Want A Dog? Read This First!
You have probably heard that dogs are man’s best friend. This saying is quite true. As long as you know what you’re doing, you can get full enjoyment from owning a dog. The piece below is full of useful information for raising a dog.
Make your home dog-proof. Don’t take a dog into your home without being sure that it is safe from top to bottom. Cleaning supplies and medications should be locked away, and any indoor trash cans need to be put in a cabinet. Some plants that are usually kept in the home are poisonous to pets, so move them where your dog cannot get to them, or put them out of your home completely.
Go on and hug your dog, but do not kiss him. Kisses from dogs are adorable, but they’re a lot less cute when you realize how filthy your dog’s mouth actually is. You don’t know where your dog’s tongue has been, and you’re better off not knowing. It saying that the dog’s mouth is much cleaner than a human’s is folklore. This is not in the least bit true.
A physical is good for you, and a yearly vet trip is good 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. Annual checkups can catch issues before they develop into something serious.
Have your dog spayed or neutered. Research shows that taking this simple action can help your pet live a longer life, as it can reduce the risk of cancer. In addition, dogs that are spayed or neutered do not have as strong of a desire to wander from their home, meaning that they are less likely to get lost or hit by a car.
The dog breed you choose should blend in well with your lifestyle. For instance, if you like to go running, you’re not going to want a little dog that can’t keep up with you. On the other hand, a cuddly small dog may be perfect for those who enjoy a quiet evening reading on the couch. You will be much happier when you make a choice that is complementary to your lifestyle.
Whenever your dog performs a good action, such as sitting or staying, give it praise and rewards. This communicates to your dog that he is doing just exactly what you want. This will also give your dog incentive to be good.
Avoid buying your dog bargain-based food. Less expensive dog foods include fillers and additives that are not beneficial to your dog’s health. You can get a list of veterinarian-recommended foods from your vet or from animal advocacy groups or consumer awareness groups. Your dog can really benefit from better food.
When you buy dog food, avoid the cheap stuff. Overall, your dog will benefit form a lifetime of quality food. This may mean higher costs for a better brand, but your dog will get great nutrition from proper sources.
Schedule a visit to the vet when you get a new pet. As soon as you bring your new dog home, make an appointment with your vet. Your vet can make health recommendations, make sure that vaccinations are up to date and help with maintenance items like flea care and proper diet. Also discuss with your vet about spaying or neutering your dog because there is a problem of over-population of dogs in shelters.
Some dog breeds are more prone to problems than others and you should know if your dog could have problems. Take the time to read up on your breed so that you don’t get any surprises down the road. Be sure to ask the vet if there is anything you can do in order to avoid health problems that run in the breed.
Make sure that you can get your dog back by ensuring they carry some type of identification. Purchase a dog tag so your dog has identification. The tag should let people know what your dog’s name is along with your contact information. Another good thing to do would be to have a micro-chip put in your dog.
When it comes to training your dog, you should never have several people in charge. Training methods vary by person, and multiple trainers can confuse the dog. One person should be in charge, and everyone else needs to reinforce everything this person teaches the dog.
Dogs are great companions. You will have a better relationship with them if you take the time to learn more. You have gained a lot of knowledge from what you have just read, and hopefully this knowledge can be used to make your pet happy. The term “man’s best friend” will soon apply to your dog!
Calm Your Pooch, And Calm Your Household
Never allow your dog to walk you, and be sure the dog always behaves when out and about. The key to mastering dog behavior is training, and this article has all the advice you could need.
Good behavior means rewards! When your dog does commands correctly, they get a treat. Though you might be satisfied with this type of accomplishment, excitement may lead to your pet having diminished control over the situation. Try to stay as calm as possible during your training your dog session.
Provide your puppy with his own chew toys to alleviate the pain of teething, and try to keep other items out of reach. Take it away, and give him a chew toy. A wet frozen washcloth is great for a puppy, who has teething pain, to chew on.
Your dog needs to be up to date on his training. This will help to make them more obedient. Many times, owners feel that since their animals have gone through puppy training, they can just forget about it. Pets are creatures of habit, and they need to constantly be taught new things. So, it’s very important that you review your training with your dog regularly.
When approaching a strange or unfamiliar dog, approach slowly, while allowing the dog to sniff the back side of your hand. This lets the dog get accustomed to your smell and he will be more trusting towards you. After he knows you and your scent, it is easier to command him.
To improve the efficiency of your training routine, make sure your dog eats and poops at around the same time every day. This will help you know when you have to take your dog outside, before he ruins your carpet. This helps your puppy learn to “hold it” for a bit, until he knows it’s time to go out and will help save you money on carpet cleaning.
Among the initial commands a dog should learn is “leave it,” which instructs the dog to drop whatever it has and step away from it. “Leave it” can prevent furniture chewing, save valuable objects from being destroyed and save your dog from consuming dangerous and/or poisonous substances.
Try to incorporate play into your training sessions with your dog. If you do so, your dog will feel closer to you, and even respond to training better. While training can be fun, try having play time with your dog every day for a period of time.
Try to get your dog’s attention when you are training him or her. Start all commands with the dog’s name. First, call his name then give him a verbal or gesture command. Dogs commonly respond quickly when their names are called, and they realize that you want their attention.
If you plan on housebreaking your pet, you must work hard to avoid any preventable mistakes. Pay attention to the cues your dog displays to indicate that he needs to be outside. Common behaviors include snuffling, whining, and pacing around. If you see your dog exhibiting these behaviors, jump right up and grab the leash. Get outside right away to the dog’s favorite spot. Give him praise for proper toilet behavior. He’ll want to go out and do the right thing soon enough.
A good way to reduce the level of barking come from your dog, is to immerse them in their barking triggers so that they get used to them. A variety of things can cause this, whether other animals, unknown people or specific sounds. Once used to these things, your pet will know that barking is not necessary.
The tone of your voice is an important part of successfully disciplining your dog. Dogs are very empathic to their trainer’s emotions. A disciplinary command is best delivered in a stern tone.
Without good puppy training knowledge, you’ll have a difficult time getting your dog to behave. Although, now that you have read this article and obtained this information, you can train your dog to be a great part of the family.
Now that you are armed with the right info about blue widget, you should go out and use it. It might be hard to learn about learn more, but you will gain a good foundation right here. If you keep putting in the time, you’ll eventually be as knowledgeable as the pros.
Open The Can Of Worms About Dog Ownership
You might think that you will find your dream dog at the local animal shelter or pet store. This may not be what you get in the end. However you proceed, you have to care for the dog and you will find that this article can teach you how to do just that.
Talk to your vet about appropriate nutrition for your canine. Simply reading the label on your dog food package may not be enough; your dog may have special needs. Speak with your veterinarian about what your dog’s needs are and what amounts are proper.
Offer rawhide rather than actual meat bones. Rawhide limits the danger when your dog is chewing. Rawhide is great for oral health, so don’t give Rover any of your T-bone, regardless of how much you know he wants it.
Brushing your dog every day is going to stop them from shedding in your home, but more than that. Brushing your pup daily will help make their coat shiny. The reason for this is that brushing helps distribute the skin’s oils throughout the coat to condition the fur and skin.
If you wish to get a dog, but don’t know if you can commit to it, try getting a foster dog. Dogs who have been abused or left without a home stay in shelters until someone adopts them. Since there are so many dogs in shelters, there are little resources. Fostering dogs will give them a wonderful home – who knows, maybe you will decide to be a fulltime dog owner!
Get your dog’s hair trimmed around its paws so that hair doesn’t get matted up. You ought to use a comb as a means to straighten it before trimming. Another option is to take your dog to the groomers and ask for this task to be performed.
It is important that your dog is equipped with some kind of ID. Keep identification on your dog’s collar. This tag needs to have the dog’s name as well as a way to contact you. If a tag doesn’t feel like the right option for your dog, consider a microchip.
You need to train the dog by yourself; more than one person might confuse him. Everybody does things differently, and a dog can be confused by having several commanders. One person should be in charge, and everyone else needs to reinforce everything this person teaches the dog.
Bring your dog to a veterinarian regularly. Your dog should see a vet at least twice a year to make sure they are in good health and that they do not need new shots. It’s important to go more often if it’s a pup. If your dog appears to be ill or injured, you should make a trip to the vet immediately.
If your dog accidentally goes to the bathroom inside, remove every trace of it. Use a cleaner that’s professional strength and follow that up with a good odor remover. If your dog can still smell the spot he has marked, he will be likely to mark it again.
When you are enjoying a snack, you might be tempted to share a little with your dog. Some foods are fine to give, but others really are not. Some foods you cannot give your dog are chocolate, grapes, or any caffeine. These food can have harmful effects on your pup’s health.
Be careful about what you feed your dog. As puppies, for example, dogs thrive on rich, high-calorie foods that fuel their rapid growth. If an adult eats this food, he’ll quickly become overweight and unhealthy.
Your dog isn’t a superhero. Remember that your dog’s attention span is rather short, and watch for signs that he is ready for a break from training. Try to keep your training sessions fun, so that your dog stays interested.
If you’re going to get a dog, you should have him trained. By educating yourself from professionals, you and your new furry companion will be happier because you will know how to better care for it. While puppies usually learn commands easier than adult dogs, older dogs are still able to learn.
You need to make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise, no matter if you are busy or not. Not only does your pet need the exercise, but walks give your canine friend a chance to see new things and possibly interact with new people. If you want your dog to grow up to be friendly and happy, you should ensure you walk it regularly.
Carefully consider your dog’s diet. Some food brands are much better than others and price is not always a good determining factor. Your vet can advise you about the right food for your dog, taking his age, breed, and health into consideration. Diet is a great way to give your dog a longer and happier life.
If you have kids, then you’re aware of how much their lives revolve around a routine. Dogs are similar to kids in this way. Without knowing what to expect during the day, your pet is likely to become cranky or mean-tempered. Their mood will reflect in their behavior. This means you should have set times for play, training, and meals.
Make sure that you use the tips and advice from above. Incorporate every piece of advice into your daily routine with your dog. Your happy dog will show you unconditional love.
Wonderful Ways To Enrich Your Dog’s Life
Dogs possess a loyalty that is superior to the human trait. If you are a dog owner, it is your responsibility to learn as much as possible about these animals and how to properly care for them. The tips included below will help with the discovery process.
Make your home dog-proof. Don’t take a dog into your home without being sure that it is safe from top to bottom. Put up all of your cleaning supplies and medications, and be sure you put away any trash cans. Make sure no toxic plants are in the vicinity of your dogs.
When training your dog, use hand gestures along with the verbal commands. Dogs tend to respond better with these additional types of signals instead of always relying on voice commands. Find out the way that your dog prefers and use it.
If you are not sure how often you should feed your dog, ask your vet. Some people feed the dog based on their food package recommendations, but these can be wrong and cause them to be overweight. Speak with your veterinarian about what your dog’s needs are and what amounts are proper.
Clip your dog’s nails. Once they get to a length where they are curling under, this is likely to cause your dog some pain. Find some good clippers you can use to trim your dog’s nails yourself. If you don’t feel comfortable trimming them yourself, a groomer can do it for little money.
If you decide to adopt a dog from a shelter, you should schedule an appointment with a veterinarian right away. Dogs that live in shelters may be sick or may have been around other sick dogs. It’s crucial that your pet has all necessary shots before it’s brought into your house.
Fostering a dog teaches you about the responsibilities of dog ownership. Thousands of animals are living in shelters, which is less than ideal for many dogs, while they wait for a chance to be adopted. You can foster one to help out the cause and find out if you want to keep one!
Pure Bred Dog
If you want a pure bred dog, do not discount the pound as a place to find him. A pure bred dog is just as likely to be abandoned at the pound as any other if its owners can no longer take care of it. All you have to do is give your local shelter a call, and you can find out which breeds they have. Taking this option may save the life of a dog.
Separation anxiety could be a problem with your dog. If so, show him extra love and attention and leave music on while you are away. The dog will be less likely to feel anxiety if there is a familiar noise. This could be the perfect fix to keep him calm until you return.
Show the dog that he is loved. As is often the case, dog owners frequently focus on bad behavior instead of good. That could mean trouble later with your dog. Praise your dog at least 5x more than you discipline him. Your dog is much more likely to showcase the proper behavior if you do so.
If your female dog is in heat be cautious – she could very easily become pregnant. Male dogs can smell her scent from up to five miles. This may also make other dogs fight and it could also get her pregnant which will make her have puppies from an unknown source.
It isn’t unusual for dogs to injure their paws by stepping on bits of glass or other debris. Clean any small cuts on your dog with antiseptic, and bandage the area. If the cut is deep, check with your vet.
If you are shopping for a new dog and already own another dog, it is a good idea to take your old dog along. Dogs are very social by nature, but some get along better than others. Finding dogs that like each other will save you headache and heartache in the long run.
Never judge a dog’s health simply by how cold or wet its nose is. There are many reasons for your dog’s nose to be cold and wet even if the dog is sick. You can keep track of your dog’s heath by paying attention to it’s appetite, demeanor, and energy levels. These are better signs of how your dog is feeling. A dog’s temperature can be taken rectally if need be.
You need to be very firm. When you first bring a dog home, you might think it’s fine to sneak them table scraps or let them chew on your shoes. Not even if he has those big puppy dog eyes! But, if you stay firm, you can avoid accidents. Giving your dog the scraps after a meal might be okay to you, but if you let things slide you may find your pet eating your dinner from your own lap!
There isn’t a doubht that there are benefits to owning a dog, and that can be the start of a great friendship. Dog owners, current or future, would all do well to research and learn about what dogs really need. The above advice can be used for times to come.
Tactics And Secrets To A Well Trained Pooch
Most dog owners need to spend a lot of time reinforcing positive behaviors in their dog and getting rid of bad behaviors such as chewing or barking. Apply this advice to ensure that your dog is well-behaved and happy.
Your dog will perform best on a healthy diet. It is entirely up to you to provide a good diet for your pet. If your dog isn’t getting what it needs to stay healthy, it could really struggle to find the energy for training or may act out in other ways. Training may very well go easier when dogs are given the proper nutrients in a healthful diet.
It is important to have an appropriately sized dog crate. Keep in mind, puppies do not stay small forever. Select a crate that is large enough for them to fit in when they are older. Your dog should be able to make itself comfortable in a crate big enough for it to toss and turn.
As you are working to house train your pet, select a single term or phrase that you will use. When you are outside with the puppy, say the chosen phrase to keep him focused on the task he is to accomplish.
As you progress with your dog’s training, you should begin to give it more and more freedom. If you can instill a healthy sense of obedience with an appreciation for your love, you and your dog are guaranteed to enjoy your time together. Don’t give your dog too much free reign though.
Primary reinforcement is an important part of any training program. This method involves giving your dog something they enjoy when they are well behaved. Rewards can be rubbing a dog’s belly or giving it a treat. This way, your dog learns the right way to get what he wants.
Stay firm when you are training your dog. That said, love should prevail and yelling should never occur. This way, you can have a great relationship with the dog.
You need to be very consistent when training your dog. When many members of a family are working to train a dog, be certain that each person uses identical commands, rewards and discipline. If everyone involved uses the same commands, your dog will learn more quickly and easily.
It is vital to keep some slack in the leash when you are trying to train a dog. Dogs are often eager to explore new territory when they get the opportunity to go for a walk. Since they are excited, they may pull on their leash. Be sure to train your dog to walk on a slack leash right along with you.
Good dog grooming habits can assist you in training your dog. There are breeds that are very low maintenance, while others may require weekly grooming sessions. Grooming accomplishes many things for your dog, including happiness, cleanliness and protection from diseases.
Don’t reward or ignore bad behavior because you want to put a stop to it. The dog will only learn that it is the boss. Do not ever reward bad beahvior.
When traveling with your pet, ensure you pack all the necessary equipment. Items like food and water bowls, bathroom bags and paper towels are important in having a very relaxing ride. You can purchase food, so this is not a high priority item.
Even if you’ve got a rowdy dog, keep thinking positively. The majority of dogs are trainable as long as dedication and solid techniques are used. Implement the advice you’ve read here, and your dog will be well-behaved in no time.
Many people are interested in additional reading, but are unsure of how to learn more. This article can help jump start your learning experience. Now is the time to take the knowledge you have gained and apply it to your life!