Lots of folks have pets now, or have had them in the past. If you are a dog owner or may become one, there are some things you need to know. The tips provided in this article will help you care and enjoy your dog for years to come.
It costs a lot to own a dog. You need to pay for high quality food, regular vet care, and various supplies. This can cost anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars each year. Emergency vet care is very expensive, in some cases thousands of dollars, so you might want to consider purchasing pet health insurance.
Give your dog hugs, but don’t kiss him. Kissing a dog might seem cute, but they have dirty mouths. 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. It is not necessarily true.
Because dogs cannot speak to you, it is important to learn their non-verbal cues. If they seem hesitant upon meeting up with other dogs or people, don’t force interaction. This might lead to a bite to another dog or even to a person. Watch your dog and be aware of his actions.
When your dog is good, praise him immediately. This will show your dog that the behavior he is exhibiting is just what you are looking for. It also reinforces the idea that they will receive attention if they behave as you want them to.
Don’t buy the cheapest food for your dog. Cheaper brands have tons of additives, preservatives, and ingredients that can harm a dog’s health. Contact an animal advocacy group about which foods are best for your dog. Better food will be very beneficial to your dog.
Don’t force your dog to eat something. If your dog doesn’t like the treat you’ve bought, don’t make him eat it. Learn what he likes and what he doesn’t.
Trim your dog’s nails on a regular basis. If they start to curl under then your dog may start to feel pain. You can always do your own trimming with clippers from the store. If you aren’t confident enough to do it yourself, take the dog to a local pet groomer.
When obtaining a shelter dog, you need to set up an appointment with your local vet immediately. Shelter dogs may have come into contact with viruses or may be ill already. Therefore, you should ensure your new dog receives its vaccinations as soon as you obtain it.
Teach your dog the right way to walk with a leash. Make him walk at your side, and do not let him pull far in front of you or stay far behind. Use the command “heel” to prompt him. If your pet is leash trained, it’ll be safer, and you’ll enjoy walks more as well. Regardless of how you intend to take your walks, this is a good command for your dog to know.
Trim the hair around your dog’s paws to prevent it from getting matted up. Try to comb the hair to straighten it before trimming. Another option is to take your dog to the groomers and ask for this task to be performed.
Exercise is vital when you own a dog. Train him to do fun things like retrieve a ball. The training will challenge him mentally and the affection you show for a job well done will bond him to the family routine.
Make sure your dog comes back to you by ensuring that they have some form of identification. A breakaway collar that includes an ID tag will ensure the return of your dog if they should wander. Make sure that a current telephone number and the dog’s name are included on the tag. If a tag doesn’t feel like the right option for your dog, consider a microchip.
Be politically active on behalf of your pooch! Keep watch on legislation in your area that may affect your rights as a pet owner. These pieces of legislation are typically motivated by a single incident, one particular breed or a limited number of misbehaved dogs. Speak for dog owners that are responsible by talking to your local officials.
Remember the expression “Too many cooks spoil the soup” when training your dog. Training methods vary by person, and multiple trainers can confuse the dog. Assign a person to do the training and then have others fortify what he learns by following the same guidelines and respecting the procedure.
Set a regular schedule for doggie check-ups at your vet. Dogs must see their vet for full exams, vaccinations and routine testing. Puppies tend to need the vet more than adults. You also should see a vet as soon as possible if your dog seems ill or gets injured.
After reading all of that, you should have a good idea of what goes into caring for a dog. Information is the key to having a happy life with your pet. Just take your time and go over the article again if you have any questions.
