When you first dream of getting a dog, it’s all sweetness and submissiveness. This may not be what you get in the end. No matter what happens it is now your responsibility to make sure the dog is cared for, and the following article will show you how to go about doing that.

Neuter or spay your dog. A neutered dog will live longer and have less risks of developing cancer. They are also more likely to remain close to home, reducing their risk of becoming lost or getting injured by a car or another animal.

Never allow your dog to leave your yard without a leash even if he seems very trustworthy and calm. A wild animal may get his attention and cause him to run off, or he may have a bad situation with others and their dogs. You are the only one responsible for your dog’s safety and his actions.

It is smart to use your hands to signal while dog training, as opposed to just your voice. It may be easier for your dog to learn commands if they see a visual signal. Give both methods a try to find out which works best for your particular pup.

Instead of feeding your dog meat bones, give him rawhide. Real bones can splinter and can get caught in your dog’s mouth or digestive tract. Rawhide has been proven to be healthy for your dog. It is excellent for its teeth too, so do not give in to the temptation to give your dog a real bone no matter how hard it begs.

Buy or build a home for the dog if they need to stay outside when it’s cold. If his feet are wet during very cold weather, it will stress him and lead to health problems. Keep your dog safe from wind, rain and snow by providing it with a house with lots of room and a dry floor.

Take the time to train your dog on a leash. Your dog should know how to heel and not behind you or ahead of you. Walking like this can keep them safe and help you enjoy walks too. Regardless of how you intend to take your walks, this is a good command for your dog to know.

If your dog gets anxious about being away from you, or you want to give him a little treat, leave music on while you are at work. The noise will keep him company and make him feel a little more secure. This might just quell his anxiety while waiting for you to return.

Tag your dog with proper identification to make sure that you can bring him home if he is lost. A good way to ensure your dog is returned if he is lost is to attach an identification tag to his collar. This tag needs to contain all of your relevant contact details and the name of your dog. The dog could also get a micro-chip implanted in it.

Have your current dog choose your new dog. Some dogs get along better with one another than others. If you find two dogs that can get along, you’ll save yourself some trouble.

Dog ownership is not a responsibility you should take up without a lot of careful thought. It’s one thing to fall head over heels in love with a puppy. It’s another to provide a forever home for a dog. Use that time to consider this so you make sure you are making the right choice. q

Are you aware of the fact that some vitamins might hurt your dog? Avoid giving your dog vitamins if he has a balanced diet. Do not give your dog too many vitamins as this can get them sick. Speak to the vet before you give your dog any vitamins.

You should take the time to reflect about your lifestyle before getting a dog. No matter how much you may want a furry friend, you may realize that you aren’t ready for that kind of responsibility.

Positive Reinforcement

When you train your dog, you will always want to use positive reinforcement. A dog learns quickly when he knows he will be rewarded. Positive reinforcement is more efficient and will allow you to connect with your pet. Being nice to your dog and treating him well during training will yield the best possible results.

Try out a variety of rewards when training. What does your dog like best? If food is the motivator, use hot dog pieces as a reward. Tug of war is a great game that you can play with your dog as a reward. Pet your dog if this is something he enjoys.

You’d be silly to ignore all of the great advice provided. Use it for all that you do to watch your dog become the dream companion you’ve always wanted. Dogs that are happy really show it no matter what, so work hard and you’ll see the rewards!