Smith 
Isn’t it great owning a dog? Dogs are one of the most fun pets for children and adults. Dogs are loving, loyal and enjoy having a good time. They are great companions. You need to be the right companion back to your dog and care for him or her properly. Follow the advice presented here to be a good friend to your dog.
Consider the situation before allowing a dog to kiss your face. Kissing a dog might seem cute, but they have dirty mouths. Remember that dogs use their tongues to clean themselves, and they like to eat garbage and drink out of the toilet. Some believe the mouth of a dog is even cleaner than our own. Definitely do not believe that!
If you’re training your dog, don’t just use verbal commands. Try hand signals as well. Signals like these help your dog learn things quickly. Try both ways of giving commands to see what works best.
Don’t buy your dog cheap dog food. The cheaper dog foods have tons of additives and preservatives which aren’t the best for your dog. Use an animal advocacy group or some kind of consumer awareness group to see if you can get a list of good foods that are professionally recommended. Your dog will get good benefits from the right kind of food.
Grooming your dog every day will ensure it doesn’t shed all over the place. Brushing every day can also help your dog to have a shiny and beautiful coat. Brushing helps to spread the oil on the skin which results in soft, shiny, and healthy skin.
Your dog’s nails need to be trimmed regularly. If they start to curl, your dog may feel a lot of pain. Buy some clippers and do the job yourself. If your dog does not respond well when you try to trim the nails, a groomer or even your veterinarian can handle the task.
If you get a dog that was in a pound or shelter, you must see a vet right away. Dogs from shelters might have been exposed to viruses or might already be sick. It is best to make sure your new puppy gets all the shots needed before you bring it home.
Becoming a foster home is a good way to work with dogs without committing to one on a long term basis. There are many animals who need a temporary home until they are adopted. Fostering is a good way to do a good deed and determine if you want a dog of your own.
Dog Feel
If you have to leave your dog alone for a whole day, leave a radio or a TV on. The sounds help your dog feel like others are still home and help your dog feel more secure. This might just quell his anxiety while waiting for you to return.
Exercise is vital when you own a dog. Teach your dog to retrieve the newspaper or perform chores in your home. He can feel useful and like a family member, and continuing to train him will keep his mind sharp.
Clean up completely if your dog uses the bathroom on your floor. Use a cleaner that’s professional strength and follow that up with a good odor remover. Your dog may do his business in the exact same area if his scent from the excrement lingers.
When you’re snacking, you might be tempted to let your dog snack too. Keep in mind that some foods are unhealthy for dogs. Dogs should never be given caffeine, grapes, or chocolate. If your dog eats these foods, it could be detrimental to his health.
You can tell about your dog’s health by feeling is nose, but there are other factors, too. There are a lot of reasons that dogs will have a wet or cold nose, even when they’re not sick. Your dog’s health can be judged by his demeanor, appetite and energy level. You will be able to learn a lot about how your dog might be feeling. Dogs can have their temperature taken rectally.
Rely on positive reinforcement when you train your dog. Rewards will really help the training much more than threats and violence. Using humane training tactics will be healthier for the dog and will be much more effective. Always treat your dog with kindness during training so you will see a much better end result.
Do not have overly high expectations for your dog. When you train your dog, remember his attention span isn’t like yours. Limit your training periods to five minutes at a time and be sure to exercise a high level of patience.
If you want to get a dog, you need to get it trained. Take the time to teach your dog to obey you and follow simple commands. Although training a puppy is easier, it’s even possible to successfully train an older dog. You just have to be patient.
Ask your vet for advice on selecting a food for your dog. Some dogs with medical conditions, like diabetes, need a specific diet. If this is the case, then eating anything else could be hazardous to your dog. Your veterinarian should be able to recommend the best diet for your dog.
Chew Toys
If your dog is chewing up your things, chew toys or bone chews can be a great option. These are specially made for dogs, and they can help your pet to satisfy his need to chew without destroying items in your home. You can normally pick up chew toys from grocery stores or pet stores.
Try not to leave your dog alone for long periods of time. Although most people have jobs, still be mindful of the time your dog is spending by itself. Leaving a TV or radio on can help him feel a bit better. You might want to get a sitter for your dog.
You are your dog’s best friend as he is yours. By applying the advice in this piece, you have the ability to take great care of any dog. Your dog should have the best life possible and by using this advice, you will find your life to be more enjoyable as well.
