Dogs have been part of households for a very long time. The relationship seems reciprocal, with both dogs and humans benefiting from the arrangement. Since you’re the owner, you have to understand the needs of your dog to ensure it’s well-being. Use the tips from this article to help you know understand how to have a healthy dog.
Know about what could go wrong with flea treatments if you have a dog. Many of them contain ingredients that can put children at risk for cancer at a rate that is 1000 times more than what the EPA considers safe! Talk with your vet concerning alternative treatments, and do not let small children come near while treating your dog.
If you are teaching your dog, do it at home. Training a dog in a very populated area is never a good idea. Too many people causes distractions, making it hard to train them.
Don’t take your dog off of your own property without a leash, no matter how well-behaved he is. Wild animals can get his attention and cause him to run out into the street, or a provocation could startle him and cause unpleasantness with other dogs or people. You are responsible for anything your dog does, as well as for his safety.
Which breed you need to buy depends on your lifestyle. A good example would be if you are a runner. A dog that can keep up with you while you run would be a good choice. If you prefer to stay at home, seek out a small dog that loves to snuggle on the couch. You and your dog will both be happier if you are a perfect match.
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. Keep your dog safe from wind, rain and snow by providing it with a house with lots of room and a dry floor.
Your dog has to be leash trained. They should walk by your side, instead of behind or in front of you, and they must respond to “heel.” Your dog will be safer in this position, and you’ll both enjoy your walks more this way. Even if you decide to give him additional slack on the leash from time to time, teaching your dog to heel remains an important task as a pet owner.
Becoming a foster home is a good way to work with dogs without committing to one on a long term basis. A lot of shelters that take in homeless or abused animals have a way to let you adopt them for a while. You can give a hand by fostering a dog without a home and try on the role of dog owner too!
Really show your dog some love. Like many things in life, many owners pay much more attention to bad behavior than good behavior. This often results in problems later. Try to give your dog praise five times more than the amount of time you scold him. Your dog will do its best to please you.
Get your dog spayed, and if you have a female in heat, take extra care that she does not become pregnant. Males can smell her scent for miles. There can be numerous problems, such as causing conflicts with neighbor’s dogs, and getting impregnated with puppies that you don’t know a lot about.
Whenever your dog has a house-training accident, be careful to clean it very thoroughly. Use a cleaner that gets rid of smells. If you leave behind any type of a scent from the dog’s accident they may end up using the bathroom again in that spot.
When choosing an animal to cohabitate with an existing one, try to arrange an introduction before deciding. 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.
When you are nibbling on a snack, you might be tempted to let your dog have a taste. Some foods are fine to give, but others really are not. Grapes and chocolate should never be given to canines. These types of food are very detrimental to your dog’s health.
Always use positive reinforcement when training your dog. Rewards and praise can help the dog to come around much quicker than violence or dominance. Treating your dog well isn’t just the humane thing to do, it’s effective. Be kind to your dog and you’ll see some great results.
As a responsible dog owner, you’ll want to pay careful attention to your dog’s food and eating habits. Puppies can eat calorie filled foods since they need to grow. However, it is harmful for a dog to keep eating a high-calorie diet as it approaches adulthood.
If you can’t be around to watch your puppy all the time, you can crate him. This will allow you to be sure that you’re not going to come home to a bunch of damaged items. It also teaches the puppy not to go to the restroom inside.
You have a duty to your dog, to make sure his needs are met and he is well taken care of. Apply the tips you just read to make sure your dog is happy and in good health. Start using these tips to make your dog happier and healthier.