Are you a dog owner or were you one before? If so, you are already aware of the many blessings that come from dog ownership. However, like everything else in life, owning a dog is great only if you truly understand them. The following article breaks down the different techniques that you must learn.
Go on and hug your dog, but do not kiss him. While getting kisses from your dog may seem cute, your dog’s mouth is extremely dirty. Remember that dogs use their tongues to clean themselves, and they like to eat garbage and drink out of the toilet. Many people say that dogs have cleaner mouths than people. This is simply false.
Neuter or spay your dog. Research shows that doing this can make your animal live longer and reduce their cancer risks. Also, dogs that get fixed won’t feel the need to wander away so that may mean that they won’t get into accidents like getting hit by a vehicle.
Be wary about certain flea treatments to use for your dog. A lot of them have chemicals that might be bad for kids! Ask the vet about flea powders and other products that are less hazardous for kids.
Keep your dog on leash any time he leaves your fenced yard, regardless of his gentle nature and good behavior. A dog might run after an animal and get into trouble, or it might get into a fight with another animal. You’re responsible for everything your dog does, and for his safety. as well.
Don’t get your dog food based on how cheap it is. Cheaper brands usually contain lots of additives and preservatives that can harm your dog’s health. Check with an animal advocacy group for a list of foods you should be feeding your dog. Your dog will be much healthier if you feed it some healthy food.
Don’t make you dog eat something they don’t want to eat. If you have purchased treats the dog does not appear to enjoy, do not force the issue. When you are a new dog owner, it may take a while to figure out what he does and doesn’t like.
Find out what is going on that is causing your dog to act out. If you don’t address it head on, you will discover that it becomes more difficult to control in the future, possibly with disastrous consequences. In addition, by not taking action, your dog may injure another person, even you. Therefore, ensure you discipline your dog.
If you’re adopting your pet from a shelter, it’s important that you take it to see a vet immediately. Dogs from shelters might have been exposed to viruses or might already be sick. Error on the side of caution and get your dog all its shots.
If you have your heart set on a purebred dog, realize that the city pound may be somewhere to look. There are people who drop off pets for many different reasons, such as moving abroad or the death of an owner. Speak to the nearest pound to see if an option suits you. You can save the life of an abandoned dog this way.
Love your dog! Make sure you don’t only focus on the negative things that your dog does. This could cause lots of problems for you. Remember to praise and be affectionate with your dog more frequently than you discipline him. This will make it more likely that your dog will behave well.
If you have just one dog who spends lots of time alone, consider getting a buddy dog. Dogs are usually in packs by nature and this means they enjoy being around one another. Match them on energy and temperament for the best selection.
Give your dog plenty of exercise for both his body and his mind. By teaching your dog tricks that he can do around the house, such as grabbing the newspaper, you’ll be keeping your dog mentally stimulated. This will make him feel like an active member of the family.
Dog Ownership
As this article discussed earlier, dog ownership can be a rewarding endeavor. It can be made even more pleasant when you are armed with good information about dog ownership. With these tips fresh in your mind, you’re ready to be a better owner. Utilize these excellent tips to ensure you raise an incredible dog.