Many kinds of dogs exist, as do many kinds of families. It’s a big decision to own a dog. Read more if you want to know how to give your dog the care it needs.
Make your home dog-proof. It is important that you try to foresee any problems your dog might run into prior to bringing him home. Hide cleaning supplies and medicines and hide trashcans in a cabinet. Research the toxicity of plants you own, and move or remove anything that might be an issue.
Since your dog cannot talk to you, you have to learn how to listen to your dog’s non-verbal language. If your pet hesitates when approaching a person or a pet, don’t push them to go near them. This could end up in negative biting or fighting behavior. Always be on the look out for non-verbal hints. If you see them, allow your dog to guide you in the next action you will take.
If your dog comes with you on vacations, you need to have an up-to-date picture of it on hand and in your phone. If he gets lost, you have a recent picture you can immediately access in order to print “lost” flyers.
Avoid giving your pooch table food. Your dog will constantly beg for food when you are eating and will not be hungry when the time to feed it comes. Table scraps can be bad for his health as well, leading to obesity and digestive disorders. To prevent temptation, have your dog separated from the area you eat in.
Ask your vet what kinds of foods you should feed to your dog and what to stay away from. Depending on the type and age of dog, if you purchase the wrong kind of food it may upset their stomach. Choose dog food adapted to the age of your puppy and use common sense when determining which foods are healthy for your dog.
If you want to get a pet from a shelter, find a vet who can examine your new dog. Dogs in shelters could be sick or may have already been exposed to some viruses. You need to ensure your dog gets their shots.
Make sure to exercise your dog often. Exercise keeps your dog healthy, both physically and mentally. Your dog will get the exercise it needs (and you’ll be a little more active yourself!) from virtually any kind of outdoor activity you share with it. Besides just getting some exercise, you’ll be creating a bond between you and your dog.
When you get a new dog, it is best that you schedule a check-up at the vet right away. Schedule a visit with the vet right away. The veterinarian will set the dog up with the proper vaccinations and give it a routine health checkup. Also discuss with your vet about spaying or neutering your dog because there is a problem of over-population of dogs in shelters.
Proper leash walking is something that you should teach to your dog. 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. Not having to hold the leash tightly will make going for walks easier.
A foster home is something you can provide for a dog that needs it. There are many less than fortunate dogs in shelters that would love to find a forever home. You can give a hand by fostering a dog without a home and try on the role of dog owner too!
When you leave to work, leave music on for your dog just to be nice, or if he has separation anxiety. The sound will help him feel more secure and not as alone. It could be just what he needs to get over his anxiety while he waits for you to come home.
When you’re training, experiment using various reward systems. Do what you can to learn what motivates your dog. If food is what drives your dog, use small, hot dog pieces as reward. If your canine likes playing with toys, tug of war might be a good game for them. Petting can be the best reward too.
Be safe in the summer with your dog. Dogs can overheat easily. You need to have a place for them to get out of the sun in the summer months. Be certain that your dog always has clean, cool water. Use some doggie sunscreen, too, since sun rays affect dogs.
Remember, your dog isn’t a human. A dog’s attention span tends to go in and out, so you must be aware of that when training him. Limit your training periods to five minutes at a time and be sure to exercise a high level of patience.
When you buy a puppy, socialize him with dogs as much as possible. Getting your pet groomed, taking it on play dates with other dogs, or going to the dog park can help your dog to socialize with other animals.
Dog Needs
Take your dog on a walk every day, no matter how busy your schedule is. Your dog needs exercise, and walks allow your dog to have new experiences with people and new sights. These are things your dog needs to grow, so always make the time for a walk.
Are you now prepare to manage your own dog? You now have the facts you need in order to feel good about caring for a dog. Use the above advice and keep your dog happy and heathy.