Dogs make wonderful, loyal pets. However, some start out a little more challenging and you have to work to get them to the point that they are ideal pets. If you own a dog, it is essential that you teach your dog proper behaviors and properly care for them. If you have questions about dogs, then you’re in the right place.
It takes a lot of money to raise a dog. Food, supplies and vet bills can add up to $1,000 or more per year. It can cost a lot of money to take your dog to the vet in an emergency, so you will want to investigate health insurance for your pet.
Dogs don’t talk so you should learn his non-verbal language. If you notice the dog being hesitant in a new situation, don’t force your dog to socialize if it doesn’t want to. This might result in another dog or a person being bit. By reading the body language of your dog, you can ensure that this does not happen.
If your dog comes with you on vacations, you need to have an up-to-date picture of it on hand and in your phone. This way, if you find out that your dog went missing along the way, you will have a recent picture that you can show to people when you go out to look for you pet.
Avoid giving your dog scraps from your table. You will spoil him and his appetite and set up begging behavior. Feeding table scraps to your dog could lead to digestive problems or obesity. Put your dog in another room while the family eats, and do not allow him to reenter the dining space until dinner is done.
When you have to train a dog, your home and/or yard is the right place to do it. You shouldn’t train your dog where many other people are present. Distraction ensues, and it is harder to get your dog to focus on basic commands.
Hand signals are great when they are paired with verbal commands. This is a very effective way to communicate with your dog. Not every dog will learn the same, so try different techniques with your dog.
Use your lifestyle to pick the dog breed you need to get. For example, if you live an active lifestyle it is probably best for you to find an active dog instead of a little dog. Similarly, if you’re quiet and stay at home, small dogs might be better suited to you. Both of you are sure to be happier if you choose a good match.
Don’t force your dog to eat something. If your dog doesn’t want it, don’t force him to eat it. Learn what he likes and what he doesn’t.
Always correct any bad behavior you see in your dog as soon as you see it. When you ignore this behavior, your dog thinks that it is okay. Neglecting your dog’s behavior can lead to injuries.
It’s important to make sure that your pup’s nails stay trimmed. Long nails cause huge amounts of pain. Simply purchase a pair of clippers from the store. If you’re uncomfortable clipping them on your own, go to a professional groomer. Nail clipping is very affordable.
Always buy high quality food for your best friend. Your dog will be healthier and happier if you feed it the highest quality food. Sure, it’s more expensive. But, isn’t your pet worth it?
If your dog happens to have an accident in the house, make sure you remove all traces of it. Use some professional strength cleaners and a good odor remover that works. If you still smell dog waste, the dog could be emptied to return to the scene of the crime and repeat the actions.
You might be tempted to share your food with your dog. While some foods are fine for sharing with your dog, there are some that must be avoided. Caffeine, grapes and chocolate should never be fed to dogs. They won’t agree with your dog and could even cause him to become very sick.
Even outdoor dogs require lots of love and attention. He is likely to begin barking, digging holes or chewing if you do not give him enough attention. In addition, it may turn aggressive, which can be very problematic. Make sure to spend time with him daily, loving on him, playing with him and grooming him.
Crate training puppies is ideal if nobody is around to watch them several times throughout the day. This can help lessen the damage in the home and assist in housebreaking your dog.
If you have a new dog, you need to determine where he will sleep. If your plan is to crate train him, never permit your dog to begin his time in your home in your bed. Before letting your dog into your bed, you should be sure that you’re okay with this being a long-term sleeping arrangement.
It does not take a science degree to look after a dog. It might be hard at first, but this article can help. Take everything that you’ve learned here, and you should have no trouble taking care of your furry friend.
