There is a lot that goes into raising a dog. It’s similar to caring for a small child that barks. Although it’s a big task, having patience and knowledge will help make it easier. You should read the following article to get a better idea of what owning a dog means.
Hugs are great, but avoid kisses. While those sloppy kisses may be cute, be aware that your dog’s mouth is apt to be crawling with germs and bacteria. Dogs really get into everything, from toilet water to the neighbor’s trash. Keep in mind that an animal’s mouth is full of germs. This statement is most definitely not true.
If you’re taking your pup on a vacation, make sure that you take a picture of him for on your phone. This ensures that, should he get lost, you have a current photo, ready for showing around or being used in flyers.
Your dog cannot communicate through speech; therefore, you must learn its non-verbal language. Don’t force interaction with other pets or people if your dog is showing reluctance. This might lead to a bite to another dog or even to a person. Look out for non-verbal hints so that the dog can guide your actions.
No matter how nicely your dog behaves, never take it off your property unless it is on a leash. He could easily get spooked by something and run off into harm’s way. You will be responsible for your dog’s actions and safety.
If you’re training your dog, don’t just use verbal commands. Try hand signals as well. Dogs tend to read body language and signs very well. Try each way to see what works well with your dog.
Talk to your vet about which foods you should be feeding your dog. Sometimes you’ll find that a puppy can’t eat certain brands of foods because it will make their stomach upset. Be cautious about what types of foods you feed your dog.
If you take your dog with you on vacation, keep a photo of him on your phone. This way, should he get lost, you have a picture you can show others. You can also use the picture to hand our “lost” flyers.
Avoid cheap dog food. Cheap brands usually are loaded with additives that can be bad for health. Try using animal advocacy groups or consumer awareness to get a list of great dog foods that have high professional recommendations. You will see a difference in your dog’s activity level and general happiness when you feed him “good” food.
Avoid trying to force things into your dog. If your dog is not interested in a treat, do not force your pet to eat it. Learn about your dog’s various likes and dislikes when you first bring it home.
Clip your dog’s nails. Your dog will be in pain if the nails begin curling. It is easy to keep nails trimmed with simple implements available at pet stores. It is best to take your dog to the groomer if you do not want to do it yourself.
Don’t give your dog leftovers from your own plate. Feeding a dog from the table only reinforces begging. The dog will also be less likely to eat its normal food. “People food” can also make dogs sick and contribute to obesity. Make your dog leave the room if he begins to beg, or train him to spend mealtimes in another room entirely.
Always make sure your dog understands how to walk correctly on a leash. To properly walk your dog, he must remain directly at your side instead of behind or in front of you. If your pet is leash trained, it’ll be safer, and you’ll enjoy walks more as well. By having your dog understand this command, it will be very helpful for most situations.
If you are looking for dog of a particular breed, don’t discount your local pound. Many pet owners abandon their dogs at the pound when they no longer want to, or are able to, keep them. Contact the pound in your area to see what kinds of breeds they have at the time. You could get the dog you are looking for and save a life in the process.
Show the dog that he is loved. In life, it is far too common to give bad behavior more attention than good. This could cause lots of problems for you. Rather, be sure to give praise five times more frequently than you reprimand. When you do this, you’ll see much better behavior from your dog.
Let your lifestyle determine what breed of dog you should bring into your home. For example, if you’re a jogger, get a type of dog that can run with you, not a toy-poodle. If you spend more time in the home, a more sedate, indoor dog will fit your lifestyle best. Finding a dog that matches your personality will make both of you happy.
Dog ownership is not a decision that should be made on a whim. You dog’s health and happiness depend on your care in exactly the same way as the health and happiness of a child. You can do a great job if you are motivated and want to provide the best environment possible for your dog. This article is here for your help when it comes to caring for your dog.
We really hope you appreciated our article. If you have a puppy and need help learning about his or her behavior, we would strongly recommend that you check out the resource below which provides a lot of information about puppy training:
