Having a dog is a great joy, but this isn’t so with every dog. There are things you need to know about taking care of your pet. Read on for advice that will assist you in becoming the best dog owner.
It’s a good idea to have your regular dog training sessions in your own yard or at home. Avoid training your dog where many people are present. Being around others can cause distractions, meaning it is more difficult for your dog to master basic commands.
If you’re trying to figure out what type of dog you might want to get, take a look at your lifestyle. If you are a hunter for example, perhaps a retriever is the dog for you. If you are more of a homebody, a smaller, less active dog who enjoying being pampered is the better choice. You should find a dog that fits well with your personality.
If the dog is doing something right, like sitting before he is leashed, lavish him with praise and affection. This communicates to your dog that he is doing just exactly what you want. It also reinforces the idea that they will receive attention if they behave as you want them to.
Genuine meat bones may be tempting, but it’s best to stick to rawhide. Real bones can chip and splinter, this can cause your dog to choke and wreak havoc on his digestive tract. Rawhide is very healthy and will help your dog develop some strong teeth. Never ever give him a real bone!
Make sure your dog knows how to properly walk while it’s leashed. Your dog should know how to heel and not behind you or ahead of you. Doing this will not only be easier on you, but it will also keep your dog safe. Your dog needs to get used to this.
Your vet will provide sound advice regarding medication or special needs for your pet, so ensure you pay heed to their words. He might not want to wear that cone on his neck and head, but it’s there for a real reason! When a vet makes a recommendation, it is for the safety and health of your dog; if you ignore them, that can lead to trouble.
Always make sure to keep your dog’s annual vet visits. Vets can find problems such as kidney troubles, thyroid issues and diabetes well before symptoms appear to you. Annual physicals save dog owners money and saves your pet a lot of undue suffering.
You need to provide your dog with shade and water during the summer. It is easy for a dog to become overheated, and this can cause health problems. In the summertime, be sure they can lay in a cool, shaded area. Give him water, too. Dogs can be affected by the sun just like people can, so talk to a veterinarian about canine sunscreens.
Be consistent. Don’t overfeed your dog or let him destroy your possessions. Not even if he has those big puppy dog eyes! By being firm in your actions, you can avoid incidents all together. If your dog learns that it is not necessary to wait patiently for a few scraps and prefers jumping up to help himself, you may find that the dog takes whatever is in reach without waiting for your permission.
Wash the water and food bowls for your dog often. Just like you do not want to continuously eat and drink from bowls that are not very clean, your dog doesn’t either. Each day, wash the bowls and make sure your dog has clean water and fresh food.
It is important to keep your dog clean. You don’t need to bathe your dog every day, but he needs to be cleaned weekly. This can keep his skin healthy and your home clean.
There is a wealth of information available to help you to become a fantastic dog owner. Picking out a new puppy to be your companion is the easy part. A serious degree of responsibility is demanded. Use the advice that has been provided to have an enjoyable time with your new dog.
