Dogs are great pets. They love their owners unconditionally, and bring them a great deal of happiness. You both will be happier if you have a greater knowledge of their needs. Here are the basics in learning to understand and care for your dog.
Make sure your home is dog-proof. Prior to bringing the pooch home, check that the whole home is safe. Secure the trash can, stow way all medications and put away your regular cleaning supplies. Some house plants are poisonous, so keep them away from your dog’s reach or remove them.
It is fine to hug your dog, but avoid those wet kisses. While getting kisses from your dog may seem cute, your dog’s mouth is extremely dirty. They eat garbage or poop and even sniff other dog’s butts. Your dog’s mouth is not really any cleaner than a human’s mouth. This is not true, at all!
Always, have your dog spayed or neutered. Studies show that these operations help your dog live longer and can reduce cancer risks. Spayed and neutered dogs wander less often as well, so this reduces likelihood of your dog getting hit on the road or lost.
Your dog cannot speak, so you have to interpret non-verbal cues. Hesitant dogs need to be taken out of fearful situations. This could cause the dog to bite. Pay attention to the posture of the dogs and let them take their time.
Rather than merely using verbal commands, it is wise to utilize hand signals when training your dog. Dogs tend to respond better with these additional types of signals instead of always relying on voice commands. Try these things to find out what is the best for your pet.
Rawhide bones are the best options for your dog. Pieces can break off of the real bone, which may cause your dog to choke. Rawhide is completely healthy and improves the teeth, and therefore is preferable to animal bones.
Speak with a vet as soon as possible if you are adopting a dog. A shelter is often a haven for kennel cough and other diseases. Make sure the new puppy gets their required shots before going home.
To prevent the hair around a dog’s paws from matting, you should keep it trimmed. First comb the hair, then give it a trim. If this process is something with which you are uncomfortable, have a professional groomer do the job.
Keep your dog mentally active along with providing him plenty of opportunity to get physical 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’ll feel helpful and like he is a member of the family. At the same time, the training is good for his mental and thinking skills.
Dogs will commonly get cut when they’re walking because of the various debris on the ground. If you notice a small cut on your dog, use antiseptic to wash it, and then put a bandage around it. If the cut is deep, check with your vet.
When the weather is hot outside, check your dog daily for ticks and fleas. A flea comb can help you remove fleas that you see. Additionally, there are a number of other products and tools that help in controlling fleas and ticks on your dog. Your veterinarian should be able to advise you on your best options.
Always keep an eye on your dog’s diet. When they’re a puppy, you can give them calorie-dense foods since they need them for growth. If an adult eats this food, he’ll quickly become overweight and unhealthy.
When you bring home a new puppy, it is best to help it learn to get along with other dogs and puppies as early as possible. Your dog can get together with other dogs at the doggy park, at the groomer, or through play dates.
There are few relationships as rewarding as the one between man and his dog. You will have to do your homework though, if you want to be a great owner. This piece has provided useful tips for dog owners everywhere. Use them to enhance the health and well-being of your faithful friend.
