Are you a dog owner or did you used to own one? If you are, then you’re already aware of how great dog ownership can be. That said, just like all aspects of life, knowledge is key. This article provides a wealth of information about owning and caring for a dog.
Be sure your house is dog-proofed. Don’t take a dog into your home without being sure that it is safe from top to bottom. Put cleaning supplies and medications away and keep indoor trash inside a cabinet. Some plants that are usually kept in the home are poisonous to pets, so move them where your dog cannot get to them, or put them out of your home completely.
TIP! It’s very important to make sure that your home is safe for a dog. You need to look for hazards around your home that your dog might run into.
It is fine to hug your dog, but avoid those wet kisses. Dog kisses may be seen as cute, but their mouths aren’t all that clean. Dogs poke around trash cans, love smelling and licking other dogs’ body parts and enthusiastically drink from toilet bowls. Many people believe that dogs’ mouths do not have as much germs as humans’ mouths. Definitely do not believe that!
If you have over-the-counter medication or prescription medication in your home, keep it in a place the dog can’t access it. Just a few of your pills can be disastrous for the dog, inducing a heart attack or seizure. Be sure to contact your vet if your dog swallows your medication.
Be sure to praise your dog freely and consistently whenever he exhibits a desired behavior. This is to let the dog know that you want more of that behavior. Your dog will soon understand that good behavior is rewarded with praise.
TIP! If you decide to take your dog with you on a trip, take a photo of him on your phone. By doing this, in case your dog gets lost, you can provide others with a picture and easily put up flyers, which will assist in finding your dog.
Your dog will need a dog house if it is going to be outside in colder temperatures. If your dog happens to get his feet wet for a long period of time in cold temperatures, it can cause health complications. Make sure that your dog has a spacious home that they can go into to get out of the weather.
Some dogs are more likely to have certain health issues, so you need to know what is expected for your dog. Research his ancestry and take steps to prevent problems he might be prone to. Also, seek advice from your vet.
Even if you are looking for a dog that is a pure breed, always check the local pound. Some owners leave their dogs, which gives you an opportunity to give them a better life. Visit your local animal shelter to see the dogs they have on offer and ask about breed-specific rescues. You’ll be saving a life.
TIP! Store your prescriptions and over-the-counter medicines in a safe place where your dog cannot get them. Swallowing even one pill can end very badly, with a sick or dying dog.
Playing music in your home when you leave for your job may help your dog with separation anxiety. Having noise will help your dog feel more secure and comfortable while you are away. The sounds might help to emulate a normal home environment when people are around.
Make sure that you show your dog affection at all times. As is often the case, dog owners frequently focus on bad behavior instead of good. This may spell trouble in the future. Try to give your dog praise five times more than the amount of time you scold him. This increases the chance that your dog will repeat the good behavior rather than the bad.
Do tick and flea inspections on a daily basis with your dog whenever the weather becomes hot. Try using a flea comb to remove any fleas that you find. To rid your dog of fleas and ticks, look for products that get rid of them. Speak with your vet concerning these products and other options.
TIP! You should never give table scraps to your dog. This will encourage constant begging and reduce their appetite towards their own food.
Just because your dog’s nose is wet and cold doesn’t mean he’s healthy. There are a lot of reasons that dogs will have a wet or cold nose, even when they’re not sick. Instead, pay attention to how well he is eating and whether or not he seems energetic. These are all good ways to gauge how well your pet is doing. You can also take his temperature with a rectal thermometer.
Before getting a dog make sure you have thought about your daily routing, as well as special events like vacations. No matter how much you may want a furry friend, you may realize that you aren’t ready for that kind of responsibility.
Don’t expect too much from your dog. Your dog is not going to have the same attention span. When you’re training your pup, short sessions are best to avoid boring your dog or frustrating yourself.
TIP! Rather than merely using verbal commands, it is wise to utilize hand signals when training your dog. Your dog might learn commands more easily using this approach.
Crate training puppies is ideal if nobody is around to watch them several times throughout the day. Doing so can prevent unwanted damage to household items, as well as help your puppy not go to the bathroom inside.
Don’t let your dog chew on your shoes and other belongings. It’s important to nip habits like these in the bud. When your puppy misbehaves, respond to it immediately. This is sure to save on aggravation down the road.
If you have children, you know how important having a schedule is to their lives. Dogs share this similarity with kids. Your dog might become anxious if it is not sure what to expect. Their mood is reflected in the behavior they display. You need to give your dog a specific time to eat, play, and learn.
TIP! Your dog deserves to have quality dog food. Cheap dog food contains lots of preservatives and additives that your dog doesn’t need.
As the beginning of this article discussed, owning a dog is very rewarding. It is best, however, when you are knowledgeable about dogs before you take one in. After reading the previous article, you now should understand better the joys of dog ownership. Take this tips to heart, and love every minute of your life with your dog!