It is not easy to own a dog. Dogs, just like kids, are going to have to be cleaned, taken to doctors, fed correctly, and entertained. Do you know everything there is to know about dog care? The tips in the article that follows will give you a great start.
Getting a dog is going to cost you some money. Every dog is going to need supplies, good food, and will also need medical care. After all is said and done this could cost about $800 or more. Health insurance for your pet can be a great idea to help you in emergency situations.
Your dog can not tell you what is wrong, so just listen to his body language. Avoid forcing your dog to interact with others if he doesn’t want to. This may lead to someone getting bitten. Watch for any of these non-verbal cues and let these guide your actions.
It doesn’t matter how good your dog is, you should never leave your property without keeping him or her leashed. You never know when something might spook him or distract him, leading to devastation. You are responsible if your dog does this.
If your dog displays a good behavior, praise it or reward it with a treat. You want to let your dog know that the behavior is something that you want to see. It teaches the dog that he gets praised when he does what you’d like him to do.
Make sure your pet has time each day to stretch his legs and move around. In order to stay fit and sharp-minded, a dog needs to spend plenty of time being physically active and playing constructive games. No matter what, whether throwing their ball or taking a long walk, you’ll both benefit from it. Exercise is a great way to bond with your pet.
Make an appointment with a good vet right after getting a new dog. This should be done as soon as he is adopted. Your vet will be able to give a clean bill of health, and appoint a schedule for vaccinations. You also want to check with the vet about fixing your dog if you will not be breeding him.
Teach your dog the proper way to walk while on a leash. He should know the “heel” command, stay close to you and not veer far ahead or drag behind. Your dog will be safer in this position, and you’ll both enjoy your walks more this way. Your dog needs to get used to this.
Your dog needs attention and shouldn’t be left alone outdoors all day. Dogs are social creatures and need interaction with others. If you don’t have more than one dog, the dog will get lonely when he’s not around you. Not only that, but during heavy rainstorms and snowstorms, it is imperative that you bring your dog indoors as well, to avoid the inclement weather and temperatures.
Make sure the hair located on your dog’s paws is trimmed in order to prevent matting. Straighten hair with a comb a bit before you trim it. You can always use a dog groomer if you find the process difficult.
When you leave to work, leave music on for your dog just to be nice, or if he has separation anxiety. The sounds of the music will provide a sense of security and company for your dog. It could be just what he needs to get over his anxiety while he waits for you to come home.
If you have a lone dog think about getting another if he is feeling lonely. Dogs love to be social and hate to be alone. Match the two dogs by energy levels and temperament, and both dogs will be in heaven!
Take your pet to the veterinarian regularly. Your dog needs to see a vet for full check-ups, heartworm blood testing, and for making sure all of their shots are up to date. Having a puppy means regular visits to the vet. You will also need to see a vet right away if your dog starts showing signs of illness or injury.
Positive Reinforcement
Rely on positive reinforcement when you train your dog. Rewards and praise can help the dog to come around much quicker than violence or dominance. Positive reinforcement is more efficient and will allow you to connect with your pet. If you treat your dog well during training, you’ll see excellent results.
Always stay firm. Sometimes a dog owner feels that it’s okay to sneak them food or let them destroy a toy. This can especially be true if the dog is a cute one. But, if you stay firm, you can avoid accidents. If your dog learns that it is not necessary to wait patiently for a few scraps and prefers jumping up to help himself, you may find that the dog takes whatever is in reach without waiting for your permission.
With these great tips, you can now really be an exceptional dog owner. Take the time to do more research on how to care for your dog and on any specific issues you are encountering. A dog will love you virtually unconditionally, but your pet will be even happier if you make use of the knowledge you’ve received here.