There is great joy in owning a dog. There are things you need to know about taking care of your pet. The following tips give you a good idea of the responsibilities you will have.
Dogs can’t talk, so you must learn their body language. If when meeting a new dog or person you find your dog is filled with dread, remove him from the situation. This may cause a human or the other canine to get bit. Pay attention to the posture of the dogs and let them take their time.
When you have to train a dog, your home and/or yard is the right place to do it. Don’t train them in any areas full of people. This may distract your pet which will make it a lot harder to teach it even basic things.
It can be really helpful to incorporate hand signals with verbal commands when first training your dog. These types of signals are sometimes easier for a dog to learn. Try each way to see what works well with your dog.
If your dog will be outside, he will need a dog house. Adverse weather conditions can be detrimental to your pooch, causing illnesses, anxiety and poor behaviors. Keep your dog safe from precipitation and winds by providing him with a place that is spacious, with a dry floor.
Don’t force your dog to eat something. If you’ve purchased your dog treats that it doesn’t want to eat, set them aside. Learn what he likes and what he doesn’t.
You should always trim your nails. Once the nails start to curl under, they can cause your dog a great deal of pain. Simply purchase a pair of clippers from the store. If you lack the confidence to attempt this, take the dog to a professional groomer.
If you’re going to adopt a new dog from an animal shelter, you need to get a vet appointment scheduled as soon as possible. Shelter dogs have likely been exposed to all kinds of viruses, such as parvo and distemper, which are deadly. Error on the side of caution and get your dog all its shots.
Exercise your dog frequently. Dogs need game time and regular exercise to keep them mentally and physically healthy and happy. 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. Not only does it give them the exercise they need, but it also improves your relationship with your dog.
When you get a new dog, it is best that you schedule a check-up at the vet right away. Make an appointment as early as possible. The veterinarian will set the dog up with the proper vaccinations and give it a routine health checkup. Also, be sure to speak to the veterinarian about neutering or spaying your dog. There are plenty of dogs already in the shelter, and you don’t want to increase that problem.
Being a good dog owner can be a lot of work, but it is also a very enriching experience. It’s not a simple task choosing a puppy and it magically becomes that great loving companion. You’ll have to be very responsible with your new dog. Use what you learned here to make your time with your pet enjoyable.
