Dogs make great pets. Dog owners lives are enriched by companionship and fun. However, it would be beneficial to both of you to learn all you there is about dogs. This article will give you the start you need in your journey to canine wisdom.

Try not to give a dog table scraps. Doing so teaches it to beg and ruins its appetite for its regular food. Table scraps can be bad for his health as well, leading to obesity and digestive disorders. Train your dog to remain in another room while the family eats so no one is tempted to slip something to him under the table.

It’s a good idea to have your regular dog training sessions in your own yard or at home. It’s never good to try and train your pet when there are quite a few people around. Being around others can cause distractions, meaning it is more difficult for your dog to master basic commands.

When choosing a dog, make sure you consider your lifestyle. Joggers should get a high energy dog, for example. Also, if you like to stay at home, find small dogs that prefer sitting on laps and being stroked. Keeping a mismatch out of play makes both of you happy.

Don’t buy the cheapest food for your dog. The brands that are cheaper actually have lots of additives, preservatives and other harmful ingredients that can endanger the health of your dog. Looking at a pet advocacy group website can give you recommendations of the best food for your dog. Your dog can really benefit from better food.

If your dog has to stay outside during cold weather, give him a dog house. Exposure to extreme weather for long periods can cause health issues, particularly if the dog’s feet get wet. Keep your dog safe from the elements by providing shelter.

It’s important to make sure that your pup’s nails stay trimmed. Once they get to a length where they are curling under, this is likely to cause your dog some pain. It is easy to keep nails trimmed with simple implements available at pet stores. If you don’t feel comfortable trimming them yourself, a groomer can do it for little money.

Schedule a vet appointment before adopting a shelter dog. Shelter dogs have likely been exposed to all kinds of viruses, such as parvo and distemper, which are deadly. Your puppy needs to get a few shots before you can safely bring it home.

If you want to get yourself a new dog, but aren’t totally sold on the idea, you could try to get a foster pet. Many abused and homeless animals are in shelters waiting for adoptions, but there is a lot of overcrowding and many resources are scarce. Fostering dogs will give them a wonderful home – who knows, maybe you will decide to be a fulltime dog owner!

Make sure you exercise both your dog’s mind and its body. Teaching your dog tricks, such as fetching your shoes or the paper, is a fun activity and it also will stimulate your dog’s mind, keeping him alert and attentive. This kind of play will make your dog feel like a contributing member of the family and keep his mental functioning at a high level.

Dogs can get a cut on their foot if they step on glass or debris. If you notice a small cut on your dog, use antiseptic to wash it, and then put a bandage around it. If the cut seems deep, visit your vet.

There are few relationships as rewarding as the one between man and his dog. But, to really get the most of the relationship you have with your dog, you need to know as much as possible about them. Following these tips will start you on your way to becoming an experienced and knowledgeable dog owner. The more effort you put into using this advice, the more both of you will benefit.