Dogs make the perfect pet because they are loving, loyal and great with children. They don’t usually come that way, though. If you own a dog, it is essential that you teach your dog proper behaviors and properly care for them. This guide can teach you about dogs, so read on.

If you are going to get a dog from the shelter, make a appointment with the vet. Dogs from shelters might have been exposed to viruses or might already be sick. The best thing to do is to ensure that you new dog has all the necessary vaccinations before it comes home with you.

Make sure that your dog receives plenty of exercise. Dogs need routine activity and play in order to stay happy and healthy. Regardless of the activities you choose, the dog and you will surely benefit a great deal. In addition to providing much needed exercise, you will develop a lifelong bond with your pup.

Take your new dog to a vet. As soon as you bring your new dog home, make an appointment with your vet. The vet is going to check over your dog to see if everything is okay, as well as set it up to get vaccinations it may need. Also discuss with your vet about spaying or neutering your dog because there is a problem of over-population of dogs in shelters.

If you want a dog but don’t know if you can handle the responsibility, start out as a short-term foster home. The shelters are full of homeless pups and lack many resources because of the overcrowding. You can give a hand by fostering a dog without a home and try on the role of dog owner too!

Avoid keeping your dog outdoors all day, every day. This is common for people to do, but dogs should interact with others. Your dog may be lonely outside if he is the only dog in your household. Keeping them out for too long also exposes them to the elements, so its best that you bring them inside so they don’t get sick being outside in really bad weather.

The hair around a dog’s paws can easily get matted, and should be trimmed on a regular basis. Clean and comb the hair before you trim it. If this process is something with which you are uncomfortable, have a professional groomer do the job.

You may now understand that good dog care does not need to be difficult. It may take a bit more energy at first, but use what you learned in this article. Take everything you have learned here, and use it to take care of your four-legged friend.