If you are searching for a loving and loyal pet, consider a dog. Dogs can be great family pets or great pets for people living alone. If you’d like to better care for a dog, be sure to use these tips.

Your dog speaks to you, but it is through non-verbal cues. Your job is to learn to listen carefully so you understand the message. If you notice your dog is hesitant to meet a particular person or dog, don’t force it. This may cause a human or the other canine to get bit. Look for non-verbal cues and follow what the dog is telling you.

Don’t give table scraps to your dog. Your dog will constantly beg for food when you are eating and will not be hungry when the time to feed it comes. “People food” can also make dogs sick and contribute to obesity. Make your dog leave the room if he begins to beg, or train him to spend mealtimes in another room entirely.

Talk to the veterinarian about the proper amount of food for your dog. While some individuals give their dogs food by following the package, sometimes these guidelines are inappropriate for your dog. Check with you vet to find out about the feeding guidelines for your particular dog.

Do not buy the cheapest dog food. The brands that are cheaper have preservatives, additives, as well as other things that aren’t good for your dog. Check with animal advocacy groups or consumer reviews to find the best dog foods that are recommended by professionals. Higher quality dog food will offer your dog many health benefits.

Let your dog chew some rawhide rather than meat bones. Genuine bones can chip, and the pieces may become stuck in your dog’s teeth or digestive system. Rawhide is healthy for their teeth and gums, so don’t share your bones, even if the dog wants it!

Do not buy the cheapest dog food you can find. It is vital to give your dog the best quality food. This may mean that you have to pay a higher price, but you will know your dog is receiving all of the nutrients he needs.

Teach your dog the right way to walk with a leash. Your dog should walk beside you, not lag behind or run ahead, and should obey the command “heel.” Doing this will not only be easier on you, but it will also keep your dog safe. Even if you still use the loose leash walk at times, helping your dog to understand this command is a good idea.

If you wish to get a dog, but don’t know if you can commit to it, try getting a foster dog. Many abused and homeless animals are in shelters waiting for adoptions, but there is a lot of overcrowding and many resources are scarce. Become a foster parent to test the waters.

Stimulate your dog mentally and physically with plenty of exercise. You can even teach your dog useful tricks such as fetching the newspaper for you. This kind of play will make your dog feel like a contributing member of the family and keep his mental functioning at a high level.

Owning a dog involves following through on quite a few responsibilities. It’s harder than just walking him or feeding him. You must learn how to properly take care of your pet. This will make the both of you very content in the long run.