TIP! Just like humans, dogs should go to the vet for a checkup yearly. Since your dog cannot talk to you, it may be hard to determine when arthritis is setting in or a tooth begins hurting.

Dogs make wonderful pets. Dog owners lives are enriched by companionship and fun. Make sure that you take advantage of everything a dog has to offer. This is the article which will start you down the road to mastering dog ownership.

TIP! Dog training should be take place out in the yard, or even inside your home. Avoid training your dog in heavily occupied areas.

It is important to puppy-proof your home. Before you bring a new dog home, make sure the whole area is safe. Put up all of your cleaning supplies and medications, and be sure you put away any trash cans. Make sure no toxic plants are in the vicinity of your dogs.

TIP! Avoid buying your dog bargain-based food. The cheaper brands actually contain a lot of preservatives, additives and other ingredients that can compromise your dog’s health.

Hugs are great, but steer clear of kisses. Dog kisses are adorable, but your dog’s mouth is really dirty. Dogs poke around trash cans, love smelling and licking other dogs’ body parts and enthusiastically drink from toilet bowls. Your dog’s mouth is not really any cleaner than a human’s mouth. This is not in the least bit true.

TIP! Correct bad behavior the first time you see it from your dog. If you ignore an unwanted behavior, it is as good as reinforcing it.

In the same way that a yearly physical is helpful to you, a yearly trip to the veterinarian is a must for your dog. Your dog can’t talk, it might be difficult to find out what is wrong if there is an issue. You need to go to the vet every year to get a check up.

TIP! If you get your dog from the pound, make sure you have a vet check him out right away. Shelters expose dogs to a number of illnesses, and your pet could be ill already.

Try hand signals in conjunction with verbal commands when training your dog. These types of signals are sometimes easier for a dog to learn. Try both ways of giving commands to see what works best.

TIP! Get your new pet a veterinary exam. Directly after getting your dog, be sure to make a check up appointment with a trusted vet.

Speak with your vet to determine whether or not certain foods are okay to give to your dog. A puppy’s stomach may not be able to handle particular foods, which may cause stomach issues. Be careful when it comes to what you feed your pet.

TIP! Make sure your dog knows how to properly walk while it’s leashed. Your dog should learn to walk by the side of you, teach them to ‘heel’.

It is important to use your lifestyle as a guide to what breed of furry friend you should get. If you are a hunter for example, perhaps a retriever is the dog for you. If you prefer to stay at home, seek out a small dog that loves to snuggle on the couch. When you find the perfect match, you’ll both be happier!

TIP! When seeking pure bred dogs, you shouldn’t automatically rule out pounds. There are people who drop off pets for many different reasons, such as moving abroad or the death of an owner.

If you aren’t sure of the amount of food your dog needs on a daily basis, talk to your vet. While some people follow the direction on the back of the dog food packaging, they are sometimes incorrect and may make your dog overweight. The vet will know what is best for your pet.

TIP! Make sure that you are keeping up with your dog’s vet appointments. Your vet can notice health ailments long before you can, and many of the tests he can perform will help to detect or prevent things like diabetes, kidney or thyroid problems.

In summary, dogs help their owners experience unconditional love. However, you have to learn a lot about dogs in order to have the best relationship with them. The article you have just read has provided you with excellent advice on how to raise the best dog. Put these tips into practice; they will help you enjoy your life with your dog.

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