Dogs can provide you with companionship and love. Still, not every pet is perfect from the very beginning. They require proper care along with some training to follow the rules you set for them. This guide will teach you a few things about dogs, so keep reading.
Your dog needs annual medical exams. Dogs can’t talk, so how do you know he has arthritis, for example? A yearly checkup will help you find any problems before they become huge issues.
You shouldn’t allow your pet off your property if it’s not wearing a leash, even if he is extremely well-behaved. A wild animal may set your dog off and send it running into traffic, or someone could provoke your dog and get injured by accident. You are solely responsible for the dog’s actions and for the dog’s safety as well.
Think about your own lifestyle when considering the dog breed you want. If you jog a lot, buy a dog that likes to run, and not something like a toy poodle. Likewise if you spend quite a lot of time at home you may want to get a dog that likes to be pampered a lot. You will be much happier when you make a choice that is complementary to your lifestyle.
If your dog does something the correct way, such as sitting before you put the leash on, make sure that you give it tons of affection and praise. Always make sure your dog knows when they perform a behavior you wish to see repeated. It also reinforces the idea that they will receive attention if they behave as you want them to.
Get a dog house if you have a dog that you leave outside, in case the weather gets bad. If your dog happens to get his feet wet for a long period of time in cold temperatures, it can cause health complications. Keep your dog safe from wind, rain and snow by providing it with a house with lots of room and a dry floor.
Do not overlook your dog’s bad behavior. You should never ignore bad behaviors when they are puppies because this will make it a lot harder to correct down the road. If you don’t get his behavior under control, your dog could end up biting someone.
Some dog breeds are more likely than others to develop certain health issues. Research the heritage of your pup and learn how to prevent any common problems. You can also speak with your vet about any precautionary measures you can take to help your dog avoid the problems associated with his breed.
You should have a better idea of how you can properly care for your dog. It may take a bit more energy at first, but use what you learned in this article. This will help you become a great owner for your dog.