Do you enjoy being a dog owner? Dogs are one of the most fun pets for children and adults. They are affectionate, active and love to have a good time. They make wonderful friends. That means you need to be a great companion for them too. Here are some things you can learn if you need to know more.
Make sure your home is dog-proof. It should be perfectly safe before you bring a dog in. Cleaning supplies and medications should be locked away, and any indoor trash cans need to be put in a cabinet. Since some plants are very harmful because of their toxicity, it’s best to get rid of them or put them in an area that the dog cannot get to.
While it’s great to show your dog affection, you shouldn’t kiss them. Dog kisses may be seen as cute, but their mouths aren’t all that clean. Dogs dig in trash cans, drink from toilet bowls and sniff and lick various body parts on themselves and other dogs. Many people believe that the human mouth has more germs than that of a dog – this isn’t true. This is simply false.
Practice your training regimen for your puppy near your home. You do not want to train your dog around a bunch of people. Too many people causes distractions, making it hard to train them.
If you’re training your dog, don’t just use verbal commands. Try hand signals as well. Using hand gestures can help your dog to recognize commands quicker. Experiment with each way and determine what works.
You should talk to your vet about the foods you give your dog. Puppies may lack the development needed to tolerate certain kinds of food without getting sick. Be cautious about what types of foods you feed your dog.
If the dog is doing something right, like sitting before he is leashed, lavish him with praise and affection. This will show your dog that the behavior he is exhibiting is just what you are looking for. He’ll learn that praise will come when he is good, too.
Brushing your dog daily will do more than keep them from shedding all over your home. Brushing your dog every day helps its coat become beautiful and shiny. The reason for this is that brushing distributes a dog’s oils from its skin so it looks soft and shiny.
Make sure that your dog’s nails are trimmed weekly. If they get too long, they may start to curl under and cause your dog pain. You can do this yourself using a pair of dog clippers from the pet store. If you aren’t comfortable with this, invest a little money and take your dog to the groomers.
Trim all hair surrounding the dog’s paws so that it does not become matted. Before you trim it, use a brush to get it as straight as possible. You can always use a dog groomer if you find the process difficult.
Show your dog that you love him. It is easy to overlook the good behavior your dog shows while you concentrate on eliminating the bad. That could be real trouble with the dog. Try praising them at least 5 times more than when you scold them. Your dog’s behavior will improve because of your new technique.
Lost Dog
Be certain a lost dog can be returned to you by giving him some identification. A common method to make sure your lost dog is returned is to have them wear a breakaway collar with an identification tag. Include all personal information necessary on this tag. A micro-chip can also be installed on your dog.
When choosing to introduce a new pooch to a home that already has one, it is best that you bring your current dog along to meet him. Dogs are very social by nature, but some get along better than others. If you find a dog that is compatible right away, you’ll save yourself some difficulties later.
Outdoor dogs need attention just as much as indoor dogs do. Your dog could develop bad habits such as chewing or barking if it is alone all the time. He may start being aggressive, too. Play with him often and let him know you love him, and he will be happy.
Your pet must have good hygiene habits the same way you do. This doesn’t mean you need to bathe your pet daily, but it does mean they should be cleaned weekly or more, if necessary. This will prevent any issues with their skin, and your home will be cleaner.
Walk your dog at least once daily. Not only does your pet need the exercise, but walks give your canine friend a chance to see new things and possibly interact with new people. These are things your dog needs to grow, so always make the time for a walk.
Consult with your veterinarian about the best brand of food to feed your dog. Choose a diet that is adapted to the health of your dog. If your dog is in this category, feeding him the wrong food could harm his health. Your vet will recommend certain foods for feeding plans.
Try to avoid leaving your dog on its own for extended time periods. A lot of people work and sometimes your dog might not be cool with being alone all day long. Dogs often enjoy having a TV or radio left on. You can also look into doggy daycare or someone local that can spend time with your dog.
Just as your dog is a great companion to you, you must be a great companion to him/her. You can more effectively care for your dog when you remember the tips listed in this article. Your dog deserves to have a good life, and when you use the information here, you will have a happier life too.