Whether you’re already a dog owner or you’re thinking of getting one, you should know a dog requires a lot of care. This is not something you can start doing without knowing a few things first. Read this guide for great dog care.
Your dog needs to have an annual checkup, the same as you do. Your dog can’t speak to you, which means it isn’t easy to tell if they’re having a tooth ache or issues with arthritis. Regular checkups will help you find these issues prior to them becoming a serious problem.
Never allow your dog outside your yard without a leash. You are responsible for the dog’s actions and for the dog’s safety as well.
This will show your dog that he is doing just exactly what you are looking for. It teaches your pup that they will be rewarded for good behavior.
It is a good idea to use hand signals when you are trying to train your dog, instead of just relying on verbal commands. This is a very effective way to communicate with your dog. Try both ways of giving commands to see what works best.
Your dog will need a dog house if it is going to be outside in cold weather. If his feet are wet, it can cause health complications. Keep your dog out of the wet weather and the wind by giving him shelter.
Brushing your dog daily can do more than keep them from shedding in your home. Brushing them daily can help them keep a shiny and healthy. The reason for this is that brushing helps distribute the skin’s oils from its skin so it looks soft and shiny.
Be sure to show your dog lots of praise and love when they do something good. You need your dog to realize that you’re proud of their behavior and want to see it more often. This will also give your dog incentive to be good.
You need to trim your nails.If you neglect your dog’s nails, your dog may experience a lot of pain. Buy some clippers and cut them yourself. If you are worried about doing this, a groomer can do it for little money.
Schedule a visit for the new dog with your local veterinarian. The veterinarian will do a full checkup and prepare him for his vaccinations. You also want to check with the vet about fixing your dog neutered or spayed to cut down on pet overpopulation.
Teach your dog the proper way to walk while on a leash. He should stay by your side, not in front of or behind you, and respond to the command “heel”. This will ensure that your pet is not too far ahead or behind you. This will also help to prevent your dog from choking themselves, when trying to pull ahead.
Always teach your dog understands how to walk correctly on a leash. This will make going for walks more enjoyable for you. Even if you still use the loose leash walk at times, it’s still important for your pet to know this command.
If your dog is a female and in heat, be careful if you want her to not end up pregnant. A male dog can travel a female in heat from up to five miles away. This may cause a fight and it could also get her pregnant which will make her have puppies from an unknown source.
Show the dog that he is loved. A lot of owners focus on correcting bad behaviors rather than displaying affection for their dog. Your dog will develop more behavioral problems if you adopt this attitude. Give your dog positive reinforcement every time they do something right. Your dog is going to behave much more if you do that.
Be politically active on behalf of your dog. Be on the lookout for changes in local laws that may be passed which could restrict your rights as a dog owner. It is usually indicative of a particular breed or bad dog.Stand up for your thoughts.
Are you aware of the fact that some vitamins can harm your dog? Your dog should not need a vitamin supplement if he is eating right. Too much of some vitamins can cause injury to the bones, kidneys and other essential organs. Speak with your vet about your dog.
If you do not want your female dog to become pregnant, be careful with her when she goes into heat. A male will be able to smell her from a far distance. This may cause a fight or impregnation if a male dog spots her.
Positive reinforcement is the best tool when training a dog. Your dog will get a lot more out of rewards and praise rather than negative reinforcement. Humane treatment is more effective and works better for your dog over time. Be kind and you have a hard time with the training.
The more you know about dogs, the easier it is to care for them. You just need to be as loving and patient as possible with your pet. Research some more to make sure you will enjoy the company of your furry companion.
If you’re adding a second dog to your home, try to let your first dog meet the second before bringing it home. You need to see if they are going to be compatible or not. Having dogs that get along with each other makes your life that much easier.