Are you lucky enough to have a misbehaving dog? Do you have a dog who chews on everything and thinks nothing of it? Perhaps you need to learn what you can do to teach your dog not to do those things. To learn what else your dog needs, read on.
It is fine to hug your dog, but avoid those wet kisses. Dog kisses may be seen as cute, but their mouths aren’t all that clean. Dogs really get into everything, from toilet water to the neighbor’s trash. It is an old wives’ tale that dogs have cleaner months than humans. However, this simply is not the case.
You should have your dog spayed or neutered. This reduces the chances of cancer and helps keep the stray animal population down. Besides, a neutered dog will be less likely to run away or to get in fights with other animals.
Since humans don’t speak dog, we need to figure out how to communicate with our pets non-verbally. If your pet hesitates when approaching a person or a pet, don’t push them to go near them. This could lead to the other dog or person getting bit. By reading the body language of your dog, you can ensure that this does not happen.
Be wary when it comes to flea treatments. Several have cancer causing ingredients, and they can be especially harmful to young children. Speak with your vet to see if there are any alternatives that are healthier choices for your pet and your family.
You shouldn’t allow your pet off your property if it’s not wearing a leash, even if he is extremely well-behaved. A wild animal may get his attention and cause him to run off, or he may have a bad situation with others and their dogs. Your dog’s safety and behavior are your responsibility.
Don’t go for the cheap stuff when you buy dog food. Cheap dog food usually includes fillers (such as corn or soybeans) which are not appropriate for dogs. It may also contain poor quality ingredients which may hurt your dog’s health over time. Use an animal advocacy group or some kind of consumer awareness group to see if you can get a list of good foods that are professionally recommended. Better food will be very beneficial to your dog.
A dog that spends a lot of time outside should have a warm and safe shelter in case it is needed. Particularly if his feet get wet, extended exposure to extreme temperatures causes stress and can lead to health complications. Make sure that your dog has a spacious home that they can go into to get out of the weather.
Get your new pet a veterinary exam. This should be done as soon as he is adopted. The vet is going to check over your dog to see if everything is okay, as well as set it up to get vaccinations it may need. You also want to check with the vet about fixing your dog if you will not be breeding him.
You need to make sure your dog can walk on a leash. Your dog has to understand the “heel” command and respond to it by walking beside you, not ahead of or in back of you. Walking in this manner keeps your dog safe, and you are bound to enjoy walks more as well. Even if you practice a loose leash walk, it’s still important for your pet to know this command.
If you’d like to be a dog owner, but think you might not be able to handle the commitment, consider fostering dogs. There are many animals who need a temporary home until they are adopted. Lend a hand by fostering a dog, and determine if it is a good fit for you and your family.
Trim any hair that’s around your pup’s paws so it doesn’t get matted up. First comb the hair, then give it a trim. If you are not comfortable with this process, it would be a good idea for you to go and get it done by a professional groomer.
Dogs need to be exercised physically and mentally in order to stay healthy. You can even teach your dog useful tricks such as fetching the newspaper for you. They’ll feel like a useful family member and the constant reinforced training will maintain their sharp thinking skills.
Clean up completely if your dog uses the bathroom on your floor. You want to be using a professional grade cleaner along with an efficient odor remover. If your dog can still smell the spot he has marked, he will be likely to mark it again.
Check your dog for ticks and fleas every day when the weather gets warm. Try to get rid of any fleas by using what is called a flea comb. If the infestation is bad, there are treatments available. Speak with your vet to find the best option for your dog.
Adding a dog to your life is not a decision that should be taken lightly. Do not adopt a puppy simply because it is cute. Consider all options so that you know you have taken care of everything.
Are you aware that feeding your dog vitamins can be dangerous? If you feed your dog a balanced diet, there is no need to give him extra vitamins. If you give your dog too many vitamins, joints, bones or blood vessels could be damaged. Speak with your vet to determine the correct course of action for your dog.
Your dog’s unwanted behavior should stop soon. You’re dog will stop tearing up your things and being a pain to people that come near it. If you are consistent and competent, you can control your dog’s behavior. Follow the information presented here to have a well-behaved dog.