Do you wish to save a little puppy at a local pound? Would you like to pick up a pure breed dog from a breeder? No matter what kind of dog you want, you are sure to be loved. But, you have to be responsible as well, which is why you should read the whole article that follows.
Your home needs to be ‘dog-proofed’. Before you bring a new dog home, make sure the whole area is safe. Make sure chemicals, medications and any garbage is out of reach of the dog. Some house plants are poisonous, so keep them away from your dog’s reach or remove them.
In the same way that a yearly physical is helpful to you, a yearly trip to the veterinarian is a must for your dog. Dogs can’t talk, so how do you know he has arthritis, for example? You need to go to the vet every year to get a check up.
Always make sure to keep any prescription medications away from your dog. The same holds true for over-the-counter meds. Getting into those pills could seriously impact your dog’s health and even cause death. Be sure to contact your vet if your dog swallows your medication.
If a dog does something correctly like sitting before you leash them, give them lots of praise and affection. This communicates to your dog that he is doing just exactly what you want. This will teach the dog that when they do what you wish, they’ll get praised.
Speak with your vet about how much food should your dog be eating each day. Simply reading the label on your dog food package may not be enough; your dog may have special needs. Speak with your veterinarian about what your dog’s needs are and what amounts are proper.
Try not to buy low quality food for your dog. The cheaper brands actually contain a lot of preservatives, additives and other ingredients that can compromise your dog’s health. Try using animal advocacy groups or consumer awareness to get a list of great dog foods that have high professional recommendations. Your dog will enjoy and benefit much more from healthier food.
Buy or build a dog house if he is going to be outside for long periods in the winter. This is especially important during wet weather. Keep your dog safe from the elements by providing him the dry shelter he needs.
It’s important to make sure that your pup’s nails stay trimmed. If they get so long that they start curling under, your dog will probably hurt a lot. Find some good clippers you can use to trim your dog’s nails yourself. It is best to take your dog to the groomer if you do not want to do it yourself.
If you get your dog from the pound, make sure you have a vet check him out right away. They may be carrying some sort of illness that they picked up at the shelter. Make sure the new puppy gets their required shots before going home.
Your dog must learn to walk on a leash correctly. Your dog should walk beside you, not lag behind or run ahead, and should obey the command “heel.” If your pet is leash trained, it’ll be safer, and you’ll enjoy walks more as well. Even if you still use the loose leash walk at times, helping your dog to understand this command is a good idea.
If you are interested in adopting a pure breed, consider visiting the dog pound. Lots of dog owners take animals to the pound when they can’t care for them any longer. Paying a trip to your local shelter might help you to find the exact dog you have been searching for. You may even save a poor dog’s life.
Dogs need to be exercised physically and mentally in order to stay healthy. Make sure he can get the paper and help you around the house. He will always feel useful and a part of the family, while the constant reinforcement of training will keep his thinking skills sharp.
You should be an activist for your dog. Watch for local legislation that may be passing through the system, restricting and regulating dog owner’s behavior and rights. This is often caused by a few bad dogs, or a particular breed. Be sure you speak up and let your voice be heard by getting in touch with your local officials. Don’t allow bad apples to interfere with your rights.
Clean up after accidents immediately. Clean it well, and then snuff out any remaining smell with an odor remover. If the scent from his excrement remains behind, your dog may be inclined to soil in the same area again and again.
Now you are aware of what you need to do to take care of your dog the best you can. Always be open to new information about dog ownership, and learn from your dog as well. Think about joining a dog forum to chat with fellow dog owners. Never stop learning.