict your rights as a dog owner. This is just motivated by some bad apples or a certain breed. You should always call the authorities.
You shouldn’t use a chilly, wet nose to gauge your pet’s health. Your dog’s nose can be wet and cold for numerous reasons, even when it’s sick. Pay attention to the amount of energy, type of appetite and the dog’s demeanor. Evaluating them will give you a better picture of your dog’s health. Check a dog’s temperature rectally.
Try to always be firm. Sometimes people think it’s alright to give a dog table scraps or allow destruction of an item. Small dogs are even harder to discipline! However, if you are firm, you will not have any accidents. For instance, you may give your dog your food when eating, but he will come to think they can jump on the table and steal your whole steak.
Your dog isn’t a superhero. He can’t attend to tasks as long as you are able to. Keep training sessions short, especially at first. This prevents both of you from getting frustrated and keeps the training fun.
Crate Training
Training your dog through crate training can be effective if you’re unable to watch your dog all day. Crate training will help toilet train your dog and protect your home and belongings from potential destruction.
Your pet must have good hygiene habits the same way you do. This doesn’t mean you need to bathe your pet daily, but it does mean they should be cleaned weekly or more, if necessary. A clean dog will be less likely to develop skin problems and will help you keep your house clean.
Walk your dog each day regardless of your other commitments. Your pet needs to exercise, but also they need to interact with other animals and people. That is essential to development and growth, so prioritize walks.
If you have kids, you’re aware of how important it is to them that they have a schedule. Caring for a dog is not that different. If your dog is constantly surprised by the unexpected, he will be anxious and may become snappy. When your dog is in a bad mood, their behavior will be bad as well. You should have specific times for training, play, and meals.
A whining dog should not be comforted. If you do, he’ll learn that whining gets him attention. Instead, try playing a fun game with your dog or distracting him in some other way to help him avoid becoming overly anxious.
Your dog’s dental hygiene is very important. Cavities and infections in the mouth are at least as serious to dogs as they are to humans. Ideally, you should brush your dog’s teeth daily. This will not only ensure that your dog has great dental health, but it will also prevent the nasty breath that so many dogs do have.
Being a pet owner means you are responsible for your dog’s needs. When learning from this article how to approach it, it becomes easier. Use this advice and you’ll find your dog to be happier.