There is great joy in owning a dog. To have the best possible time and get the most out of your dog, there are lots of things that one should be aware of. Keep reading for some helpful advice on becoming a great dog owner.
Take the time to make sure your house is dog-proofed. Before bringing your dog home for the first time, make sure that the entire area is completely safe. Make sure all of the medicine is put away and the cleaning supplies are up and safe. Since some plants are very harmful because of their toxicity, it’s best to get rid of them or put them in an area that the dog cannot get to.
Neuter or spay the dog. Research shows that taking this simple action can help your pet live a longer life, as it can reduce the risk of cancer. Dogs that are neutered or spayed don’t have strong urges to leave their home, reducing their chances of getting hit by a vehicle or getting lost.
If you have over-the-counter medication or prescription medication in your home, keep it in a place the dog can’t access it. Many medicines that benefit you can be harmful or fatal to your dog. Make sure you have your veterinarian’s number handy in case your dog does accidentally swallow your medicine.
Avoid giving your pooch table food. This will encourage constant begging and reduce their appetite towards their own food. Your dog may develop digestive problems and become fat if you feed it table scraps. Make your dog leave the room if he begins to beg, or train him to spend mealtimes in another room entirely.
Talk to the vet about which foods you should avoid giving the dog. Certain brands may not be right for a small pup and could cause him to get a stomachache or become sick. Err on the side of caution when feeding food to your dog.
If the dog is doing something right, like sitting before he is leashed, lavish him with praise and affection. After all, your goal is for your dog to know when it is doing something good. It teaches your pup that he will be rewarded for good behavior.
Don’t buy the cheapest food for your dog. Cheaper brands have tons of additives, preservatives, and ingredients that can harm a dog’s health. Find a list of recommended dog foods from the vet or an advocate for animals. Your dog will be much better off.
If your dog spends a lot of time outdoors, he needs a dog house. Your dog could get sick if he is left outside in the cold or if the ground is wet. Always protect him from wind, sun and rain by making sure he has a dry shelter to go to.
Regularly brushing your dog’s fur won’t just stop your pet from shedding on your furniture. Brushing your pup daily will help make their coat shiny. Brushing distributes the natural oils of your dog’s fur evenly and it promotes the health of his skin as well.
Make sure that your dog’s nails are trimmed weekly. If they get too long and start to curl, the result could be painful injuries to the nail beds and your dog’s paws. Try trimming them with scissors you buy at the store. If you do not want to take this matter into your own hands, hire a professional.
Make sure that your dog receives plenty of exercise. Exercise keeps your dog healthy, both physically and mentally. Not only will your dog benefit from exercise, you will as well. Not only will your canine buddy get the stimulation required for staying healthy, the two of you will bond much more closely.
The cheapest dog food may not always be the best buy when considering what food to feed your dog. It is vital to give your dog the best quality food. Quality brands are more expensive but they will significantly increase the life expectancy of your dog.
If you’re thinking about getting a dog that is pure bred, keep the local pound in mind. A lot of people give their dogs to the pound because they can no longer keep their pet for whatever reason. Call the pound to see what breeds they’ve got. It could mean you save a dog in the process!
Let your dog feel the love that you have for him. Like many things in life, many owners pay much more attention to bad behavior than good behavior. If you focus on the negatives, they will not maximize their potential. Rather, stroke, praise and pet your dog at least three to four times more than you scold or speak sternly to him. This will make them very happy when around you.
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 are animals that love to be with other dogs. Ensure you carefully select your dog’s match based on behavior and energy levels. By doing this, both of your dogs will be happy.
Your dog needs to wear some sort of identification in case he escapes your house. A popular way to ensure the return of your dog is to use a breakaway collar and ID tag. This identification tag needs their name and your own contact information. If a tag doesn’t feel like the right option for your dog, consider a microchip.
If you want to establish a great relationship with your dog, and see that he remains happy and healthy, there are a number of things that you must do. There is more to having a great dog than just choosing an adorable puppy to bring home. You have to do your part, too. Utilize the excellent knowledge provided here to ensure you maximize your enjoyment of your dog.