Many people grow up with animals or currently have some. If you are someone who now owns a dog or may be considering getting one, there are some things you should know. Read on to find some great tips from experts and owners alike.
It is expensive to own a dog. When you add up the medical care, food and supplies in general, your costs could run from $700-$1000 annually. Getting into a vet if you have an emergency can cost quite a bit of money, sometimes in the thousands, so you may need pet health insurance too.
Fight the urge to feed table scraps to your dog. Not only will table scraps turn your dog off on their regular food, but it will also teach them to constantly beg. Table scraps can actually lead to obesity and other health concerns. Make your dog stay out of the room when the family is eating.
Talk to your vet about what you feed your dog. A puppy's stomach may not be able to handle particular foods, which may cause stomach issues. Be cautious of what you feed your dog.
Do not fall prey to the temptation to feed table scraps to your dog. Doing so teaches it to beg and ruins its appetite for its regular food. Scraps can be terrible for his diet and lead to obesity and other health problems. To prevent temptation, have your dog separated from the area you eat in.
Be sure to praise your dog freely and consistently whenever he exhibits a desired behavior. After all, your goal is for your dog to know when it is doing something good. It teaches your pup that he will be rewarded for good behavior.
Always correct any bad behavior you see in your dog as soon as you see it. When you ignore this behavior, your dog thinks that it is okay. You need to make sure your dog is happy to keep them in control and so he does not hurt anyone.
Your dog needs plenty of affection. Similar to other areas of life, dog owners notice a dog's bad behavior rather than the good. That could be real trouble with the dog. Remember to praise and be affectionate with your dog more frequently than you discipline him. Dogs stand a much better chance of displaying good behavior if that is the case.
If your dog isn't happy or is lonely, consider buying a second dog. Dog's love the companionship of others and enjoy another partner to play with. Match the two dogs by energy levels and temperament, and both dogs will be in heaven!
Proper leash walking is something that you should teach to your dog. Your dog should remain at your side and know the command "heel." Your dog will be safer in this position, and you'll both enjoy your walks more this way. Even if your dog is sometimes walked on a loose leash, it should still know the command anyway.
Did you take the time to really absorb everything that you have just read? If you didn't pay full attention, go through the tips again. When an issue arises, you'll be happy when you're able to deal with it. Use these tips daily for a well-balanced relationship with your furry pal.
