If you’re looking for love and affection, dogs are for you. For owners who live on their own with their canine companion or for large households who consider a dog part of the family, dog ownership comes with plenty of rewards. Continue on for some excellent tips about understanding how to properly care for your dog.

Because dogs cannot speak to you, it is important to learn their non-verbal cues. If you notice your dog is hesitant to meet a particular person or dog, don’t force it. It could end up with someone getting bit. Watch out for those non-verbal clues and let your dog guide any actions you perform.

Keep your dog on leash any time he leaves your fenced yard, regardless of his gentle nature and good behavior. Wild animals could grab their attention, causing them to run into dangerous territory, or they may have an unpleasant situation involving other dogs and people. Your dog’s actions and safety is your responsibility.

Talk with your vet about the foods you should feed your dog. Certain brands may not be right for a small pup and could cause him to get a stomachache or become sick. Always be cautious about dog food.

Praise your dog when he behaves or performs in the way that you have been training him to. After all, your goal is for your dog to know when it is doing something good. It teaches the dog that he gets praised when he does what you’d like him to do.

Ask your vet how much food your dog should get every day. While some people follow the direction on the back of the dog food packaging, they are sometimes incorrect and may make your dog overweight. Talk to your vet about what is acceptable and what your dog’s particular needs are.

Cheap Dog

Avoid cheap dog food. Cheap dog food contains lots of preservatives and additives that your dog doesn’t need. Get a list from an animal advocacy or consumer awareness group of the highest recommended foods to give your dog. Your dog will thank you for feeding him a better food.

If you buy a new dog, set up a vet appointment as soon as possible. Immediately after bringing home the new dog, schedule a checkup with your veterinarian. This allows the vet to look him over and schedule the necessary vaccines. Remember that there is a tremendous dog overpopulation problem, so you should have your dog spayed/neutered.

Even if you are looking for a dog that is a pure breed, always check the local pound. A pure bred dog is just as likely to be abandoned at the pound as any other if its owners can no longer take care of it. Contact your pound and ask them what breeds are currently there. You can save the life of a dog this way.

If your dog seems lonely or seems to have separation anxiety, leave the radio or a CD on when you leave the house. The noise can help him feel more secure. This may help ease the dog’s fears and calm him down just enough so he isn’t going crazy while he awaits your arrival.

There is quite a bit you have to keep in mind when you’re caring for your dog. The job doesn’t end with setting out food and taking the occasional walk. You must learn how to properly take care of your pet. You will have many great years with your dog if you learn how to care for them properly.