You might already own a dog or are thinking about becoming an owner – either way you are aware that it’s a huge responsibility. You probably will not master this on the first day. Use the following guide to find some great tips on taking good care of dogs.
It takes a lot of money to raise a dog. The costs associated with general and medical care along with high-quality food can be upwards of a thousand per year. 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.
Get your dog neutered. A neutered dog will live longer and have less risks of developing cancer. Additionally, dogs who undergo this procedure are much less likely to wander off and maybe get into to an accident.
Since your dog can’t talk to you, it’s crucial that you listen to their non-verbal language. If you notice that your dog is timid around strangers or other dogs, you shouldn’t attempt to force its interaction with them. This could end up in negative biting or fighting behavior. Pay attention to the posture of the dogs and let them take their time.
Try hand signals in conjunction with verbal commands when training your dog. Dogs tend to respond better with these additional types of signals instead of always relying on voice commands. Try both methods to see which your dog prefers.
Praise your dog when he behaves or performs in the way that you have been training him to. By rewarding your pup when it does the right thing, you’ll be teaching it to do these behaviors more often. Your dog is looking for ways to please you, and giving him your praise lets him know he has done just that.
Don’t ever give your dog bones. Bones can lodge in the mouth or throat, causing devastating injuries. 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.
Brushing your pup daily can do much more than reduce shedding in your home. Daily brushing helps the coat to stay beautiful and shiny. This is because the motions you go through while brushing evenly distributes the skin’s oils and helps keep the skin healthy, shiny and soft.
You should always trim your nails. It can be quite painful for your dog if his nails start curling under. Try trimming them with scissors you buy at the store. If you can’t do it by yourself, you might want to try the groomers; it does not cost a lot.;
If you want to get a pet from a shelter, find a vet who can examine your new dog. Shelter dogs have numerous opportunities to be exposed to harmful bacteria and viruses; these can result in dangerous illnesses. It’s smart to ensure your dog has all shots necessary before you take him home.
With the assistance of the advice you’ve just received, you should be better equipped to care for a dog properly. Show a relaxed nature towards the dog and be patient to them as they will reciprocate in kind. Continue learning all that you can to ensure a great relationship with your pup.
