When you first dream of getting a dog, it’s all sweetness and submissiveness. The dog you get may be far from this ideal vision. The object is to find a dog that you can care for and love, which this article can help you with.

Getting a dog is going to cost you some money. You need to pay for high quality food, regular vet care, and various supplies. This can cost anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars each year. Pet insurance can be a good investment because your pet may require emergency care for illness or injury.

It’s very important to make sure that your home is safe for a dog. This should be done before the dog shows up at your home. Cleaning supplies and medications should be locked away, and any indoor trash cans need to be put in a cabinet. Some common house plants that are toxic to pets should be removed from your home.

If you have medication is your home, even if it is just over-the-counter medication, place it where your dog cannot access it. Just a few of your pills can be disastrous for the dog, inducing a heart attack or seizure. If your pet does manage to ingest some medicine, contact the vet right away.

Make sure you are informed of what flea treatments you are using for your dog. There are ingredients in some of them that can risk cancer in your children. Speak with your vet to see if there are any alternatives that are healthier choices for your pet and your family.

If you have a dog that does something right, like sitting when you’re getting out the leash, you should give the animal lots of praise and affection. Let a dog know that their behavior is what you wish to see. This will teach your dog that praise comes from good behavior.

Avoid cheap dog food. Cheap brands usually contain preservatives such as sodium and other additives that can be dangerous for your dog’s health. Find a trusted group that offers a list of healthy dog food. Your dog will benefit greatly from better food.

Don’t force your dog to eat something. If you offer him a treat he doesn’t seem to like, do not make him eat it. You need to find out what your dog does and does not like.

Bad Behavior

Correct bad behavior the first time you see it from your dog. If you ignore it, you are going to make the problem harder to contain, and you aren’t sure what the result of bad behavior will ultimately be. You don’t want to be the owner of a dog who hurts someone, so get a handle on it now.

Brushing your dog daily will do more than keep them from shedding all over your home. It’ll also give them a very beautiful and shiny coat. Brushing helps evenly distribute the oils in the fur and skin, which keeps things looking shiny, healthy and soft.

Make sure your dog is getting enough exercise. Regular exercise and play time promotes the health and happiness of your dog. You will enjoy the time you spend doing these things with your dog as well. Besides just getting some exercise, you’ll be creating a bond between you and your dog.

When you get a new dog, schedule a vet visit for soon after you’ve brought him home. Once the dog arrive home, place a call to the vet and schedule that appointment. Your vet will provide a full check up and establish vaccination dates. Talk with a vet about your dog being spayed or neutered. There are lots of homeless dogs and you don’t want to make the problem worse.

You’ve just been given a treasure chest full of good advice- don’t throw it away. Apply this advice to ensure your dog is more pleasant and fun to be around. Happy dogs give unconditional love, and that is what you should strive to achieve.