Does your dog get out of control? Do you have a dog that likes to chew on all of your favorite belongings. Perhaps you need to learn what you can do to teach your dog not to do those things. Read the following article to learn tactics to train your dog how to behave properly.
It takes quite a bit of money to take good care of a dog. High quality dog food, medical care, toys and treats can easily run close to $1,000 in a year. Health insurance for your pet can be a great idea to help you in emergency situations.
Be wary when it comes to flea treatments. A lot of the ones on the market have ingredients that are 1000 times more potent than what is considered safe by the EPA and it may be a cancer risk for children. Talk to your veterinarian about the safest options, and don't let your kids near the dog while you're doing a treatment.
Rawhide bones are the best options for your dog. Bones can chip and get lodged in the digestive tract or mouth. Rawhide is healthy for their teeth and gums, so don't share your bones, even if the dog wants it!
When training your dog, use hand gestures along with the verbal commands. Dogs tend to respond better with these additional types of signals instead of always relying on voice commands. Give both methods a try to find out which works best for your particular pup.
When the dog does something right, be sure to lavish praise on him or her. This is to let the dog know that you want more of that behavior. Your dog is looking for ways to please you, and giving him your praise lets him know he has done just that.
Your dog needs a dog house if he or she has to remain outside in cold weather. Exposure to extreme weather for long periods can cause health issues, particularly if the dog's feet get wet. A roomy shelter that protects from the windy, rainy, and snowy weather is the best option.
Don't buy cheap dog food. Many of the cheapest brands contain additives, preservatives and other things that can compromise the health of your dog. Check with animal advocacy groups or consumer reviews to find the best dog foods that are recommended by professionals. Food that is healthy will benefit your dog.
If your dog seems unhappy and is alone a lot, consider getting a second dog. Dogs are usually in packs by nature and this means they enjoy being around one another. Match him with a dog that shares the same temperament and energy level to ensure canine bliss.
If you are not sure whether dog ownership is a good idea for you, then you might want to try being a foster care provider for a needy dog. Shelters are full of abused and homeless dogs and they are hard pressed to give them all proper care. Fostering a dog will allow you to do some charity work and see if you really want a dog!
Dogs can be one of the most joyful presences in your household. However, you need the right information that tells you what keeps a dog energetic and happy. The tips you just read should help you choose the right dog and care for it properly.
