You might already own a dog or are thinking about becoming an owner - either way you are aware that it's a huge responsibility. You need to be prepared before you jump into it. The tips presented here will help you be a better owner to your dog.
It's very important to make sure that your home is safe for a dog. It is important that you try to foresee any problems your dog might run into prior to bringing him home. All cleaning supplies and medications should be moved out of reach of your dog. You should also find a way of securing your trash somewhere that your dog cannot get to, such as in a cabinet. Research the toxicity of plants you own, and move or remove anything that might be an issue.
Go on and hug your dog, but do not kiss him. 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. Some believe the mouth of a dog is even cleaner than our own. That tidbit of information is plain wrong.
If you're taking your dog on a trip, be sure that you have a recent picture of them on-hand. If he is ever separated from you, it will be easy to show people what he looks like or print out flyers with a recent picture showing that you are looking for him.
Speak with your vet to determine whether or not certain foods are okay to give to your dog. A lot of the time a dog might not want to eat some brands of dog food, this might make them sick. Be careful about which foods you feed your dog.
Purchase a dog that can keep up with your lifestyle. For instance, if you jog, a toy poodle may not be as great a choice as a dog that is able to run with you. However, if you're someone who stays mainly at home then seek out a small dog that loves to be adorned with lots of love while lounging around the house. By selecting the right dog breed, both you and your dog will be more content.
If a dog does something correctly like sitting before you leash them, give them lots of praise and affection. He needs to understand that this is the right thing to do. This also shows the dog that good behavior will earn praise.
Trim all hair surrounding the dog's paws so that it does not become matted. You should use a comb to straighten out the hair a bit before trying to trim it. If you're uncomfortable doing this, you should get a professional groomer to do it.
If you have a dog with extreme separation anxiety, you can help reduce it by playing music or leaving the television on whenever you leave your home. The sounds of the music will provide a sense of security and company for your dog. When it comes to treating your pet's anxiety, a little music could be exactly what the doctor ordered.
Really show your dog some love. Like a lot of things, people notice bad behavior more often that good behavior. This often results in problems later. Try praising them at least 5 times more than when you scold them. Your dog is going to behave much more if you do that.
If your dog has to listen to many people, he may end up confused. Everyone trains differently, and this can lead to confusion for your dog. One person should be the master while the others reinforce what the dog is learning.
It isn't unusual for dogs to injure their paws by stepping on bits of glass or other debris. Wash the cut with antibacterial soap, dry it thoroughly, and leave it to air dry unless it is bleeding or the dog is licking it. If the cut continues to bleed, go to an emergency veterinary hospital.
When selecting a new dog to come and live with an existing dog, take your current dog to meet him if at all possible. Most dogs enjoy another dog's company, but some dogs do not get along. Finding the right dog for you will save you lots of trouble in the end.
Don't think that a dog's health status can be determined by how its nose feels. Sick dogs often have cold, wet noses. Your dog's health can be judged by his demeanor, appetite and energy level. These are great indicators of how your pooch is really doing. A rectal thermometer can be used on the dog to do a temperature check.
Don't have expectations for your dog that are too high. You may want to train him for a long time, but his attention span isn't that long. Spend a few minutes a day training your dog what you want him to learn.
Your dog needs to kept clean, just like you do. A weekly cleaning will prevent ticks and fleas from festering on your dog. This can help temper any skin problems, and it'll keep your house much cleaner too.
Consult with your vet in regards to proper dog nutrition. Dogs with medical issues will need special foods. In this case, feeding your pet the wrong food can cause harm. Work with your dog's vet to choose the food which will be the best fit.
After taking in the above article, you've gained some great insights into caring for dogs. With some patience and love, your dog will be appreciative. Try to learn as much as you can, and enjoy having a dog around.