Whether you are considering getting a dog or you have one already, you're already aware that taking care of a dog can be complex. This is not something you can just jump into with no information. Read through the following guide for some hints on how you can take better care of dogs.
If your dog is very rowdy or easily excitable, experts recommend that you don't bring them along on vacation. Many times the thrill and confusion of a new area filled with strangers is too much for the hyper dog and unpleasant incidents may occur. Find a great kennel to care for your pooch instead.
You shouldn't allow your pet off your property if it's not wearing a leash, even if he is extremely well-behaved. You never know when something might spook him or distract him, leading to devastation. Ultimately, you're the one who's responsible for your dog's safety, as well as its actions.
Rawhide is a great alternative to the meat bones that most people feed dogs. Real bones can chip and become lodged in harmful place such as the digestive tract. Rawhide bones are tested and veterinary approved, and they can benefit your dog's teeth and gums too. Treat your dog to one regularly.
You won't just stop your dog from shedding on your carpet if you brush him on a daily basis. Brushing every day will also help give them a gorgeous, glossy coat. The reason for this is that brushing distributes a dog's oils from its skin so it looks soft and shiny.
If your dog has long hair, make sure to take the time to trim the fur around his feet. If you allow your dog's hair to grow too long, they can get things stuck in their fur. This could lead to injuries between the pads of the feet and around the nails.
Positive reinforcement is the best way to train your dog. You should congratulate your dog when it displays a good behavior, for instance by giving it a treat or petting it. Talk to your dog in a soft voice and make sure you praise it every time the good behavior is displayed.
Training
When training your puppy or dog, keep the sessions short! Experts say that a dog has the attention span of a small child, sometimes less, and that longer sessions will actually cause him to forget everything you've learned together. Use positive reinforcement and limit your training sessions to no more than 15 minutes.
Dogs need to be exercised physically and mentally in order to stay healthy. Teach them to do things around the home to help or get a newspaper. This kind of play will make your dog feel like a contributing member of the family and keep his mental functioning at a high level.
Put your dog through obedience training. A well-trained dog is a joy to live with for both you and them. Teaching them simple commands like "Come,"?"Heel,"?"Sit,"?and "Stay"?can help curb or prevent troublesome behaviors in no time. You can either teach them yourself, or you can find out about obedience courses by contacting the SPCA or the local humane society for class recommendations.
Be prepared to have a lot of patience with your dog during potty-training. Much like children, dogs learn at different speeds and ages and your canine may be slow or stubborn. Have good resources at your fingertips to assist your efforts and remember not to get angry when your dog has "accidents" as that will only impede his progress.
Training Your Dog
Start training your dog as soon as you bring them home. Create a vocabulary list that all your family members will use to command the dog and stick to it. Dogs can become confused if the same words are not used to give them directions. The dog will see "get over here"?and "come"?as two different commands.
House-training your dog will be much easier if you adopt a routine. You should go for walks regularly throughout the day and come home during your lunch break if necessary. If your dog has to be home alone for long hours, do not leave a bowl full of water unless it is very hot.
Do not make training your dog seem like a chore. Dogs pick up on this negative energy and will have a difficult time learning if you are not in the right mind frame. Make it fun and try to look at it as a bonding experience with your pet. When your dog is having fun, they will learn their training quicker.
You should be able to take better care of your dog, now that more information is available to you. Show a relaxed nature towards the dog and be patient to them as they will reciprocate in kind. Do some more research and be sure that you enjoy your furry friend's company!
