Owning a pet is a lot of fun but there are many responsibilities involved. To get the most of the time spent with the dog, keep certain things in mind. Keep reading to discover great tips for raising a dog properly.
Make your home doggie-proof. It is important that you try to foresee any problems your dog might run into prior to bringing him home. Store things like meds and cleaning products in a safe location, and be sure to keep any indoor trash cans behind a cabinet. Many common types of house plants can be toxic, so it pays to eliminate or move them.
Always neuter or spay your pet. Research has shown this simple procedure can lessen cancer risks and can give your dog a longer lifespan. They are also more likely to remain close to home, reducing their risk of becoming lost or getting injured by a car or another animal.
Since your dog can’t talk to you, it’s crucial that you listen to their non-verbal language. Avoid forcing your dog to interact with others if he doesn’t want to. This could end up in negative biting or fighting behavior. Always be on the look out for non-verbal hints. If you see them, allow your dog to guide you in the next action you will take.
If you’re taking your dog on a trip, be sure that you have a recent picture of them on-hand. This will be helpful should he get lost.
It’s a good idea to have your regular dog training sessions in your own yard or at home. This prevents some of the problems that are associated with training around a lot of other people. They may get distracted and it will be more difficult to teach them even the most basic commands.
When you are training your dog, it is always best to incorporate the use of hand signals in addition to using verbal commands. These signals will help you keep your dog under control in a noisy environment. Try these things to find out what is the best for your pet.
Get a dog house if you have a dog that you leave outside, in case the weather gets bad. This is especially important during wet weather. Give your dog a shelter that is spacious and dry, and your dog will be protected from the hard winds and dampness.
Try not to force your dog to eat things. If you’re trying to get your dog to eat a new treat and it’s not showing any interest, don’t force them to eat it. When you have a dog, get to know his likes and dislikes.
Correct bad behavior the first time you see it from your dog. 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. You don’t want to be the owner of a dog who hurts someone, so get a handle on it now.
Regularly brushing your dog’s fur won’t just stop your pet from shedding on your furniture. Brushing your dog every day helps its coat become beautiful and shiny. Brushing distributes the natural oils of your dog’s fur evenly and it promotes the health of his skin as well.
Make sure your pet has time each day to stretch his legs and move around. Playing and exercising are two crucial components of any healthy dog’s life. Regardless of the activities you choose, the dog and you will surely benefit a great deal. Not only will you both get adequate exercise, these activities help you develop a long lasting bond with your dog.
When you get a new dog, schedule a vet visit for soon after you’ve brought him home. Don’t wait to long to make your appointment. Your vet can make health recommendations, make sure that vaccinations are up to date and help with maintenance items like flea care and proper diet. Talk with a vet about your dog being spayed or neutered. There are lots of homeless dogs and you don’t want to make the problem worse.
In order to be a great owner for your dog, there are some things you need to know. It is a bit tougher than just choosing a cute puppy. This forces you to be mature and responsible as an owner. Apply what you’ve just learned, and you and your pet will enjoy each other.