Dogs are great pets to have because they’re always loyal and they’re good company. This, however, isn’t the way that they’re going to be at first. They need to learn how to act right, and you need to be aware of how to go about it. This article is packed with tips about owning a dog, so read on.
It is important to puppy-proof your home. Make sure any area your dog will be in is safe. All cleaning materials and drugs must be put away, and put your trash receptacle inside a cabinet. Research the toxicity of plants you own, and move or remove anything that might be an issue.
Get your dog neutered. Research shows that taking this simple action can help your pet live a longer life, as it can reduce the risk of 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.
Let your lifestyle determine what breed of dog you should bring into your home. Joggers should get a high energy dog, for example. Likewise if you are quiet home-body, look for a smaller dog that enjoys pampering and living it up on your sofa. Don’t get a dog that you don’t fit in with if you can avoid that.
Avoid trying to force things into your dog. Some dogs won’t love all treats, and you shouldn’t push your dog to like something. Learn about your dog’s various likes and dislikes when you first bring it home.
What new laws or regulations concerning pets will affect you? Look for changes in the local laws that govern pet ownership in your area. It’s often only motivated by the actions of a specific breed or a few bad apples. Speak for dog owners that are responsible by talking to your local officials.
It is best to train your dog entirely by yourself. People have different ways of doing things, and having multiple commanders can confuse your dog. One person should be the trainer, and everyone else can act to reinforce good behaviors.
Make sure to keep all of your dog’s annual check-up appointments. The vet will be able to spot signs of diabetes, thyroid issues and kidney trouble a while before your dog shows any signs. Giving your dog an annual physical can prevent unnecessary suffering to the animal and unnecessary expenses later on.
If your dog accidentally goes to the bathroom inside, remove every trace of it. You want to be using a professional grade cleaner along with an efficient odor remover. If you leave behind any type of a scent from the dog’s accident they may end up using the bathroom again in that spot.
When you’re picking out another dog to live with the one you already have, your current dog should meet the new one first. Dogs are very social by nature, but some get along better than others. Finding dogs that like each other will save you headache and heartache in the long run.
Before committing to a dog, consider the kind of life you currently have, from how often you vacation to the sort of events you engage in. It’s easy to get a dog and think everything will go fine, but you have to be prepared to be a responsible pet owner.
If your dog is kept outside, he still needs your attention as much as a dog that is kept inside. If you leave a dog alone too much, it will eventually develop bad habits, such as chewing, digging, and barking. Your dog might also become more aggressive. Be sure to play with your dog and show him friendship and affection so he will feel happy.
You have to watch what kind of food your dog consumes. A puppy is fine with eating calorie-laden food, as it helps him grow. But, adult dogs who eat such foods will become overweight and likely develop health issues.
You have to keep your dog as clean as you are. While your dog will not need a bath every day, you do want to be sure to give it a good cleaning at least once a week. This keeps skin issues at bay, and also keeps your home clean.
Walk your dog every day, even if you’re busy. Your dog needs some fresh air, some exercise and going for a walk is a great opportunity to discover new smells and perhaps meet other dogs. That is crucial to his growth and development, so make your walks a priority.
Dog care can be simple – you just need the right information. It is important to use the techniques that you learned in the above article. This will help you take the best care possible of your dog.
