Dogs are among the very best pets around. They provide joy and unconditional love to their owner. But, if you want to do the best thing for you and your pet, you need to learn all about dog care that you can. This piece offers the information necessary to achieve dog expertise.
Be careful with your dog around Christmas season, many dangers are lurking just under the festive ambiance. For instance, electrical chords are typically strewn about during the holidays, and dogs often chew them, creating an electrical hazard. Dogs may be tempted to eat the decorations on the tree. They may also be tempted by the tree water, which can be toxic.
Never allow your dog to ride in a car unsecured. Sitting on your lap or in the front seat is dangerous both to him and your ability to drive. Always place him in an appropriately sized pet carrier or invest in a pet seat belt that will keep him snug and safe in the middle of the back seat.
If you notice your dog gets dry skin in the winter, you probably need to brush him or her more often. Doing so will get rid of old fur and help get their oil glands working properly. Try brushing once in the morning and once in the evening to see if it makes a difference for your pet.
Be careful if you’re searching for a new dog on Craigslist or other classified ads. Many people exaggerate the truth in order to unload problems or challenging training issues and you could end up with an impossible situation on your hands. Only talk to people who are verifiable through vet records and demonstrate positive handling experience.
Reward your dog for doing right things, such as sitting while you place it’s food down, with lots of praise and attention. You want to let your dog know that the behavior is something that you want to see. It teaches your pup that he will be rewarded for good behavior.
Never give your dog a real bone to chew on. Real bones can break into pieces that can then become dangerous due to how sharp and small they can be. Rawhide is healthy for their teeth and gums, so don’t share your bones, even if the dog wants it!
Do not buy the cheapest dog food you can find. After a while it’s good for the dog if it has been eating nutritious and high quality food. It costs more, but you’ll save money on vet bills for health issues down the road.
If you’d like to be a dog owner, but think you might not be able to handle the commitment, consider fostering dogs. Many homeless dogs are waiting for a home in shelters, where overcrowding is a major problem. Besides helping you figure out if full-time ownership is right for you, fostering will also do a great deal for the cause of abandoned animals as a whole.
Positive reinforcement is the best way to train your dog. You should congratulate your dog when it displays a good behavior, for instance by giving it a treat or petting it. Talk to your dog in a soft voice and make sure you praise it every time the good behavior is displayed.
Groom your dog frequently. Keep them clean and reduce the amount of hair they shed by brushing them frequently. When the weather warms up, start checking them for ticks and fleas daily. Dogs generally require a few baths a year. Before you give your dog a bath, make sure to cut or comb out mats and tangles. Rinse their coat thoroughly to avoid dirt sticking to any soap residue.
If you are having trouble training your dog, see a professional. A lot of people wait until their problems are enormous, but if you would see a dog trainer as soon as you start having difficulty, you will find training goes more easily. Not only that, but you will save yourself a major headache.
A dog needs plenty of love and attention. You should try spending at least a couple of hours a day with your dog. Play in your backyard or take your dog to the nearest park. You should get plenty of exercises before coming home and petting your dog for a while.
If you already have a dog at home, take your existing dog to meet the potential new one. Dogs happen to be social creatures, but that doesn’t mean they all get along. If you find that your dogs are compatible, a lot of anguish and trouble can be saved.
Clean up after your dog when they go to the bathroom in public. Many dog owners let their dog do their business wherever they please whether its on a sidewalk, neighbor’s lawn, etc. They can do their business in public, but you must take a bag with you to clean it up when they’re done so that it doesn’t cause an unsightly and smelly mess for someone else.
If your dog is always drinking out of the toilet, try changing how you provide him with water. Most prefer it cold and fresh, hence the attraction to the bathroom, so buy a fountain or thermally insulated dish to keep his water at a more appealing temperature. Also, add ice-cubes when it’s hot out and he’s panting
Owning a new puppy is very similar to having a new baby. Puppies need a lot of attention and have to be taken care of constantly. They are not ready to be left alone for long periods of time and need to have a fair amount of attention devoted to them.
Dogs provide love like no other creature on Earth. However, if you really want to have a great relationship with your pet, you have to learn what you can about them. This article has provided you with many tips to become a great owner. The more effort you put into using this advice, the more both of you will benefit.