Do you have a dog that’s proving to be quite a handful? Some dog owners are overwhelmed with the commitment that comes with having a dog. Some owners think their dogs are a lost cause. The following information offers you many tips to train your dog right.
Make your home doggie-proof. It should be perfectly safe before you bring a dog in. Put up all of your cleaning supplies and medications, and be sure you put away any trash cans. Certain common house plants are toxic, so remove them or keep them out of reach.
It is fine to hug your dog, but avoid those wet kisses. While those sloppy kisses may be cute, be aware that your dog’s mouth is apt to be crawling with germs and bacteria. After all, dogs eat out of the garbage, drink from toilet bowls, and lick all over their body. It is not true that a dog has a cleaner mouth than a person. This is not in the least bit true.
An annual checkup at the vet is a great idea for your dog. Your dog is not able to talk, so it is not easy to know when he’s got arthritis or an aching tooth. Check-ups can reveal that and more.
Dogs can’t talk, so you must learn their body language. Avoid forcing your dog to interact with others if he doesn’t want to. This could lead to the other dog or person getting bit. So pay attention to your dog’s demeanor and make your judgement from these cues.
When vacationing with your dog, use the camera on your phone to snap a quick picture. If he just so happens to run away from you, you should have a picture so you can find him.
When you have medications of any sort, keep them where your dog cannot get to it. Just a few of your pills can be disastrous for the dog, inducing a heart attack or seizure. When your dog happens to get at your meds, call the vet ASAP.
Your dog deserves to have quality dog food. Many of the cheapest brands contain additives, preservatives and other things that can compromise the health of your dog. Find an advocacy group that can provide you with a list of vet recommended foods. Your dog will thank you for feeding him a better food.
Solid leash training is a must for any dog. He should be on your side, not behind or ahead of you, and he should know how to respond when told to “heel.” If you do this, your dog will be safe, and it will be easy for you to handle. The heel command is crucial for your dog, even if a loose leash walk is being used.
Becoming a foster for a dog will help you decide if dog ownership is right for you. A lot of shelters that take in homeless or abused animals have a way to let you adopt them for a while. Become a foster parent to test the waters.
Trim all hair surrounding the dog’s paws so that it does not become matted. Before you trim, carefully run a comb through the hairs to separate them. Go to a professional groomer if you have a hard time doing this yourself.
Dogs often get cuts from debris or pieces of glass. If you spot a cut on your dog’s paw, clean it using an antiseptic before bandaging the cut. If the cut is deep, it is best to go to a veterinarian.
You want to ensure that all trace of pet accidents are removed when they occur within the home. A combination of an industrial strength cleaner preceding an odor remover is effective. If your dog can still smell the spot he has marked, he will be likely to mark it again.
When choosing to introduce a new pooch to a home that already has one, it is best that you bring your current dog along to meet him. You need to see if they are going to be compatible or not. If you are able to find dogs that are compatible you will not be troubled later on.
Adding a dog to your life is not a decision that should be taken lightly. There is a lot involved and it’s too simple to fall for a cute puppy’s face. Make a thorough, honest evaluation of your preparedness and suitability before you agree to care for a dog.
Rely on positive reinforcement when you train your dog. Using praise and rewards helps your dog learn quicker than other ways, such as dominance or violence. Humane treatment is more effective and works better over time. So treat your dog kindly when training and you will see better results.
As you start training your dog, don’t be afraid to try out a few different reward systems. The goal is to learn what type of reward motivates your dog the most. If food is what drives your dog, use small, hot dog pieces as reward. On the other hand, if your dog enjoys playing with toys, provide him with a new toy whenever he behaves. You may even find that your dog is best motivated by a little rubdown and affection.
If you’re a dog owner, you have a lot on your plate. Being a pet owner can take quite a bit of time out of your day. Hopefully, the advice in this piece has helped you feel more prepared to raise a pet. In no time your worries will be gone.