Are you having a hard time with training your dog? Is their daily behavior cause for concern? You need to learn more about dogs and dog training. Take a few minutes to review this article and learn more about being a good dog owner.

Avoid kisses and stick with hugs. Kissing a dog might seem cute, but they have dirty mouths. Dogs dig in trash cans, drink from toilet bowls and sniff and lick various body parts on themselves and other dogs. It is an old wives’ tale that dogs have cleaner months than humans. This couldn’t be farther from the truth.

TIP! While you can hug your dog, you should avoid kissing your dog. Kisses from dogs are adorable, but they’re a lot less cute when you realize how filthy your dog’s mouth actually is.

You should have your dog spayed or neutered. This reduces the chances of cancer and helps keep the stray animal population down. They are also more likely to remain close to home, reducing their risk of becoming lost or getting injured by a car or another animal.

Don’t let a dog go off property without their leash, even if they’re well behaved. He could easily get spooked by something and run off into harm’s way. Ultimately, you’re the one who’s responsible for your dog’s safety, as well as its actions.

Ask your vet about which foods he can eat. Following his advice on the different foods for different stages of your dog’s life can avoid sickness and stomach upset. Therefore, ensure you are cautious whenever providing your dog a new food.

TIP! If you’re taking your dog on a trip, be sure that you have a recent picture of them on-hand. Therefore, if your animals get lost, there is a recent photo that can be used for the purpose of locating them.

Which breed you need to buy depends on your lifestyle. Do not buy a dog that is lazy if you are very active. Similarly, if you’re quiet and stay at home, small dogs might be better suited to you. You should find a dog that fits well with your personality.

Make sure that your dog receives plenty of exercise. A dog requires regular exercise and game time; it keeps him healthy and happy, both mentally and physically. Whether you take a dog on an extended walk or toss a ball around, your dog and you will both benefit. In addition to fulfilling the physical need for exercise, you will foster a strong bond with your dog that will last a lifetime.

Get your new pet a veterinary exam. Make an appointment as early as possible. The vet will examine your dog. Also discuss the spaying or neutering process with your vet. This can help to eliminate unwanted animals and keep your dog happy and healthy for a longer period of time.

TIP! When you have medications of any sort, keep them where your dog cannot get to it. Getting into those pills could seriously impact your dog’s health and even cause death.

Always teach your dog to walk properly on a leash. They should walk by your side, instead of behind or in front of you, and they must respond to “heel.” Walking in this manner keeps your dog safe, and you are bound to enjoy walks more as well. Even if you practice a loose leash walk, it’s still important for your pet to know this command.

If you are considering a dog but aren’t sure, why not trying providing a good foster home for a dog? Dogs who have been abused or left without a home stay in shelters until someone adopts them. Since there are so many dogs in shelters, there are little resources. You can give one a home for a while to help the cause and you can also keep it if you like it!

If your vet prescribes medication, always carefully follow the provided instructions. The dog may hate that cone on its head, but it’s there for a very good reason! The recommendations of your vet are always in your dog’s best interest.

TIP! It can be really helpful to incorporate hand signals with verbal commands when first training your dog. Your dog might learn commands more easily using this approach.

If separation anxiety plagues your dog, or you want your dog to feel less lonely, play some music while you are at work. The sounds will help your pet feel safer and will make it feel like it’s not alone. It might help with any anxiety issues.

Give your dog plenty of exercise for both his body and his mind. Make sure he can get the paper and help you around the house. He can feel useful and like a family member, and continuing to train him will keep his mind sharp.

Choose your dog’s food carefully. You’ll find a wide variety of food to buy, but they’re not one-size-fits-all. Choose the food that fits both your dog’s age and size. Though just giving your dog your own leftovers is cheaper, it is not good for their health.

TIP! If your dog does something the correct way, such as sitting before you put the leash on, make sure that you give it tons of affection and praise. You need your dog to realize that you’re proud of their behavior and want to see it more often.

You are probably tempted to give Fido a bite of whatever you’re having. There are certain human foods that should not be fed to a dog. Chocolate and other highly caffeinated treats, as well as grapes, are examples of poor treat choices that shouldn’t be shared with your pet. These kinds of foods may have detrimental effects on the animal’s health.

You need to think everything through before you bring a dog home. There are a lot of things you have to think about instead of just falling in love with the first dog you see. Consider everything beforehand so that you know whether or not you can confidently manage it all.

Positive reinforcement is a great tool when training a dog. Your dog will get a lot more out of rewards and praise than it’ll get out of aggressive behavior or punishment. Humane treatment is better for your dog, and it’s a lot more effective. Be kind to your dog and get some help if you have a hard time with the training.

TIP! Always correct any bad behavior you see in your dog as soon as you see it. If you ignore it, it will be hard to contain it later.

Allowing your dog’s bad behavior cannot continue. A well behaved and loving dog can easily be yours. If you are consistent and competent, you can control your dog’s behavior. Better your relationship with your dog by using these tips.