It’s a big responsibility to care for a dog. It has a lot in common with raising a child, although there’s less crying and more barking. While it is a tough job, it is possible to succeed by using smarts and patience. This article will provide you with great tips for caring for your dog.
It can cost a lot to take care of a dog. You will have to spend between $700 and $1000 a year to cover food and medical expenses. Pet health insurance can help; although you will pay a monthly or yearly fee, you will often be covered if a big medical emergency occurs for your pet.
Go on and hug your dog, but do not kiss him. In theory, giving a dog a kiss is cute, but realize that the mouth of a dog is generally very dirty. He probably doesn’t mind eating dirt, enjoys drinking water from the toilet if he can get at it, and tries in vain to clean himself with his tongue. Many people say that dogs have cleaner mouths than people. This is simply false.
Table Scraps
Don’t give table scraps to your dog. This will encourage constant begging and reduce their appetite towards their own food. You might be wrecking your dog’s health by giving him table scraps. Make sure your dog does not sit near the table and beg, so you aren’t tempted.
Think about your life and then find a dog breed that will fit in well with your habits. Do not buy a dog that is lazy if you are very active. On the other hand, a cuddly small dog may be perfect for those who enjoy a quiet evening reading on the couch. Finding a dog that matches your personality will make both of you happy.
Whenever your dog performs a good action, such as sitting or staying, give it praise and rewards. This will show your dog that the behavior he is exhibiting is just what you are looking for. This also shows the dog that good behavior will earn praise.
Get a dog house if you have a dog that you leave outside, in case the weather gets bad. A dog can get ill if he is left out in rough weather, so make sure you have a warm, dry dog house where he can rest. Protect your dog from wind and precipitation by giving him a shelter that has a dry floor and plenty of space.
If you’ve been considering adopting a dog but still aren’t sure, you could try to become a foster owner first. Thousands of animals are living in shelters, which is less than ideal for many dogs, while they wait for a chance to be adopted. Fostering an animal will help animals and help you decide whether or not you would like to keep a dog of your own.
Your dog should not be left outside for the entire day. Many people do this, but dogs need interactions with others. Your dog may be lonely if it is just him. Also, any extreme weather can cause problems for your dog.
Demonstrate plenty of affection to your dog. It is easy to overlook the good behavior your dog shows while you concentrate on eliminating the bad. That could be real trouble with the dog. Praise your dog at least 5x more than you discipline him. He’ll behave better more often this way.
Dog care is a serious subject if you are a pet owner. Do the best you can to keep your dog happy and in good shape. It can be a huge undertaking but something that can be easily accomplished by just about anyone. If you need some assistance, reread this article for advice. Your pet will thank you for it!