There are lots of colloquialisms about how men and dogs are great friends. There is actually quite a bit of truth to that saying. Knowing what it takes to have a great dog starts with the right education. If you’d like to forge a closer bond with your canine companion, just take a look at the great suggestions provided here.
Owning a dog is quite a large financial commitment. Every dog requires good quality food, general supplies and medical care; this can range in cost from $700 to $1000 per year. Also, should an emergency arise, this can cost thousands so you might consider pet health insurance.
If you bring your pet on vacation with you, keep a picture of him with you, particularly on your phone. Therefore, if your animals get lost, there is a recent photo that can be used for the purpose of locating them.
If you have over-the-counter medication or prescription medication in your home, keep it in a place the dog can’t access it. Just a few of your pills could literally kill your dog. Call the vet immediately if you suspect that the dog has swallowed the medication.
Never take your dog away from home without a leash, even if he is well-behaved. Wild animals could grab their attention, causing them to run into dangerous territory, or they may have an unpleasant situation involving other dogs and people. Understand that any damage your dog causes to other people and their pets is your responsibility, so you need to always use caution when off your property.
Do not buy the cheapest dog food. Cheap brands usually contain preservatives such as sodium and other additives that can be dangerous for your dog’s health. Check with animal advocacy groups or consumer reviews to find the best dog foods that are recommended by professionals. Your dog will get good benefits from the right kind of food.
Prevent matting on your dogs paws by keeping the area well trimmed. A comb is a good tool to straighten the dog’s fur before trimming. If you’d prefer, you could have a groomer do this for you.
Your dog needs plenty of affection. Many owners inadvertently spend more time focusing on their pet’s negative behaviors than on all the good things they do. This causes problems with dog behavior. Rather, stroke, praise and pet your dog at least three to four times more than you scold or speak sternly to him. Your dog will be better behaved.
Stimulate your dog mentally and physically with plenty of exercise. You can teach your dog to be helpful with and respectful of things in your house. Your dog is always going to feel like it’s a part of your family while getting trained so that it’s mentally fit.
If you do not want your female dog to become pregnant, be careful with her when she goes into heat. A male will be able to smell her from a far distance. The end result of letting an in heat dog run free is not only an unwanted litter, but also a dog who is prone to fighting and the resulting injuries.
Always make sure that your dog is wearing some sort of identification on their collar. It’s a good idea to fit your dog with a sturdy collar equipped with ID tags. The tag needs to have your name and phone number on it. The dog could also get a micro-chip implanted in it.
Carefully choose your dog’s food. There are many to choose from, so focus on those that are for your dog’s age and size. It’s also tempting to feed your dog foods that humans eat, but your dog isn’t human and needs dog food that contain the nutrients that a dog needs.
You may not have known that some vitamins can harm your dog. Avoid giving your dog vitamins if he has a balanced diet. An overabundance of vitamins may harm their joints, bones, and blood vessels. Have a conversation with your veterinarian before adding any vitamins to your dog’s diet.
Try to use positive reinforcement on your dog. Do not hit your dog as this will only make him fear you. Treating your dog humanely when training is what is most effective and what is best for him. Be kind to your dog and you’ll see some great results.
When you start training your dog, experiment with different rewards systems. Each pet is different, and therefore, what motivates him or her is going to be different as well. If they are food-driven, reward them with items like little hot dogs. If your dog prefers toys, have a quick game of tug of war once your pup does what you want. Some dogs just like to get petted and rubbed when they’re good.
Stick to your guns. Dog owners often feel that it is no big deal to sneak foods to their pets or allow them to destroy certain toys. Regardless of how they look, you will need to stand firm. Be firm with your dog if you want to prevent behavior issues. If your dog learns that it is not necessary to wait patiently for a few scraps and prefers jumping up to help himself, you may find that the dog takes whatever is in reach without waiting for your permission.
A dog makes an outstanding animal friend. The more you know about your dog, the more prepared you will be to raise him. The advice above has given you a wealth of knowledge, and if you take advantage of it, you and your pet can live in harmony. You’ll know the true meaning of the phrase “man’s best friend”.
