Taking in a dog is a massive responsibility. You are responsible for making sure your pet leads a happy and healthy life. By learning all that you can about being a good dog owner that knows what they’re doing, you can be sure that things go well for you and your dog.
Take your dog to the vet at least one time a year for checkups. Your dog is not able to talk, so it is not easy to know when he’s got arthritis or an aching tooth. Annual checkups can catch issues before they develop into something serious.
If you’re taking your dog on a trip, be sure that you have a recent picture of them on-hand. If the worst happens and your pet gets lost, you have a current picture that you can show others or use to make “lost” posters.
Train your dog indoors or in the backyard. It is not a good idea to train them in areas where a lot of people are present. Too many people causes distractions, making it hard to train them.
It is important to use your lifestyle as a guide to what breed of furry friend you should get. A good example would be if you are a runner. A dog that can keep up with you while you run would be a good choice. If you prefer to stay home curled up on your couch, go for a small dog that likes to be spoiled and that will curl up along with you. When you match your traits and the traits of your pet, you will both be happy.
Rawhide is a great alternative to the meat bones that most people feed dogs. Pieces can break off of the real bone, which may cause your dog to choke. Rawhide bones are tested and veterinary approved, and they can benefit your dog’s teeth and gums too. Treat your dog to one regularly.
Don’t make you dog eat something they don’t want to eat. If your dog doesn’t like a particular treat, don’t force him to eat it. Learn about your dog’s various likes and dislikes when you first bring it home.
Becoming a foster for a dog will help you decide if dog ownership is right for you. There are many animals that need love and care. Not only will you be helping a dog in need, but it will help you figure out if you would like to become a dog owner.
Don’t leave your dog outside all day long. Dogs need companionship and interaction with their owners. When your dog is the only one you have, leaving him alone will make him sad. Not only that, but during heavy rainstorms and snowstorms, it is imperative that you bring your dog indoors as well, to avoid the inclement weather and temperatures.
The hair around a dog’s paws can easily get matted, and should be trimmed on a regular basis. A comb should be used first to straighten it before you do any cutting. Go to a professional groomer if you have a hard time doing this yourself.
The information you just read should help you get started. When you adjust your behavior to help your dog, you are going to see good results. There is much joy in dog ownership when you take the care to do things right.
