Owning a dog isn’t easy. Dogs, just like kids, are going to have to be cleaned, taken to doctors, fed correctly, and entertained. So, how do you know what to do? If you want to give your dog a happier, healthier life, the outstanding canine advice you’ll find below will definitely come in handy.
When you get a puppy, have him fixed at around two years old. Studies have shown that this leads to the pet living a longer and much healthier life. It also keeps dogs from humping, running away from home or becoming violent at puberty.
Your dog can not tell you what is wrong, so just listen to his body language. If your pet hesitates when approaching a person or a pet, don’t push them to go near them. That could lead to another person or dog being bitten. Watch out for those non-verbal clues and let your dog guide any actions you perform.
Practice training your dog in your house or yard. Training in busy areas with lots of people around should be avoided. It is very difficult to teach a dog that is distracted by people and disturbances.
If you’re training your dog, don’t just use verbal commands. Try hand signals as well. Hand signals can really help your dog. Every pet is different though, so use a combination of both verbal and visual cues and then determine what works the best.
Speak with your vet about how much food should your dog be eating each day. While some people feed their dogs according to the dog food package guidelines, these guidelines can be incorrect and lead to an overweight dog. The vet will know what is best for your pet.
Avoid cheap dog food. Cheap brands are full of fillers, preservative and even chemicals. Instead, research which brands are considered to be nutritious. Your dog is going to be healthier if he eats better.
Always teach your dog to walk properly on a leash. Your dog should learn to walk by the side of you, teach them to ‘heel’. Walking this way will help to keep your pet safe, and it will make it easier for you to enjoy walks too. Not having to hold the leash tightly will make going for walks easier.
Health Problems
What types of health problems are typical for your dog? Research his background and prepare for problems he might have. Also, you can speak with the vet to see what can be done so that your pet will have a better chance at avoiding health problems.
If you have a dog with extreme separation anxiety, you can help reduce it by playing music or leaving the television on whenever you leave your home. The sounds help your dog feel like others are still home and help your dog feel more secure. It may just be the fix needed for the dog’s anxiety problems until you get back to the house.
As you can see, there is a lot to know when it comes to being a dog owner. You now know what it takes to be a responsible, caring master. Both you and your dog will enjoy the benefits of your knowledge and dedication.