One of the best pets to own is a dog due to its friendliness and loyal nature. But generally, you have to make them that way. They need to learn what to do to behave, and they have to be cared for. This piece will show you how.
It's a great idea to keep a snap-shot of your dog handy (a digital pic on your phone is ideal) whenever you're traveling with him. This will be helpful should he get lost.
Look into the flea treatments. A large number of them contain high doses of carcinogens and other hazardous ingredients. Talk to your vet about safer options, especially when there are kids around.
Consult with your vet about the types of foods that are good for your dog. Some foods can cause sickness or an upset stomach. Choose dog food adapted to the age of your puppy and use common sense when determining which foods are healthy for your dog.
Take the time to correct bad behavior in your dog at the first sign of it. When you ignore this behavior, your dog thinks that it is okay. Also, the dog may end up hurting someone, perhaps even you.
Trimming around the paws of your dog will ensure your dog's fur doesn't get matted. You should use a comb to straighten out the hair a bit before trying to trim it. Another option is to take your dog to the groomers and ask for this task to be performed.
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. There are many animals that need love and care. Fostering is a good way to do a good deed and determine if you want a dog of your own.
Train your dog how to properly walk when on a leash. Your dog has to understand the "heel" command and respond to it by walking beside you, not ahead of or in back of you. This will keep him safe, and it'll make walks more enjoyable. Even if your dog is sometimes walked on a loose leash, it should still know the command anyway.
Make sure that you are keeping up with your dog's vet appointments. Vets can find problems such as kidney troubles, thyroid issues and diabetes well before symptoms appear to you. Annual exams can prevent lots of unneeded expenses later on.
If you're eating a snack, you sometimes will feel like it's a good idea to share with your dog. You can give him some things, but not others. Chocolate, caffeine, and grapes are some examples of food that should not be given to dogs. These foods can hurt a dog from the inside out.
Teach your dog the proper way to walk while on a leash. Keep your dog at your side when you are taking a walk. Following this tip can make walking safer for your pet, and it can also make walks more enjoyable for both of you. Not having to hold the leash tightly will make going for walks easier.
There are many advantages with owning a dog. The experience is greater the more you learn about dogs. You ought to know more about dogs, since you have this piece. Use what you have learned here and you will have a great time with your pet!
