In some ways, caring for a dog is almost like caring for a kid – a big, furry, slobbery kid. Dog care is a tremendous amount of work, and it can be hard to figure out what action you should take. Thankfully, you’re in the right place. This article will help you with your dog.
When the dog does something right, be sure to lavish praise on him or her. You need your dog to realize that you’re proud of their behavior and want to see it more often. It will show your dog that doing the right thing will earn him praise from you.
Giving your dog a bath is essential to his health. Depending on his size and activity level, toss him in the tub weekly or monthly and always use a shampoo that is made for dogs and is pH balanced. Pets have different pH levels than humans and a good dog shampoo will leave your canine clean with a beautiful shiny coat.
Make sure that your dog’s nails are trimmed weekly. If they get too long, they may start to curl under and cause your dog pain. You can use store bought clippers to trim them yourself. If you’re uncomfortable clipping them on your own, go to a professional groomer. Nail clipping is very affordable.
If you want a dog that behaves well you must take the time to properly train it. If you do not do this then you will almost surely be dealing with behavioral problems for the length of the dog’s life. Training is the only way that you can prevent this from happening.
Teach your dog the proper way to walk while on a leash. He should know the “heel” command, stay close to you and not veer far ahead or drag behind. Doing this will not only be easier on you, but it will also keep your dog safe. This command will be very useful if you walk your dog while keeping the leash very loose.
If you are considering owning a dog, keep in mind the size of your home when selecting the breed. Large dogs do not mix well with small apartments unless you have the ability to walk them frequently. They need exercise and room to roam. In this situation, a smaller barred might be the better choice.
Your dog needs to exercise regularly. Like humans, dogs must exercise to burn calories, remain healthy, and help their minds stay sharp. Exercising also helps them avoid boredom that can cause destructive behaviors. Keeping your dog active can curb chewing, biting, digging, and chasing urges. It can even help them avoid depression.
Do not make training your dog seem like a chore. Dogs pick up on this negative energy and will have a difficult time learning if you are not in the right mind frame. Make it fun and try to look at it as a bonding experience with your pet. When your dog is having fun, they will learn their training quicker.
Invest in a separate tub if your dog gets frequent baths. Buy a large metal basin where you will have plenty of room to scrub, but won’t risk clogging the pipes in your bathroom. Giving him a bath outside and away from the slipperiness of a porcelain tub is also safer for you
Make sure you make and keep yearly vet appointments for your dog. A good vet will be able to easily spot problems with your dog way before you actually see something. An annual check-up for your pet can help to avoid future expense and needless suffering for your dog.
If your dog is covering everything in the house with his shedding fur, grab a paper towel. Lightly wet it with water and rub it down his back in the direction of fur growth. The loose hair should come off easily on the paper towel and your dog will love the attention too!
Were you aware that some vitamins could hurt your dog? You don’t need to give vitamins to your dog if you feed a properly balanced food. Too much of certain vitamins could cause damage to the blood vessels, bones and joints. You should ask your veterinarian if you are not sure what to do.
When you’re beginning training, experiment with various reward systems. You will quickly notice that some rewards are more appreciated than others. Many dogs are motivated by food, so make sure to have their favorite treats on hand while training. You could also play tug of war for a few minutes to reward your dog. A lot of dogs love to be petted and loved on.
Don’t be afraid to be stern when disciplining your dog for bad behavior. Dog owners sometimes think that it is alright to occasionally let their dog have table scraps or destroy a toy. The cuter the dog, the greater the temptation to bend the rules! This will prevent accidents from occurring in the future. For instance, giving scraps to a dog may seem harmless, but if you keep doing it, the dog may think it is fine to jump on a table and take a whole course.
Make sure that you wash your dog’s food and water bowls on a fairly regular basis. Just like you do not want to continuously eat and drink from bowls that are not very clean, your dog doesn’t either. Wash them every day, and keep the food and water fresh.
In order to potty train a puppy, it is of utmost importance to take the dog outside frequently. Doing this will familiarize your puppy with the association between outside and going to the bathroom. Failure to do this will result in a harder time breaking your new family member of his/ her bad habits.
Caring for a dog can be absolutely exhausting, but that doesn’t mean it has to be. If you use the tips and tricks in this article, you may find living with your dog is a breeze. Soon, others will be wondering how you make being a dog owner look so easy.