There is great joy in owning a dog. There is a lot that goes into owning a dog. Continue reading to learn some helpful tips you can use when it comes to being a responsible pet owner.
It’s good to give hugs, but avoid giving kisses. Dog kisses may be seen as cute, but their mouths aren’t all that clean. They eat garbage or poop and even sniff other dog’s butts. Many people say that dogs have cleaner mouths than people. It is not necessarily true.
If you decide to take your dog with you on a trip, take a photo of him on your phone. That way, if he happens to get separated from the family, you have an up-to-date picture of him that is easily accessible for showing people or can be downloaded for printing up “lost” flyers.
When you have medications of any sort, keep them where your dog cannot get to it. Getting into those pills could seriously impact your dog’s health and even cause death. If this does happen, call your vet immediately.
Beware of flea treatments for your dog. A lot of them can cause cancer in children. Speak with your vet to see if there are any alternatives that are healthier choices for your pet and your family.
Practice training your dog around your home, where you and your pup can be alone. This will give you security and an area that your dog is comfortable. Too many people causes distractions, making it hard to train them.
Ask your vet about which foods he can eat. Certain brands may not be right for a small pup and could cause him to get a stomachache or become sick. Always be cautious when you’re thinking of feeding your dog.
If the dog is doing something right, like sitting before he is leashed, lavish him with praise and affection. It’s important that you pooch is aware that they did something good. This is called positive reinforcement.
If you are not sure how often you should feed your dog, ask your vet. Some people refer to the label on the package to determine the quantity of food to feed their dogs, but those guidelines are not always right and using them can cause your dog to become overweight. Speak to the vet about what makes sense for your dog.
If your dog behaves badly, correct the behavior immediately. If you ignore any issue with your pet then later on it’s going to be harder to train it to obey because it doesn’t know any better. In addition, by not taking action, your dog may injure another person, even you. Therefore, ensure you discipline your dog.
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. Even if your dog is sometimes walked on a loose leash, it should still know the command anyway.
If you are interested in adopting a pure breed, consider visiting the dog pound. A lot of dog owners leave their dogs in the city pound when they can’t look after their dog anymore. Simply call the area pound to determine which breeds are available. You can save the life of an abandoned dog this way.
If you’re the owner of a lone, lonely dog, you should consider getting a second pooch. Dogs are usually in packs by nature and this means they enjoy being around one another. Get one that is similar in energy level and temperament and your dog will be in heaven.
A great dog owner is a well educated person. It’s not as simple as getting a cute puppy that’s the perfect friend. It takes time, responsibility and effort on the part of you, the pet owner. Apply what you’ve just learned, and you and your pet will enjoy each other.
