Owning a pet is a lot of fun but there are many responsibilities involved. In order to make your time with your dog enjoyable, there are some things you should know. You should go over this article to learn more about dogs and what you can do to be a good pet owner.
Always, have your dog spayed or neutered. Research has proven that this can help your dog live longer and also specifically help prevent cancer. Also, dogs that have been neutered or spayed stick closer to home, limiting their exposure to dangerous traffic and other hazards.
When you begin training your pup, start in your yard or home. You shouldn’t train your dog where many other people are present. Too many people causes distractions, making it hard to train them.
If you’re trying to figure out what type of dog you might want to get, take a look at your lifestyle. For example, if you’re a jogger, get a type of dog that can run with you, not a toy-poodle. On the other hand, a cuddly small dog may be perfect for those who enjoy a quiet evening reading on the couch. Getting a dog that matches your lifestyle will make you both more happy.
Should you visit a shelter to adopt a dog, take the animal to the vet as soon as possible. Shelter dogs could be sick or exposed to different viruses. The best thing to do is to ensure that you new dog has all the necessary vaccinations before it comes home with you.
Solid leash training is a must for any dog. They should walk by your side, instead of behind or in front of you, and they must respond to “heel.” If you do this, your dog will be safe, and it will be easy for you to handle. Even if you’re using loose leashes for walking here and there, make sure the dog understands this command.
Make sure that your dog is not kept outside your home all day long. You may see this on TV or in movies, but that doesn’t make it right. If there is only one dog in your household, he may feel lonely outdoors. It’s especially important that your dog be inside if the weather outside is nasty.
The hair around a dog’s paws can easily get matted, and should be trimmed on a regular basis. Before you trim, carefully run a comb through the hairs to separate them. Another option is to take your dog to the groomers and ask for this task to be performed.
If you want a pure bred dog, do not discount the pound as a place to find him. A lot of dog owners leave their dogs in the city pound when they can’t look after their dog anymore. You can contact the local dog shelter to see what breeds are there. It could mean you save a dog in the process!
If you want to a great dog owner, you have to know certain things. You can’t just pick the cutest puppy at the store and live happily ever after. Responsibility is a key factor. Have the best experience with your pet by following the advice presented here.