Owning a dog is fun but you should not take your responsibilities as a dog owner lightly. You have to be sure that you have a happy and a healthy dog. However, you can’t take good care of your dog if you don’t know what you’re doing. In this article, you’ll find some important tips.
It is important to puppy-proof your home. This should be done before the dog shows up at your home. Secure the trash can, stow way all medications and put away your regular cleaning supplies. Many common household plants are poisonous, so keep them away from your dog or get rid of them.
Think about your life and then find a dog breed that will fit in well with your habits. If you like to go out running in the evenings, select a dog that also enjoys vigorous exercise. If you prefer to stay at home, seek out a small dog that loves to snuggle on the couch. Avoiding a mismatch means both of you will be happier.
Talk to the veterinarian about the proper amount of food for your dog. Simply reading the label on your dog food package may not be enough; your dog may have special needs. Talk to your vet about what is acceptable and what your dog’s particular needs are.
Do not force your dog to do anything. If your dog doesn’t like a particular treat, don’t make him eat it. It’s important to take your pets likes and dislikes into consideration and to not push them into anything unnecessary.
Your dog’s nails should be trimmed regularly. If you neglect your dog’s nails, they will be in discomfort. It is easy to keep nails trimmed with simple implements available at pet stores. If you don’t feel comfortable trimming them yourself, a groomer can do it for little money.
Dog Breeds
Certain dog breeds are prone to specific health issues, so be aware of what is typical for your dog’s breed. You should do some research on the dog breeds you are interested in to learn more about the health issues they are likely to develop. Also, seek advice from your vet.
Stimulate your dog mentally by giving him exercise and physical activity. You can have him fetch things like the paper, or perform other household tasks. Your dog will feel useful and like a contributing piece of the family, during the process of sharpening his mental capacity.
Keep a dog tag on your dog at all times. One way to do this is to always have your dog wear a collar, and ensure that the collar has an identification tag attached. This identification tag needs their name and your own contact information. A micro-chip can also be installed on your dog.
Some vitamins are not beneficial for dogs. Don’t give a dog extra vitamins. Having excess vitamins can damage bones, blood vessels and joints. Speak with the vet before giving your dog any vitamins.
Try out a variety of rewards when training. Figure out what motivates your dog to perform well. Some pets enjoy getting treats when they do well. If he likes to play, engage him in a game when he successfully performs the action you are looking for. You may even find that your dog is best motivated by a little rubdown and affection.
Be firm with your rules. Dog owners often feel that it is no big deal to sneak foods to their pets or allow them to destroy certain toys. Don’t let that cute face fool you. This will prevent accidents from occurring in the future. For instance, you might want to give your dog a few scraps after dinner, but it may cause the dog to feel entitled to the full plate.
Wash your dog’s dishes regularly. Dogs require a clean environment to drink from just like humans. Each day, clean out your dog’s dishes before filling them up with fresh water and food.
Regardless of your schedule, you should find time to walk your dog every day. You need the exercise, so does he, and he will be having a good time while out. Your dog will grow up strong and healthy if you make this a priority.
Ask your vet what you should feed your dog. Some dogs need a special diet, such as those with diabetes. Dogs with medical conditions could be harmed by eating the wrong diet. Your veterinarian can best advise you as to the correct feeding plan.
If you want your dog to lead a happy life, you need to make sure that he isn’t bored. Many unacceptable dog behaviors are caused by boredom. This leads to chewing and other negative behaviors. A good rule to consider is to exercise your dog daily. So keep your dog busy to ensure he behaves properly.
You should not allow your dog to be alone for a long time. Your dog should be able to spend an entire day alone while you are at work, but leaving your dog alone for longer periods of time could be dangerous. Dogs often enjoy having a TV or radio left on. You may want to hire a sitter to keep the dog company.
Rules need to be set for your dog, and you have to follow them. Your partner may be away on business so you may think it’s okay for the canine to sleep in the bed one night. This isn’t fair to them and they won’t know why they are allowed to do this once, but not again. Exceptions to the rules can put your training progress back a few steps.
The information is at your fingertips, so delay no longer. Change your habits to accommodate your dog and you will find great rewards come from your effort. Just remember that it’s unfair to keep a dog if you don’t intend to put in the effort necessary to care for them responsibly.