Are you thinking about adopting a dog from the pound? Or are you looking at purchasing a dog from a reputable breeder? Whether he is a pure bred or a mutt from the shelter, this dog is sure to give you the love and affection you seek. You are also taking on a big responsibility, and the article below has the information you need to care for your dog.

If you are looking for a great family pet, but are on a budget, consider rescuing an animal.You can get one at a local shelter for minimal costs and the dog will come with a clean bill of health and all his shots. If you are interested in a specific breed, contact a rescue group specializing in only those pooches.

When giving your dog a bath, make sure that you only put on shampoo that is intended for canines. Using lukewarm water, get the entire body wet and then begin applying the shampoo to their face, working your way down their body. Wait a few minutes and then take a washcloth and wipe off the suds from your pet’s face. Wash off the rest of the shampoo as well.

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You will pay a lot to take care for your dog. Food, supplies and vet bills can add up to $1,000 or more per year. You should also look into purchasing a good pet health insurance policy to avoid high medical bills.

If your dog is still getting used to the grooming process, only work with him or her in short bursts. Groom for about five minutes and then stop and move on to another activity. Eventually, start adding on two or three minutes to your total grooming time until your pet is able to handle a full session.

Pet-proof your home before bringing a dog into it, just as you would for a crawling toddler. You need to move anything toxic to a higher shelf and consider the danger that plants may pose if nibbled by your dog. Remember that anti-freeze is deadly and that leaving things like pennies or crayons on floors can pose a choking hazard to curious pups.

A great way to have some company on your car rides is to take your dog with you. Most dogs enjoy riding in the car. Riding in the car is also a good place to practice some training exercises with your pet as well. You can practice “stay” when the dog enters and exits the vehicle. Always remember to leave windows down because heat from a closed car can kill the dog.

Now you should know what goes into caring for your pet as best you can so now you should be able to bring a new pet home! Don’t stop your research here, as dog ownership details are updated frequently online. Think about joining online forums to talk about dogs with other dog owners. Educating yourself is something you continue to do for life, so now is not the time to stop!