There are many different types of pets to choose from. You could get a hamster, a goldfish or a cat. But, a dog is an animal that can provide love and companionship for its entire life. In this article we will share some great information about the best in dog care.

Make sure your home is dog-proof. It is important that you try to foresee any problems your dog might run into prior to bringing him home. All cleaning supplies and medications should be moved out of reach of your dog. You should also find a way of securing your trash somewhere that your dog cannot get to, such as in a cabinet. Some plants that are usually kept in the home are poisonous to pets, so move them where your dog cannot get to them, or put them out of your home completely.

It is fine to hug your dog, but avoid those wet kisses. A dog has a very filthy mouth. They eat garbage or poop and even sniff other dog’s butts. Some believe the mouth of a dog is even cleaner than our own. That tidbit of information is plain wrong.

A physical is good for you, and a yearly vet trip is good for your dog. Since your dog does not speak the human language, he simply cannot tell you if his tooth aches or his arthritis is making it difficult for him to walk. A veterinary checkup can speak when your dog cannot, and it might help you to detect health problems before they become severe.

Get your dog spayed or neutered. Research shows that taking this simple action can help your pet live a longer life, as it can reduce the risk of cancer. In addition, spayed or neutered dogs aren’t as likely to roam away from your home, which can result in them getting run over by a vehicle, killed by a bigger animal, shot, or kidnapped.

Your dog can not tell you what is wrong, so just listen to his body language. If when meeting a new dog or person you find your dog is filled with dread, remove him from the situation. This could cause the dog to bite. Look for your dog’s non verbal cues and react accordingly.

Do not feed your dog from the table. This causes regular begging and will cause him to dislike his food. Giving your dog table scraps isn’t good for his health as it could result in weight gain and digestive problems. Make sure your dog does not sit near the table and beg, so you aren’t tempted.

In addition to verbal commands, employ a variety of hand signals when training your dog. Using hand gestures can help your dog to recognize commands quicker. Give both methods a shot, and see what your pet prefers.

Use your lifestyle to pick the dog breed you need to get. For instance, if you love to run, get a dog that loves to run too, and leave the miniature breed for someone who is less active. On the other hand, a cuddly small dog may be perfect for those who enjoy a quiet evening reading on the couch. When you find the perfect match, you’ll both be happier!

If your dog does something the correct way, such as sitting before you put the leash on, make sure that you give it tons of affection and praise. This communicates to your dog that he is doing just exactly what you want. This shows your pup that when things are done right, he will be rewarded.

Try not to base your dog food choices on the price of the food. The brands that are cheaper actually have lots of additives, preservatives and other harmful ingredients that can endanger the health of your dog. Contact an animal advocacy group about which foods are best for your dog. Your dog will be much better off.

It’s very important for your dog to get the correct amount of exercise. Dogs need routine activity and play in order to stay happy and healthy. Playing fetch or going for a nice walk will be good for both you and the dog. Exercising with your dog will help you establish a bond with it.

If your dog is lonely, consider a friend for him. Dogs naturally travel in packs and like to have fellow canines around. Ensure you carefully select your dog’s match based on behavior and energy levels. By doing this, both of your dogs will be happy.

Even if you have a dog that is kept outdoor most of the time, the pet still needs plenty of love and attention. If you leave him by himself and without stimulation for extended periods of time, he might decide to dig holes, bark loudly and excessively or chew on wires, ropes and hoses. He may also become a little aggressive. Your dog needs lots of play and love to ensure his happiness.

Find a good training course for your new puppy. Having a well-trained dog is a positive experience for both the dog and everyone else in the home, especially when the dog understands your commands. Start training your puppy at a young age and expect to spend more time on training if you are getting an older dog.

Take some time to consider where you want your new dog to sleep. If you want to crate your dog at night, don’t allow him in your bed when you first get him. If you would rather snuggle all night long, be sure they can get off the bed to use the facilities as a puppy. Invest in some disposable puppy pads to get started.

Owning a dog is a big deal, but with the help of these tips, it should be no problem for you! Keep learning more about dogs and how to care for them. By doing this, you will enjoy an incredible furry companion for years to come.