Dogs provide joy to many lives when they get proper care. You must get to know the dog’s needs in order to keep it healthy and happy. Read on for tips to help you have a great relationship with your dog.
It’s very important to make sure that your home is safe for a dog. Create a safe area to bring a new puppy into the home. Do not have any pills out in the open and put all supplies in cabinets. Some plants in your house may be toxic to your dog, so they should be kept where your dog cannot reach them.
Go on and hug your dog, but do not kiss him. Dog kisses are very unsanitary. Dogs root around in garbage pails, drink enthusiastically from the toilet bowl and love to lick and smell certain body parts of other dogs. Keep in mind that an animal’s mouth is full of germs. Definitely do not believe that!
Get your dog neutered. This helps reduce the probability of cancer and extends the life of your dog. Also, dogs that are fixed do not want to run away as much.
If there are prescription medications in your home, be sure to keep it out of your dog’s reach. Just a few of your pills could literally kill your dog. If your dog happens to get into any such pills, call your veterinarian or animal poison control immediately.
Rawhide bones are the best options for your dog. Real bones can break into pieces that can then become dangerous due to how sharp and small they can be. Also, rawhide is better for the health of your dog’s teeth.
Take your dog outside so that he can get fresh air and exercise. In order to stay fit and sharp-minded, a dog needs to spend plenty of time being physically active and playing constructive games. Get out and do something with your dog. Go for a walk or play fetch. In addition to providing much needed exercise, you will develop a lifelong bond with your pup.
Do not leave your dog outdoors for extended periods of time. Dogs need companionship and interaction with their owners. If there is only one dog in your household, he may feel lonely outdoors. In addition, inclement weather and freezing temperatures can be dangerous for your dog.
Certain breeds of dog are prone to certain health problems, and you should be aware of what’s typical for your type of dog. Research his ancestry and take steps to prevent problems he might be prone to. Your vet will be able to tell you how you can help your pet prevent illness that it is prone to getting.
Show your dog that you love him. As it usually happens, many times owners focus more on bad behavior rather than good ones. That could be real trouble with the dog. Rather, be sure to give praise five times more frequently than you reprimand. Your dog is going to behave much more if you do that.
Your dog needs exercise and entertainment. Make sure he can get the paper and help you around the house. This will make him feel like an active member of the family.
Remember the expression “Too many cooks spoil the soup” when training your dog. Training methods vary by person, and multiple trainers can confuse the dog. Therefore, ensure that only one person is doing the training. The other people should only reinforce the person’s rules and stick by them.
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 naturally social, some find it easier to get along with newcomers than others. Find a dog that your current dog gets along with.
You might feel the urge to feed your dog a piece of your snack. You can give him some things, but not others. A few foods that you should not allow your dog to have include grapes, chocolate and caffeine. These foods can cause health problems in your dog.
A dog can be a great source of happiness in any family. If you want to own a dog, you need to understand what it takes to do it right. Hopefully, this article has given you the information to help you with taking care of your furry best friend.
