Do you want to know more about dogs? Occasionally a person can become overwhelmed by the responsibility of being a dog owner. Some people just give up. The tips that follow will help you will all aspects of your dog’s care.
Getting a dog is going to cost you some money. 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. One huge expense you might encounter is emergency vet care, so you may want to think about getting health insurance for your pet.
Don’t give in to the urge to feed your dog food meant for humans. This will encourage constant begging and reduce their appetite towards their own food. Feeding your dog table scraps can cause obesity and a number of digestive issues. Put your dog in another room while the family eats, and do not allow him to reenter the dining space until dinner is done.
Train your dog in your backyard or home, as these are safe, convenient areas. Training in busy areas with lots of people around should be avoided. They are going to become distracted, and the easiest commands can be tough.
Your daily lifestyle should help guide your choice of dog breed. 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 at home, seek out a small dog that loves to snuggle on the couch. Avoiding a mismatch means both of you will be happier.
Don’t force anything into a dog. If you got them a treat and they aren’t interested in it, don’t make them eat it. Get to know your dog better to figure out how you can make it happy.
Exercise your dog frequently. In order to stay fit and sharp-minded, a dog needs to spend plenty of time being physically active and playing constructive games. Not only will your dog benefit from exercise, you will as well. In addition to providing much needed exercise, you will develop a lifelong bond with your pup.
Take the time to train your dog on a leash. The dog needs to stay beside you, not behind or in front of you. It also needs to know the command “heel”. This will ensure that your pet is not too far ahead or behind you. Even if you practice a loose leash walk, it’s still important for your pet to know this command.
Make sure you heed the vet’s instructions when it comes to medications and special care requirements. For instance, your dog may need a cone and not like it, but your vet prescribed it for a reason. Vets are professionals who have experience dealing with your situation.
If you are in the market for a pure bred pooch, consider checking your local shelter. There are people who drop off pets for many different reasons, such as moving abroad or the death of an owner. Call the shelter to find out which dogs they have available. You may be saving a dog’s life.
If you have one dog that seems lonely or is by himself often, consider another dog. Dogs generally like to have companions that are dogs. Choose a friend for your dog that has the same energy level and temperament and you will make your dog very happy.
Perform tick and flea inspections daily on the dog when it gets warmer out. Try using a flea comb to remove any fleas that you find. Certain products are geared to eliminate fleas and ticks. Try talking to your vet about these products or other available options.
You cannot judge a dog’s health by the coldness and wetness of its nose alone. There are multiple reasons a nose could be chilly and damp, and plenty of them don’t involve illness. Instead, look at how energetic your dog is, as well as his demeanor and appetite. Evaluating them will give you a better picture of your dog’s health. Temperature can be monitored rectally.
Your training techniques should only use positive reinforcement. Offer the dog plenty of praise and treats when they do well, as they will learn much faster than if you were more stern with them. This means he’ll learn what you’re teaching more easily. So treat your dog kindly when training and you will see better results.
When you start to train your dog, try out various reward systems. The goal is to learn what type of reward motivates your dog the most. If you are giving treats, try crumbled egg or ground turkey which has been cooked. If play is what he wants, choose one favorite toy to play with him with as a reward. Some dogs just like to get petted and rubbed when they’re good.
Your dog might be contained outdoors, but he needs as much of your attention as any indoor dog. He may bark, dig or chew on his paws. Also, he may develop aggressive tendencies. Provide them lots of playtime and love to maintain their happiness.
Make sure that you wash your dog’s food and water bowls on a fairly regular basis. Germs can develop on a dirty bowl, especially if food or water stays in it for a long time. Food bowls should be cleaned on a daily basis and fresh drinking water provided.
You take on a lot of responsibility when you decide to care for a dog. Your pet’s care becomes a full-time position. Hopefully, the advice in this piece has helped you feel more prepared to raise a pet. This will cause a lot less stress on your part.