Are you a dog owner, or did you have a pet at another time in your life? If you answered yes to this question, you know the benefits of having an animal in your house. However, like most things, owning a dog is much easier if you have the right information and knowledge. You’ll be able to pick up some very useful dog tips by perusing the article below.
Your home must be dog-proofed. Don’t take a dog into your home without being sure that it is safe from top to bottom. Medicine and cleaners should be stored, and indoor trash should be placed in a cabinet. Many common household plants are poisonous, so keep them away from your dog or get rid of them.
Just like humans, dogs should go to the vet for a checkup yearly. Since your dog can’t speak, it may be difficult to know when he is having health issues. Regular checkups will help you find these issues prior to them becoming a serious problem.
When you get a puppy, have him fixed at around two years old. Research has proven that this can help your dog live longer and also specifically help prevent 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.
Verbal Cues
Your dog cannot speak, so you have to interpret non-verbal cues. If when meeting a new dog or person you find your dog is filled with dread, remove him from the situation. This might lead to a bite to another dog or even to a person. Take heed of these non-verbal cues, and act accordingly.
Look into the flea treatments. Many have ingredients that are dangerous to kids. Talk to your veterinarian about safer alternatives.
Do not feed your dog “people food”. Feeding a dog from the table only reinforces begging. The dog will also be less likely to eat its normal food. In fact, a steady supply of scraps may encourage your dog to gain unhealthy amounts of weight and set off serious digestive problems. Make your dog leave the room if he begins to beg, or train him to spend mealtimes in another room entirely.
When you have to train a dog, your home and/or yard is the right place to do it. It is unwise to do it where there are many strangers around. This may distract your pet which will make it a lot harder to teach it even basic things.
It doesn’t matter how good your dog is, you should never leave your property without keeping him or her leashed. A wild animal may set your dog off and send it running into traffic, or someone could provoke your dog and get injured by accident. You’re responsible for everything your dog does, and for his safety. as well.
Train your dog how to properly walk when 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”. Your dog will be safer in this position, and you’ll both enjoy your walks more this way. The heel command is crucial for your dog, even if a loose leash walk is being used.
Make sure that your dog is not left alone outdoors all day. This is done for various reasons, but your dog needs interaction with people. When your dog is the only one you have, leaving him alone will make him sad. If you’re area is experiencing rain or snow, you’ll need to bring your dog inside to prevent your dog from getting ill.
If your dog spends a lot of time alone, think seriously about adding a second animal to your family. Dogs come from packs, so it’s in their nature to prefer spending time with a member of their own species. Match the two dogs by energy levels and temperament, and both dogs will be in heaven!
There are many advantages with owning a dog. This can be great if you know all there is to know about dogs! This article has provided you will solid information to help you care for your dog’s various needs. Apply what you’ve learned here, and enjoy quality time with your pooch.