Do you enjoy being a dog owner? Dog’s are considered man’s best friend, and they didn’t get that title by accident. They are affectionate, active and love to have a good time. They make wonderful friends. But it works both ways – you also need to be a great companion to your dog, ensuring that he is well cared for. Here are some ways to do that.
Take the time to make sure your house is dog-proofed. Before you bring a dog into your home, you should be sure that the area you’re bringing it to 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.
Be sure to have your pet spayed or neutered. Studies show that these operations help your dog live longer and can reduce cancer risks. Also, dogs that get fixed won’t feel the need to wander away so that may mean that they won’t get into accidents like getting hit by a vehicle.
Since dogs cannot talk, you need to learn your dog’s cues. For instance, if your dog is hesitating, it is not a good idea to force him to approach a person or another animal. This may lead to someone getting bitten. Always be on the look out for non-verbal hints. If you see them, allow your dog to guide you in the next action you will take.
Dog training should take place on your property. Training in busy areas with lots of people around should be avoided. This can cause your dog to get distracted, which can make training them simple commands almost impossible.
Keep your dog on leash any time he leaves your fenced yard, regardless of his gentle nature and good behavior. He can be scared away by some wild animal, or an unforeseen provocation with another dog can result in an unpleasant situation. Your dog is your responsibility.
Rawhide treats are better for your dog than real meat bones. Rawhide limits the danger when your dog is chewing. Rawhide is proven healthy and great for teeth as well, but don’t be tempted to share that T-bone, no matter what kind of eyes your dog gives you.
Avoid pushing things that your dog dislikes onto him. If your dog doesn’t like a particular treat, don’t force him to eat it. The best judge of what your dog likes is the dog himself. Fancy name brands mean nothing.
Regularly brushing your dog’s fur won’t just stop your pet from shedding on your furniture. It leaves them looking gorgeous, for one thing. The reason for this is that brushing helps distribute the skin’s oils throughout the coat to condition the fur and skin.
There are many ways to show your dog how cherished he is. Make sure you don’t only focus on the negative things that your dog does. That could be real trouble with the dog. Instead, scold your dog less and praise him more. Your dog will be far more likely to try to behave properly.
Make sure that your dog gets plenty of exercise- both physical and mental. By teaching your dog tricks that he can do around the house, such as grabbing the newspaper, you’ll be keeping your dog mentally stimulated. He can feel useful and like a family member, and continuing to train him will keep his mind sharp.
Always make sure that your dog is wearing some sort of identification on their collar. A popular way to ensure the return of your dog is to use a breakaway collar and ID tag. All of the necessary contact information, including your dog’s name, should be included. Micro-chipping your dog is another option.
It is essential that you think long and hard before you decide to make a dog a part of your life. You can quickly fall deeply in love with a puppy without considering everything that is involved. Always consider everything involved with becoming responsible for another life, and be sure you are able to handle it all.
Some vitamins are not beneficial for dogs. Your dog does not need vitamins if you feed it a good diet. An excess of some vitamins can cause blood vessel damage, as well as damage to his joints and bones. Have a conversation with your veterinarian before adding any vitamins to your dog’s diet.
Try out a variety of rewards when training. See what motivates your dog to succeed. If they are food-driven, reward them with items like little hot dogs. If your canine likes playing with toys, tug of war might be a good game for them. Some dogs just like to be shown attention as a reward.
Even if you have a dog that is kept outdoor most of the time, the pet still needs plenty of love and attention. If you leave a dog alone too much, it will eventually develop bad habits, such as chewing, digging, and barking. In addition, it may turn aggressive, which can be very problematic. Be sure to play with your dog and show him friendship and affection so he will feel happy.
Always keep an eye on your dog’s diet. As a puppy, it is okay for them to eat foods filled with calories, as they need it for their growth. But, adults dogs who eat these foods tend to gain weight, leading to health issues.
You must pay attention to your dog’s water and food bowls. Just like you won’t eat or drink from dirty bowls, your dog won’t either. You need to wash the bowls on a daily basis.
You have to treat your dog like it’s a great friend and it will treat you the same. Follow these tips to take the best possible care of your best friend. Your dog deserves a great life and using this information can make your life happier too.