A lot of people had pets growing up and may even still have a few. If you are someone who now owns a dog or may be considering getting one, there are some things you should know. This article has dog tips to help you care for your dog properly.

Keep in mind that dogs are expensive. Expect to spend from $700 to as high as $1000 in a year to pay for medical attention, food and other items needed. Pet insurance can be a good investment because your pet may require emergency care for illness or injury.

It is important to puppy-proof your home. Don’t take a dog into your home without being sure that it is safe from top to bottom. Make sure chemicals, medications and any garbage is out of reach of the dog. Keep house plants out of his reach, especially if they could be poisonous.

Be wary when it comes to flea treatments. A lot of them have chemicals that might be bad for kids! Ask your vet about alternative treatments that are more family-friendly, and be sure to keep small children away during applications.

Rather than merely using verbal commands, it is wise to utilize hand signals when training your dog. Your dog can figure out things easier when they get these signals. Give both methods a shot, and see what your pet prefers.

You shouldn’t make your dog do something it doesn’t want to do. If you have food or treats your dog does not like, leave it alone. When you have a new dog, take time to learn what they do and don’t like.

If you’re adopting a dog through a local shelter, try scheduling a vet appointment right away. Shelter dogs have numerous opportunities to be exposed to harmful bacteria and viruses; these can result in dangerous illnesses. It’s crucial that your pet has all necessary shots before it’s brought into your house.

If you want a dog but don’t know if you can handle the responsibility, start out as a short-term foster home. Many homeless dogs are waiting for a home in shelters, where overcrowding is a major problem. Lend a hand by fostering a dog, and determine if it is a good fit for you and your family.

Make sure your let your dog know you love him. It is easy to overlook the good behavior your dog shows while you concentrate on eliminating the bad. With dogs, this can lead to trouble. Try keeping track of how often you praise and scold your pet in a day. For every one negative thing, make sure you say five positive things as well. Your dog will probably show proper behavior more if this is done.

Now you know how to care for your dog. Follow this advice for a positive dog ownership experience. Use the tips from this article and find other sources you can use to learn more about dogs.