Most people believe that dogs can be man’s best friend. That proverb is widely known for a reason. If you care for your dog properly, you can have a great and long-lasting relationship with him. This article has some tips to follow if you want that great relationship.
Make your home dog-proof. This should be done before the dog shows up at your home. Store things like meds and cleaning products in a safe location, and be sure to keep any indoor trash cans behind a cabinet. Some common house plants that are toxic to pets should be removed from your home.
Do not feed your dog from the table. This teaches dogs bad habits. Scraps can be terrible for his diet and lead to obesity and other health problems. Make sure your dog doesn’t hover around your dinner table so it isn’t tempted to eat your food.
Practice your training regimen for your puppy near your home. Training a dog in a very populated area is never a good idea. This may distract your pet which will make it a lot harder to teach it even basic things.
Talk with a vet about which foods are good for dogs and which ought to be avoided. Different breeds and stages of development might mean that certain brands and types of food cause an upset stomach. Always be cautious when you’re thinking of feeding your dog.
Positive reinforcement is very important in training your dog. After all, your goal is for your dog to know when it is doing something good. Your dog is looking for ways to please you, and giving him your praise lets him know he has done just that.
Speak with your vet to see how much you’re going to have to feed your dog daily. While some individuals give their dogs food by following the package, sometimes these guidelines are inappropriate for your dog. Your vet will know how much to feed your particular dog.
Don’t get your dog food based on how cheap it is. Generally, food that is less expensive is not as healthy for your pet due to preservatives and additives put into the food. Find an advocacy group that can provide you with a list of vet recommended foods. Your dog will be much better off.
Make sure your dog always has trimmed nails. It can be quite painful for your dog if his nails start curling under. Buy some clippers from a pet store and cut them yourself. If you lack the confidence to do this job on your own, a pet groomer will usually do it at a low cost.
Female Dog
Be careful with your female dog when she is in heat, if you don’t want her getting pregnant. Male dogs can pick up the scent of a female dog in full heat up to five miles away. The end result of letting an in heat dog run free is not only an unwanted litter, but also a dog who is prone to fighting and the resulting injuries.
It is best to train your dog entirely by yourself. Everyone will have a different way of trying to teach the dog something, and that can make things confusing for the animal. Have a single person focus on training your dog, and have anyone else work to reinforce what the dog is learning. No matter what their opinions are, they should stick to the rules set by the trainer.
Make sure that you are keeping up with your dog’s vet appointments. This allows the vet to catch any diseases in the early stages before they can cause enough damage for you to even notice. Yearly physical exams can save money down the line and save the dog from suffering unnecessarily.
Check your dog for ticks and fleas every day when the weather gets warm. Comb your dog with a good flea comb to eradicate fleas. There are a lot of available products that can control fleas and ticks on your dog. Speak with your vet about which choices are best.
When you are nibbling on a snack, you might be tempted to let your dog have a taste. Some foods are fine to give, but others really are not. Some foods you cannot give your dog are chocolate, grapes, or any caffeine. These foods can cause health problems in your dog.
Dogs are amazing pets. Your relationship with your dog will thrive when you are properly educated. Use what you’ve learned here to have a happier dog. You’ll be able to have the best friend you’ve always desired.