Dogs can be great to have around, as they are loyal and friendly. But, it may take some work to get them to that point. You need to train them to ensure good behavior, and take good care of them. This guide can teach you about dogs, so read on.

It’s very important to make sure that your home is safe for a dog. Check your whole home to be sure it is safe prior to bringing a dog home. Do not have any pills out in the open and put all supplies in cabinets. Certain plants are toxic, and it’s best to move them, too.

Whenever you bring your dog along on vacations, take a quick snapshot of him and keep it on your phone. That way, if he happens to get separated from the family, you have an up-to-date picture of him that is easily accessible for showing people or can be downloaded for printing up “lost” flyers.

Be careful with canine flea treatments. Some treatments contain dangerous ingredients that may put your kids at risk for diseases like cancer. Talk with your vet concerning alternative treatments, and do not let small children come near while treating your dog.

When it’s time for dog training, you’ll want to do it inside your house or in your yard. You shouldn’t train your dog where many other people are present. Distraction ensues, and it is harder to get your dog to focus on basic commands.

Consult with your vet about the types of foods that are good for your dog. A puppy’s stomach may not be able to properly digest certain brands, sometimes causing an adverse reaction. Therefore, ensure you are cautious whenever providing your dog a new food.

Try giving the dog rawhide versus actual meat bones. Real bones can splinter and can get caught in your dog’s mouth or digestive tract. 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.

Daily brushing for your dog does more than simply prevent shedding. Brushing every day can also help your dog to have a shiny and beautiful coat. When you brush a dog, you are moving the skin’s oils evenly throughout its fur, so it really makes the fur shine and feel great.

You should have a better idea of how you can properly care for your dog. While it is not easy to begin with, the right knowledge and patience will get you a long way. By using the tips that you read here, it will be very easy to take care of your pup.