Are you a dog owner or were you one before? If so, you are already aware of the many blessings that come from dog ownership. But, like most other areas in life, dog ownership can be more rewarding when you are properly educated. In the following paragraphs, you’ll find some great tips.
Your dog needs to have an annual checkup, the same as you do. Since your dog can’t speak, it may be difficult to know when he is having health issues. A veterinary checkup can speak when your dog cannot, and it might help you to detect health problems before they become severe.
Resist the urge to give your dog table scraps. Your dog will constantly beg for food when you are eating and will not be hungry when the time to feed it comes. Feeding your dog table scraps can cause obesity and a number of digestive issues. Keep your dog away from the family dinner table for training purposes and to avoid any temptation.
When you are training your dog, it is always best to incorporate the use of hand signals in addition to using verbal commands. When you give your dog these kinds of signals, he may learn faster. Try both ways and see which is best for your dog.
If your dog spends a lot of time outdoors, he needs a dog house. If his feet are wet during very cold weather, it will stress him and lead to health problems. Give him a place that has dry floors and a lot of room.
It is important that your dog’s nails are not allowed to get too long. If they get so long that they start curling under, your dog will probably hurt a lot. You can purchase clippers and do this at home. If you’re uncomfortable clipping them on your own, go to a professional groomer. Nail clipping is very affordable.
When making a dog food selection, the cheap stuff is rarely the best choice. Long-term, the dog will do much better with nutritious, good quality food. This may mean higher costs for a better brand, but your dog will get great nutrition from proper sources.
If you are looking for dog of a particular breed, don’t discount your local pound. Lots of dog owners will leave their dog stranded whenever they don’t want it anymore. Just call your local pound to find out what breeds they have available. This might save your dog’s life.
Your dog needs plenty of affection. As it usually happens, many times owners focus more on bad behavior rather than good ones. This often results in problems later. Give your dog positive reinforcement every time they do something right. This will make it more likely that your dog will behave well.
Owning a dog can be extremely rewarding. You’ll get even more out of dog ownership when you’re knowledgeable about your pet. Fortunately, you are doing the right thing by reading articles like the one you read above. Utilize the advice to its fullest.