Taking care of a dog is a big responsibility. Being a dog owner is almost like being a parent. Just replace barks for cries. With lots of patience and knowledge, owning a dog isn't as overwhelming as you might think. To pick up some handy suggestions on dog ownership, just keep reading.
Your dog should be as clean as you are. You should bathe and brush your dog on a weekly basis. A clean dog will be less likely to develop skin problems and will help you keep your house clean.
Take time and correct bad behavior when you first see it. If you ignore it, you are going to make the problem harder to contain, and you aren't sure what the result of bad behavior will ultimately be. Your dog could hurt somebody, including you, so keep him under control.
Do you go on many vacations? Are you home infrequently? Should you really get a dog? Many people want dogs, but not everyone is able to handle all the hard work that comes with caring for a dog.
When you commence the training process, try different reward methods. The goal is to learn what type of reward motivates your dog the most. If find that your dog is motivated by food, a hot dog, cut into small pieces, is a great reward. If your dog is more motivated by toys, offer up a short game of fetch or tug-of-war when your puppy obeys properly. Some dogs will enjoy being petted and rubbed by doing this.
Always use positive reinforcement when training your dog. Rewards and praise can help the dog to come around much quicker than violence or dominance. Treating your dog well is good for your pet's emotional health, but it's also the most effective training method. Therefore, be kind during training; you are going to get better and quicker results.
Try giving the dog rawhide versus actual meat bones. Bones can chip and get lodged in the digestive tract or mouth. Rawhide bones are tested and veterinary approved, and they can benefit your dog's teeth and gums too. Treat your dog to one regularly.
Always neuter or spay your pet. Studies have shown that this leads to the pet living a longer and much healthier life. Also, dogs that are fixed do not want to run away as much.
Watch if your female dog is in heat if you do not want her pregnant. Male dogs from as far as 5 miles away may pick up the scent. The dog might also want to fight other dogs, and become pregnant.
Your dog should see the vet regularly. Having an experienced vet keeps your dog healthy. The vet will ensure your dog gets all of the care he needs. A checkup while your dog is there can help to ensure nothing medical is lurking underfoot.
A dog can enrich your life. You must learn vital information on what keeps and makes them energetic and happy. Hopefully what you learned today offered some valuable insights on how to properly care for your furry companion.
