Isn’t owning a dog great? Dogs are beloved pets nearly everywhere for good reason. They are affectionate, active and love to have a good time. Really they are amazing companions. Your dog could be a great addition to your family if you take the time to train it properly. Here are some tips to help you along the way.
Take some time to become familiar with your canine’s non-verbal language. If you notice your dog is hesitant to meet a particular person or dog, don’t force it. This could cause your dog to get scared and to bite. Watch for these non-verbal hints and let the dog guide your actions.
If you have medication for you or a family member, be certain your dog cannot reach it. Your dog could have a heart attack or a seizure if it swallows some pills. When your dog happens to get at your meds, call the vet ASAP.
Training your dog should be done in your yard or inside your home. This will give you security and an area that your dog is comfortable. There are too many distractions there.
If your dog spends time outside, he should have a good house. You can purchase one or build one yourself if you are handy. If his feet are wet, extreme temperatures can be stressful and bad for his health. Make sure that your dog has a spacious home that they can go into to get out of the weather.
Avoid matting on your dog’s paws by keeping the hair on them trimmed. Clean and comb the hair before you trim it. You can always use a dog groomer if you find the process difficult.
If you are looking for dog of a particular breed, don’t discount your local pound. Lots of dog owners take animals to the pound when they can’t care for them any longer. Paying a trip to your local shelter might help you to find the exact dog you have been searching for. This can help save the life of a beautiful dog.
If you only have one dog and they aren’t happy or can’t handle being alone a lot, consider getting them a companion. The company could do your pet a lot of good. Match the two dogs by energy levels and temperament, and both dogs will be in heaven!
Ensure your dog will return by placing some type of identification on them. Have your dog wear a type of breakaway collar with identification to make sure they’re returned to you. Include all personal information necessary on this tag. If a tag doesn’t feel like the right option for your dog, consider a microchip.
Annual vet check-ups are important. Your vet can identify health issues such as diabetes, kidney disease and thyroid abnormalities before the problem is apparent to you. Giving your dog an annual physical can prevent unnecessary suffering to the animal and unnecessary expenses later on.
Clean up after accidents immediately. Use a cleaner that gets rid of smells. Your dog may do his business in the exact same area if his scent from the excrement lingers.
You need to be a great friend to your dog, just like he’s a great friend to you. Use these tips to care for your dog better. The tips will also help you and your dog to live happily with one another.