You must take the responsibility of owning a dog seriously. You’re the one in charge of your pet’s health and happiness. Understanding how to reach such a balance requires you to learn everything possible, and this article is here to help.
It can cost a lot to take care of a dog. High quality dog food, medical care, toys and treats can easily run close to $1,000 in a year. A sick dog could cost you tens of thousands! Look into doggie health insurance!
If your dog displays a good behavior, praise it or reward it with a treat. This communicates to your dog that he is doing just exactly what you want. Your dog will quickly understand that the praise is connected to a certain action.
Get a dog house if you have a dog that you leave outside, in case the weather gets bad. If the dog gets wet feet that could make him stressed out and cause other health problems as well. Give your dog a shelter that is spacious and dry, and your dog will be protected from the hard winds and dampness.
Brushing your pup daily can do much more than reduce shedding in your home. Brushing daily will give them a shiny, beautiful coat. This is because the motions you go through while brushing evenly distributes the skin’s oils and helps keep the skin healthy, shiny and soft.
You need to make sure your dog can walk on a leash. Your dog should learn to walk by the side of you, teach them to ‘heel’. Having a dog that can properly walk on a leash will be more enjoyable for both you and your pup. Understanding that command is great, even if you choose to still walk with a loose leash periodically.
If you want a dog but don’t know if you can handle the responsibility, start out as a short-term foster home. Animals are overcrowded in shelters, and the resources available for them are not abundant. Become a foster parent to test the waters.
Trim the hair around your dog’s paws to prevent it from getting matted up. First comb the hair, then give it a trim. If you have a hard time with this, enlist the services of a groomer.
Follow instructions from the vet if the dog needs special attention or has medication. He may want out of that cone immediately, but he needs to keep wearing it! It is always best to follow the recommendations shared by your veterinarian.
When you leave to work, leave music on for your dog just to be nice, or if he has separation anxiety. The sounds help your dog feel like others are still home and help your dog feel more secure. This could be the perfect fix to keep him calm until you return.
The information you just read should help you get started. Make sure you change your ways to make your dog happy and you will be happy. You owe it to your dog to provide him with the best life possible.