Dogs are known for being great companions. Some say that they’re better friends than humans. It is important for you to fully understand how to take care of your dog so you can watch it grow up happy and healthy. This article is going to teach you what to do so read over it.
Make sure your house is free of doggy danger. Your entire home should be safe prior to bringing the dog inside. All cleaning materials and drugs must be put away, and put your trash receptacle inside a cabinet. Certain plants are toxic, and it’s best to move them, too.
Make sure that your dog is spayed or neutered. Research has shown that by doing this you can be sure your pet can have a longer life and not be at risk for things like cancer. A spayed or neutered dog is also less likely to stray from its home, meaning it won’t risk getting lost or winding up in a street accident.
It doesn’t matter how good your dog is, you should never leave your property without keeping him or her leashed. There are a number of distractions that could cause your dog to run off into a dangerous situation. Your dog’s safety and behavior are your responsibility.
When training your dog, use hand gestures along with the verbal commands. When you give your dog these kinds of signals, he may learn faster. Give both methods a try, and see for yourself which your dog responds best to.
Your lifestyle should be a determining factor in the breed of dog that you choose. If you are a hunter for example, perhaps a retriever is the dog for you. If you spend more time in the home, a more sedate, indoor dog will fit your lifestyle best. Finding a dog that matches your personality will make both of you happy.
Do not buy the cheapest dog food. Cheap dog food usually includes fillers (such as corn or soybeans) which are not appropriate for dogs. It may also contain poor quality ingredients which may hurt your dog’s health over time. Use an animal advocacy group or some kind of consumer awareness group to see if you can get a list of good foods that are professionally recommended. Your dog will enjoy and benefit much more from healthier food.
Schedule a veterinary checkup for your new dog. When you bring them home, schedule a vet appointment. Your dog will get a vaccination schedule and a checkup. In addition, consult your vet about spaying or neutering your dog. The shelters are already overcrowded, so you do not want to make that problem worse.
Put a leash on your dog at all times when walking him. Make him walk at your side, and do not let him pull far in front of you or stay far behind. Use the command “heel” to prompt him. This will not only make your walks more enjoyable, but it will also help keep your dog safe. The heel command is crucial for your dog, even if a loose leash walk is being used.
If you think you want a dog, but are not sure if you are ready for the commitment involved, consider becoming a foster home. Shelters for abused or homeless dogs are often looking for temporary homes, called foster homes, where dogs can live until they are adopted out to a permanent home. Besides helping you figure out if full-time ownership is right for you, fostering will also do a great deal for the cause of abandoned animals as a whole.
Never leave any dog outside for long durations. Dogs need companionship and interaction with their owners. If your dog is alone outside, it will quickly get lonely. Plus, bad weather can be health and even life threatening to your pet.
Certain health issues plague particular dog breeds, and you need to know what those conditions are for the type of dog you own. Find out what your dog’s breed frequently suffers from and the symptoms. Speak with your vet about the positive steps you can take to help your dog avoid these sorts of breed related problems.
You need to ensure your dog will come back if he runs away; that is why you need to have a collar with his information on it. It’s a good idea to fit your dog with a sturdy collar equipped with ID tags. Keep the ID tags updated with your current contact information. Another option is to have a micro-chip put on your dog.
Stay involved politically for your dog. Keep an eye on legislation that might regulate or restrict your rights as a dog owner. This is just motivated by some bad apples or a certain breed. Be sure to voice your concerns in regards to dogs and dog owners by staying in touch with local officials.
Make sure to keep all of your dog’s annual check-up appointments. This allows the vet to catch any diseases in the early stages before they can cause enough damage for you to even notice. Yearly physical exams can save money down the line and save the dog from suffering unnecessarily.
Owning a dog is a great experience and will definitely enrich your life. The best thing you can do for your dog is to learn as much as you can about him. Keeping the advice from this article in mind will help ensure that your dog grows up happy and healthy.