A dog needs more than petting and feeding. Dogs need a lot of attention. How will you know what you can or should do in regards to your dog? In this article, we provide ample advice culled from some of the best sources in dog training. Read on to learn more.
You should not kiss your dog. A dog has a very filthy mouth. Dogs dig in trash cans, drink from toilet bowls and sniff and lick various body parts on themselves and other dogs. There is an old wives’ tale that says that the mouth of a dog is cleaner than that of a human. This is not true, at all!
Take a photo of your dog when you plan to take him on vacation. This will be helpful should he get lost.
Take some time to schedule dog training sessions in your own home and backyard. It is not a good idea to train them in areas where a lot of people are present. Your dog could become distracted and will be tougher to teach.
No matter how nicely your dog behaves, never take it off your property unless it is on a leash. There are a number of distractions that could cause your dog to run off into a dangerous situation. Your dog’s actions and safety is your responsibility.
Let your lifestyle determine what breed of dog you should bring into your home. For example, if you live an active lifestyle it is probably best for you to find an active dog instead of a little dog. On the other hand, a cuddly small dog may be perfect for those who enjoy a quiet evening reading on the couch. By selecting the right dog breed, both you and your dog will be more content.
Don’t get your dog food based on how cheap it is. Cheap brands usually are loaded with additives that can be bad for health. Contact an animal advocacy group about which foods are best for your dog. Your dog will benefit greatly from better food.
If your dog will be outside, he will need a dog house. Especially if your dog’s feet get wet, exposure to very cold temperatures for long time periods can cause stress and other health issues. Build a shelter yourself or purchase a kit from the nearest pet store.
Don’t force your dog to do anything. If you have food or treats your dog does not like, leave it alone. When you first get a dog, you should take some time to get to know what it likes and what it dislikes.
Do not overlook your dog’s bad behavior. The longer you ignore it, the more difficult it will be to correct it later, and the consequences could be dire. Your dog might hurt someone else, or you, so take steps to control him early on.
If you want to get a pet from a shelter, find a vet who can examine your new dog. Dogs are more likely to be sick or have exposure to viruses in the shelter. Therefore, you should have the animal looked at prior to taking it to your house.
Exercise your dog frequently. Dogs need physical activity and play time; it’s good for their physical and mental health. No matter what, whether throwing their ball or taking a long walk, you’ll both benefit from it. You will thus offer necessary exercise, but will also build strong bonds with the animal.
Learn what health problems are most typical for your breed of dog. Do what you can to combat those issues early. Your vet will be able to tell you how you can help your pet prevent illness that it is prone to getting.
Your dog needs both physical and mental exercise. Teach them to do things around the home to help or get a newspaper. This kind of play will make your dog feel like a contributing member of the family and keep his mental functioning at a high level.
You dog should go to the vet on a regular basis. Dogs must see their vet for full exams, vaccinations and routine testing. Puppies need to go to the vet more often then adult dogs. You need to go to the vet as soon as your dog seems sick or hurt.
When you are finding out what kind of dog you want to get, you might want to introduce the prospective pet to your current pet. While dogs are social instinctively, certain breeds and temperaments get along better with others. Finding dogs that like each other will save you headache and heartache in the long run.
Don’t be hasty when deciding if you will get a dog or not. While a puppy’s face is adorable, you must consider everything as far as providing care. After you have thoroughly contemplated all of the pluses and minuses of having a new dog in your life, you can make an informed decision.
Before getting a dog, think about how much free time you really have in your life. No matter how much you may want a furry friend, you may realize that you aren’t ready for that kind of responsibility.
When you first start training, play with different reward systems. Try to figure out what your dog needs to do good. If your pet loves food, try giving it its favorite vet approved treat. Maybe your dog will respond better to a game of tug-of-war with a favorite toy. Certain dogs respond well to petting and rubbing.
Learning more about dogs will ensure that you can become an expert. You will have a loyal companion for life when you treat your dog right. Doesn’t it stand to reason that your dog craves responsible care from you as well as love and affection?