Dog ownership is a responsibility you have to take seriously. You must ensure your dog’s happiness and health at all times. Being the best pet owner you can be means learning what you can. Continue reading to learn some helpful tips.

Dogs can’t talk, so you must learn their body language. If you notice that your dog is timid around strangers or other dogs, you shouldn’t attempt to force its interaction with them. This could cause your dog to get scared and to bite. By reading the body language of your dog, you can ensure that this does not happen.

Use flea treatments with caution. Some medicines can put your children in harms way. Speak with your vet to see if there are any alternatives that are healthier choices for your pet and your family.

Reward your dog for doing right things, such as sitting while you place it’s food down, with lots of praise and attention. He needs to understand that this is the right thing to do. This shows your pup that when things are done right, he will be rewarded.

Give your dog a lot of love. Owners tend to focus on the bad times, not the good. You might have a hard time later on. Give your dog positive reinforcement every time they do something right. This will make them very happy when around you.

If your pup seems lonely by itself, consider getting another dog. Dogs are pack animals by their very nature and usually prefer the company of their own kind. Match them up carefully by temperament and energy levels and your dog should be in canine heaven!

Getting Pregnant

Be careful with your female dog when she is in heat, if you don’t want her getting pregnant. A male can pick up on her scent from as far as five miles away! She might instigate problems with fellow dogs, as well as getting pregnant with an unknown mate.

Keep a dog tag on your dog at all times. A common way to find a lost dog is to ensure it has a collar with an ID tag. Your dog’s name and your contact info should appear on the tag. Have you considered micro-chipping your dog?

Clean up after accidents immediately. Utilize professional grade cleaners and odor removers as well. Your dog may do his business in the exact same area if his scent from the excrement lingers.

When the weather heats up, start checking your pet for ticks and fleas daily. If you find fleas, use a flea comb and get rid of them. There are lots of flea and tick products for dogs. You can also consult your vet.

Current Dog

Have your current dog choose your new dog. Most dogs enjoy another dog’s company, but some dogs do not get along. Find a dog that your current dog gets along with.

Positive reinforcement is the best method of training a dog. Rewards and praise helps dogs learn faster than violence and dominance. Treating your dog humanely provides better results and is better for your dog long term. Being nice to your dog and treating him well during training will yield the best possible results.

You have to watch what kind of food your dog consumes. Puppies can eat highly caloric foods, which facilitate proper growth. Adult dogs can’t eat everything because it will cause them to gain weight and have health problems.

Make sure you and your dog are prepared for hot summer weather. Dogs get too hot very quickly. You should have a cool, shady place they for them to go in the summer. Be certain that your dog always has clean, cool water. Also, your dog might not like the sun’s rays, so ask the vet if you can get some sunscreen for your dog.

Be consistent. Most dog owners think that letting it slide “this time” is okay, even for a major rules infraction. Cute dogs get away with even more. However, if you’re firm, you’ll be able to avoid problems down the line. If you are not firm, your dog will take advantage of you.

Your dog isn’t a superhero. You may want to train him for a long time, but his attention span isn’t that long. Spend a few minutes a day training your dog what you want him to learn.

When you buy a puppy, socialize him with dogs as much as possible. Socializing your dog can be done by going to dog parks, play dates and the groomer.

Where will your new dog sleep? If you want to use a crate for it’s bed, don’t let your pup in your bed. Before letting your dog into your bed, you should be sure that you’re okay with this being a long-term sleeping arrangement.

Consult with your veterinarian about the best brand of food to feed your dog. Some dogs with medical conditions, like diabetes, need a specific diet. An unhealthy diet could be very harmful to a young puppy or to a dog who suffers from diabetes. Your veterinarian is a great resource for you.

This information is all yours, so use it to get started right away. You’ll get the greatest benefit from making the most changes. It makes no sense to get a dog if you do not plan to offer it a happy and healthy lifestyle.