Dogs make wonderful pets. They’re loving, affectionate creatures. The more you know about caring for dogs, the better. You are about to read tips to help you become a dog expert.
Your dog cannot speak, so you have to interpret non-verbal cues. Hesitant dogs need to be taken out of fearful situations. This might result in another dog or a person being bit. You need to keep your eyes open for these signs.
When it’s time for dog training, you’ll want to do it inside your house or in your yard. Avoid training your dog in heavily occupied areas. This will make it more difficult for your dog to pay attention.
Associate some hand signals to verbal commands when training your dog. Your dog might learn commands more easily using this approach. Every pet is different though, so use a combination of both verbal and visual cues and then determine what works the best.
Allow your lifestyle to dictate the type of dog you adopt or purchase. For example, someone that stays inside a lot would want a calm lap dog and not a hyper breed. If you much prefer to be at home, a small dog that enjoys a lot of inside time is an ideal choice. When you match your traits and the traits of your pet, you will both be happy.
Genuine meat bones may be tempting, but it’s best to stick to rawhide. Real animal bones can chip and pose a danger to your dog’s digestive tract and mouth. In contrast, rawhide has health benefits for your pet.
When it comes to buying food for your dog, don’t skimp by buying the cheap stuff. Over the course of the dogs life he will be much healthier if you stick to high quality food with plenty of nutritional value. It costs more, but you’ll save money on vet bills for health issues down the road.
Some breeds have inherent health issues you need to watch for. Check out their heritage and try to prevent problems that you know they’re prone to. Be sure to ask the vet if there is anything you can do in order to avoid health problems that run in the breed.
If you have your heart set on a purebred dog, realize that the city pound may be somewhere to look. Many pet owners will abandon dogs at pounds when they don’t want them or can’t keep them anymore. Just give a quick call to your local humane society to see what breeds they may have available. You could possibly be saving a dog’s life in the process.
If you only have one dog and they aren’t happy or can’t handle being alone a lot, consider getting them a companion. Dogs come from packs, so it’s in their nature to prefer spending time with a member of their own species. Ensure you carefully select your dog’s match based on behavior and energy levels. By doing this, both of your dogs will be happy.
If your dog has an accident indoors, be certain you get rid of any sign of it. Use a professional strength cleaner, followed by a proven odor remover. If you leave behind any type of a scent from the dog’s accident they may end up using the bathroom again in that spot.
When it becomes hot, do tick and flea inspections. You can get a flea comb that will help with the removal of fleas on your dog. A number of products are available to control fleas and ticks on your dog. Talk to your veterinarian about such products or any other options that are available.
Make sure you select dog food very carefully. There are many to choose from, so focus on those that are for your dog’s age and size. Ask your vet for advice.
If you are getting a second dog as a companion for one that you already have, consider taking your current dog along when you make your final selection. Dogs are very social by nature, but some get along better than others. You can prevent future problems if you are able to get a dog that is compatible with the dog you already have.
Think about how you live your life on a daily basis, as well as vacations and other events you participate in before deciding to get a dog. Wanting a dog is a piece of cake, but actually taking care of one is harder.
When you’re training, experiment using various reward systems. Take the time to learn what will motivate your pet the most. If food works best for your dog, reward it with tiny hot dog pieces. Tug of war is a great game that you can play with your dog as a reward. Occasionally, a dog may just want to be petted for their reward.
If your dog is kept outside, he still needs your attention as much as a dog that is kept inside. If you leave him by himself and without stimulation for extended periods of time, he might decide to dig holes, bark loudly and excessively or chew on wires, ropes and hoses. He may also become a little aggressive. Make sure that dog gets playtime and lots of love to be as happy as can be.
After all is said and done, dogs are going to give their owner a form of love that just can’t be found elsewhere. However, you should learn as much as you can about your dog to have a good relationship with it. These tips should help you become an expert on dogs. Use them and any other tips you read to reap the benefits of being a dog owner.