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.

Are you interested in rescuing a puppy? Do you want a purebred dog complete with papers, from a breeder? No matter your reasoning for getting a dog, your life will be changed by the love of your dog. A lot of responsibility is involved, and reading this will help you understand what you can expect.

TIP! Dogs don’t talk so you should learn his non-verbal language. If they seem hesitant upon meeting up with other dogs or people, don’t force interaction.

Your home needs to be ‘dog-proofed’. Don’t take a dog into your home without being sure that it is safe from top to bottom. All cleaning supplies and medications should be moved out of reach of your dog. You should also find a way of securing your trash somewhere that your dog cannot get to, such as in a cabinet. Some plants can be lethal, so move them out of your dog’s reach.

TIP! Talk to your vet to learn which foods are appropriate for your particular dog. Depending on the type and age of dog, if you purchase the wrong kind of food it may upset their stomach.

Your dog cannot communicate through speech; therefore, you must learn its non-verbal language. If your dog seems hesitant when meeting another person or dog, do not force them to interact. You might cause your dog to bite someone or another dog. Take heed of these non-verbal cues, and act accordingly.

TIP! Speak with your vet about the amount of food you should be feeding your dog each day. While some individuals give their dogs food by following the package, sometimes these guidelines are inappropriate for your dog.

Avoid giving your pup table scraps. If you feed from the table, he’ll become a beggar and stop eating his own food. Scraps can be terrible for his diet and lead to obesity and other health problems. Keep the dog away from your table when you eat to avoid any temptation on both parts.

TIP! Avoid the bargain brands of pet food. Generally, food that is less expensive is not as healthy for your pet due to preservatives and additives put into the food.

Never take your dog away from home without a leash, even if he is well-behaved. He can be scared away by some wild animal, or an unforeseen provocation with another dog can result in an unpleasant situation. You are the only one responsible for your dog’s safety and his actions.

TIP! Genuine meat bones may be tempting, but it’s best to stick to rawhide. Rawhide limits the danger when your dog is chewing.

Speak with your vet to determine whether or not certain foods are okay to give to your dog. Depending on the type and age of dog, if you purchase the wrong kind of food it may upset their stomach. Be cautious about what types of foods you feed your dog.

TIP! Buy or build a dog house if he is going to be outside for long periods in the winter. Your dog could get sick if he is left outside in the cold or if the ground is wet.

Let your dog have rawhide rather than bones from the meat you eat. Pieces can break off of the real bone, which may cause your dog to choke. Studies have shown that rawhide bones are good for your dog’s health and their teeth. Don’t give in and let your dog gnaw on real bones. Stick to rawhide.

TIP! If you’re adopting a dog through a local shelter, try scheduling a vet appointment right away. Shelter dogs may have come into contact with viruses or may be ill already.

When selecting a brand of dog food for your pet, read the labels carefully and avoid the cheapest brands. It is best to invest in quality dog food. You’ll have to pay more, but you can be certain your dog gets the right vitamins and minerals from good sources.

TIP! Train your dog how to properly walk when on a leash. Your dog should walk beside you, not lag behind or run ahead, and should obey the command “heel.

You need to make sure your dog can walk on a leash. He ought to be next to you rather than ahead or behind. He should also respond to the “heel” command. This keeps you and your dog safe as you walk. This command will be very useful if you walk your dog while keeping the leash very loose.

TIP! If you are not sure whether dog ownership is a good idea for you, then you might want to try being a foster care provider for a needy dog. Many homeless and abused animals are waiting in shelters for someone to adopt them and with over-crowding, resources are slim.

Providing foster care for a homeless dog can be a great way to see if you are suited to care for a dog. A lot of shelters that take in homeless or abused animals have a way to let you adopt them for a while. Fostering an animal will help animals and help you decide whether or not you would like to keep a dog of your own.

TIP! If your dog seems sad and lonely, consider investing in a friend for him. Dogs are animals that love to be with other dogs.

In the case your dog has separation anxiety, leave music or the television on when you leave your house. The sounds will help your pet feel safer and will make it feel like it’s not alone. This little touch can help your dog feel less anxious as he awaits your return.

TIP! If your pet slips up and uses the bathroom in your home, be sure to remove every trace of the mess. You must make use of an effective cleaner and a strong odor remover.

If you’ve got just one dog and he doesn’t seem all that happy or is left alone a lot, think about getting him a friend. The company could do your pet a lot of good. Ensure you carefully select your dog’s match based on behavior and energy levels. By doing this, both of your dogs will be happy.

TIP! You need to think carefully about getting a dog before you adopt one. It’s not difficult to love a puppy when you see them for the first time.

Be sure to give your dog proper political representation. Watch for local laws that people are trying to pass to restrict how dog owners have to behave and what their rights are. Sometimes, a small number of bad dogs get more publicity than a large number of good dogs. You should always call the authorities.

TIP! Your training techniques should only use positive reinforcement. Offer the dog plenty of praise and treats when they do well, as they will learn much faster than if you were more stern with them.

You should check your dog for ticks and fleas every day during the summer months. Remove fleas with a special comb. Fleas or ticks can be destroyed through numerous products on the market. Try to get your vet’s opinion on these products or what you can do to help your dog.

Avoid high expectations with your dog. Your dog is not going to have the same attention span. Train him a little at a time at first to avoid frustration.

TIP! You must keep a close eye on what and how much your dog eats. Puppies can eat lots of calorie packed foods because they are still growing.

Socialize a new puppy as soon as you can. A trip to your groomer’s, a dog park, or an excursion with other pets is a wonderful way for your dog used to being around dogs.

TIP! Walk your dog as often as you can to give it exercise. You dog needs the exercise, and he needs to get out of the house.

This article has provided you with an understanding of what your dog will need, so go find your new pup! Don’t quit trying to learn new tips and advice. You may want to look for a forum of other dog owners to share and learn information. You will find that you learn new things about your dog, even when they grow old.

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