Do you own a pet that is not well behaved? Does he destroy your valuable items without hesitation? Perhaps you need to learn what you can do to teach your dog not to do those things. Read through the article that follows and you should get some solid advice on how to train your pet.

Getting a dog is going to cost you some money. Food and supplies can run you over one thousand dollars a year. Emergency vet visits can cost a ton, so think about purchasing health insurance for your dog.

TIP! Hugs are good, but kisses should be avoided. Dog kisses are very unsanitary.

Hugging is okay but kissing should be avoided. Dog kissing may be adorable, but dogs have awfully dirty mouths. Dogs go through garbage cans, toilet bowls, and love smelling and licking specific body parts of some other dogs. There is a belief that the mouth of a dog is cleaner than that of a human. Definitely do not believe that!

Be sure to have your dog spayed or neutered. Research has shown that by doing this you can be sure your pet can have a longer life and not be at risk for things like cancer. Not only that, but neutered and spayed dogs feel less need to wander away from home, so they are not as likely to be hit by a vehicle or become lost.

Never force a dog to do something. If you have purchased treats the dog does not appear to enjoy, do not force the issue. Upon initially bringing a dog into the home, spend some time discovering its likes and dislikes.

TIP! If your dog comes with you on vacations, you need to have an up-to-date picture of it on hand and in your phone. That way, if he happens to get separated from the family, you have an up-to-date picture of him that is easily accessible for showing people or can be downloaded for printing up “lost” flyers.

You need to make sure your dog can walk on a leash. To properly walk your dog, he must remain directly at your side instead of behind or in front of you. If your pet is leash trained, it’ll be safer, and you’ll enjoy walks more as well. This command will be very useful if you walk your dog while keeping the leash very loose.

If your dog gets anxious and lonely when you leave, put some music on before you head out. This will help him feel more secure and provide him with a little company. It could be just what he needs to get over his anxiety while he waits for you to come home.

You can keep your furry friend mentally as well as physically active through plenty of exercise. Teach your dog to get your newspaper as well as other things that are useful in your home. Many dogs were originally bred to work, and will get frustrated if you do not give them a job to do.

TIP! If there are prescription and other medications within your home, keep them away from your dog. Many medicines that benefit you can be harmful or fatal to your dog.

Dogs can cut their paw beds when stepping on glass, rocks or other debris. Wash any small cut your dog has with some antiseptic and then put a bandage on it. If the cut is deep, check with your vet.

Be careful about the kind of food your dog is eating. There are quite a few different types of food out there but you have to get one that works with your dog’s size and age. You might think that you can save money by feeding your dog table scraps, but this is very unhealthy.

When selecting a new dog to come and live with an existing dog, take your current dog to meet him if at all possible. Dogs are social creatures, but it’s true that some dogs are more friendlier than others. Finding the right dog for you will save you lots of trouble in the end.

TIP! Use flea treatments with caution. Some of them contain chemicals that can increase the risk of cancer in children, and are 1,000 times as strong as the safe levels recommended by the EPA.

If you have a snack, you might think that it’s okay for your dog to take a bite. Some foods are okay, but many foods aren’t good for dogs. Chocolate, caffeine, and grapes are some examples of food that should not be given to dogs. These can be fatal if ingested.

Your dog’s days of behaving badly should be over. You don’t have to sit back and watch the dog destroy your home or growl at everybody. Your dog’s good behavior lies squarely at your feet. Take all that you’ve learned here, and teach your canine how to be a good pet.