Dogs and people have lived together for many millennia. It’s clear that people and dogs are destined to share lives. However, as the human, you have to make sure that your dog is well taken care of. If you’d like to gather a little extra information about how to treat your dog right, just check out these helpful hints.

You should not kiss your dog. While those sloppy kisses may be cute, be aware that your dog’s mouth is apt to be crawling with germs and bacteria. He probably doesn’t mind eating dirt, enjoys drinking water from the toilet if he can get at it, and tries in vain to clean himself with his tongue. It’s an old wives’ tale that a dog has a very clean mouth. However, this simply is not the case.

Verbal Cues

Because dogs cannot speak to you, it is important to learn their non-verbal cues. If you notice the dog being hesitant in a new situation, don’t force your dog to socialize if it doesn’t want to. It could end up with someone getting bit. Take heed of these non-verbal cues, and act accordingly.

Think about your life and then find a dog breed that will fit in well with your habits. For example, if you’re a jogger, get a type of dog that can run with you, not a toy-poodle. When you prefer to stay home, choose a small dog who doesn’t need much outdoor time. When you find the perfect match, you’ll both be happier!

Speak with your vet to see how much you’re going to have to feed your dog daily. Some people refer to the label on the package to determine the quantity of food to feed their dogs, but those guidelines are not always right and using them can cause your dog to become overweight. Your vet will know how much to feed your particular dog.

If your dog has to stay outside during cold weather, give him a dog house. This is especially important during wet weather. A roomy shelter that protects from the windy, rainy, and snowy weather is the best option.

Dedicate enough time to correcting bad behavior right away. When you let it go, he thinks it is okay to do. The dog may harm somebody, even you, so control them.

Stimulate your dog mentally and physically with plenty of exercise. Teach your dog to get your newspaper as well as other things that are useful in your home. He’ll feel helpful and like he is a member of the family. At the same time, the training is good for his mental and thinking skills.

You need to ensure your dog will come back if he runs away; that is why you need to have a collar with his information on it. A popular way to ensure the return of your dog is to use a breakaway collar and ID tag. The tag should let people know what your dog’s name is along with your contact information. Micro-chipping your dog is another option.

Dog Owner

Make political decisions which will help your dog! Watch for local legislation that may be passing through the system, restricting and regulating dog owner’s behavior and rights. It is usually indicative of a particular breed or certain owner’s recent actions. You should speak out as a good dog owner, and talk with officials in your area.

As the human, you must care for your dog’s needs. It can be a lot easier to do that when you know what kinds of things you must do, so this article can help you. Just put the tips to work in your life, and you’ll see that your dog is even happier.