Your dog will give you a friend and companion that may be better than some friends you have. With all the love and affection they give to their owners, dogs deserve to be treated with the utmost responsibility and care for their well-being. This article is the best place to start learning.
Make your home dog-proof. Before you bring a dog into your home, you should be sure that the area you’re bringing it to is safe. Make sure anything toxic is put up. Since some plants are very harmful because of their toxicity, it’s best to get rid of them or put them in an area that the dog cannot get to.
It is fine to hug your dog, but avoid those wet kisses. Dog kissing may be adorable, but dogs have awfully dirty mouths. After all, dogs eat out of the garbage, drink from toilet bowls, and lick all over their body. Many people believe that the human mouth has more germs than that of a dog – this isn’t true. This is not true, at all!
Neuter or spay your dog. Research shows that doing this can make your animal live longer and reduce their cancer risks. A spayed or neutered dog is also less likely to stray from its home, meaning it won’t risk getting lost or winding up in a street accident.
Since dogs cannot talk, you need to learn your dog’s cues. If you notice the dog being hesitant in a new situation, don’t force your dog to socialize if it doesn’t want to. This can lead to a bad ending for your dog, the other pooch or the other person. Watch out for those non-verbal clues and let your dog guide any actions you perform.
It is a good idea to use hand signals when you are trying to train your dog, instead of just relying on verbal commands. These types of signals are sometimes easier for a dog to learn. Every pet is different though, so use a combination of both verbal and visual cues and then determine what works the best.
If your dog behaves properly, be sure it is praised and given affection. He needs to understand that this is the right thing to do. It teaches the dog that he gets praised when he does what you’d like him to do.
Whenever you adopt from the pound, take the dog straight to the vet. Shelter dogs have likely been exposed to all kinds of viruses, such as parvo and distemper, which are deadly. Make sure the new puppy gets their required shots before going home.
Make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise. Exercise and play are necessary for a dog. They keep the dog fit and healthy, both physically and mentally. From a walk to chasing a ball, everything counts. In addition to providing much needed exercise, you will develop a lifelong bond with your pup.
Owning a dog can be a great thing. If you own a dog or are thinking of getting one, get off to a great start by learning how to properly care for your pet. The advice here will prove to be a good resource for many years.