Having a dog is one of the greatest things in life. Dogs make loving and loyal pets. Dogs enjoy fun, and they are very affectionate and active. A dog makes a fabulous companion. You must become a good companion to them by making sure they’re cared for properly. Here are some ways to do that.
Keep in mind that dogs are expensive. Food, vet care and supplies can add up quickly. Also, emergency care is a lot if your dog was to ever get sick; you may want to think about pet insurance.
Be wary of the flea treatment you’re going to use on your dog. Lots of treatments contain things that can be harmful to kids. Talk to your vet about safer options, especially when there are kids around.
You should never give table scraps to your dog. Doing so teaches it to beg and ruins its appetite for its regular food. “People food” can also make dogs sick and contribute to obesity. Don’t allow your dog to beg at the table while you are eating.
Train your dog in your backyard or home, as these are safe, convenient areas. You shouldn’t train your dog where many other people are present. This will make it more difficult for your dog to pay attention.
Don’t allow your dog to leave your property without being on a leash even if you think your dog is well behaved. Wild animals can get his attention and cause him to run out into the street, or a provocation could startle him and cause unpleasantness with other dogs or people. You will be responsible for your dog’s actions and safety.
You need to ask your vet to make sure the food you are feeding them is good. Sometimes you’ll find that a puppy can’t eat certain brands of foods because it will make their stomach upset. Be careful when it comes to what you feed your pet.
If your dog does something the correct way, such as sitting before you put the leash on, make sure that you give it tons of affection and praise. After all, your goal is for your dog to know when it is doing something good. Your dog will quickly understand that the praise is connected to a certain action.
Your dog needs a dog house if he or she has to remain outside in cold weather. If your dog’s feet get wet, then the continued exposure can lead to stress and other health issues. A roomy shelter that protects from the windy, rainy, and snowy weather is the best option.
Correct your dog’s bad behavior immediately. Ignoring it for a while can make it harder to correct later and you don’t know what may happen if you don’t. If you don’t get his behavior under control, your dog could end up biting someone.
Solid leash training is a must for any dog. Keep your dog at your side when you are taking a walk. If you do this, your dog will be safe, and it will be easy for you to handle. By having your dog understand this command, it will be very helpful for most situations.
When giving your dog medication or special treatment, follow vet instructions closely. They might not be fond of having a cone attached to their head, but your vet recommended it. If you fail to listen to your vet, your dog may end up sick or injured.
If your pup seems lonely by itself, consider getting another dog. The company could do your pet a lot of good. Get one that is similar in energy level and temperament and your dog will be in heaven.
You can keep your furry friend mentally as well as physically active through plenty of exercise. Teaching your dog tricks, such as fetching your shoes or the paper, is a fun activity and it also will stimulate your dog’s mind, keeping him alert and attentive. He can feel useful and like a family member, and continuing to train him will keep his mind sharp.
It’s important to be a loyal friend to your pet. If you use what you have learned here in this article, you’ll be sure that you’re taking great care of your pet. The tips will also help you and your dog to live happily with one another.
