Purchasing a dog is not an easy decision. Dogs need to eat, exercise, and be groomed to be happy. There’s so much to do; how will you know where to start? Reading this article is a great start.
Hugs are great, but steer clear of kisses. Kisses from dogs are adorable, but they’re a lot less cute when you realize how filthy your dog’s mouth actually is. Dogs rummage through trash, drink toilet water and lick other dog’s body parts. Many people say that dogs have cleaner mouths than people. Definitely do not believe that!
Spay or neuter your dog. Research has shown this simple procedure can lessen cancer risks and can give your dog a longer lifespan. Also, dogs that are fixed do not want to run away as much.
If your dog comes with you on vacations, you need to have an up-to-date picture of it on hand and in your phone. This ensures that, should he get lost, you have a current photo, ready for showing around or being used in flyers.
If you have medication is your home, even if it is just over-the-counter medication, place it where your dog cannot access it. Dogs can have very negative side effects from even small amounts of medications intended for humans. If your dog happens to get into any such pills, call your veterinarian or animal poison control immediately.
When training your dog, use hand gestures along with the verbal commands. Your dog may have a better time understanding you when you use manual signals. Find out the way that your dog prefers and use it.
Think about your life and then find a dog breed that will fit in well with your habits. For instance, if you like to go running, you’re not going to want a little dog that can’t keep up with you. If you prefer to stay at home, seek out a small dog that loves to snuggle on the couch. You should find a dog that fits well with your personality.
Daily brushing brings great rewards – much more than just a reduction in shedding. Brushing daily can ensure your dog’s coat is shiny and healthy looking. Brushing helps evenly distribute the oils in the fur and skin, which keeps things looking shiny, healthy and soft.
The hair around a dog’s paws can easily get matted, and should be trimmed on a regular basis. Straighten the hair with a comb slightly before you do any trimming. You can always use a dog groomer if you find the process difficult.
If you have your heart set on a purebred dog, realize that the city pound may be somewhere to look. A lot of people give their dogs to the pound because they can no longer keep their pet for whatever reason. Simply call the area pound to determine which breeds are available. You may get to save a canine’s life if you do this!
There are many ways to show your dog how cherished he is. Similar to other areas of life, dog owners notice a dog’s bad behavior rather than the good. This can only lead to future difficulties. Try to give your dog praise five times more than the amount of time you scold him. When you do this, you’ll see much better behavior from your dog.
Your dog needs exercise and entertainment. You can teach your dog to be helpful with and respectful of things in your house. Doing this will help your pet to feel like a loved and needed family member, and teaching your dog these skills will give it some much needed mental exercise.
Now that you have learned more about caring for and enjoying your dog, you are ready to apply your knowledge. It should help you build the strong foundation that you need. If you just apply the tips above, you and your dog can be very happy together.