If you own a dog, you need to take your duties seriously. It’s important for your dog to always be happy and healthy. Being the best pet owner you can be means learning what you can. Continue reading to learn some helpful tips.
Being a dog owner can be very costly. Expect to spend from $700 to as high as $1000 in a year to pay for medical attention, food and other items needed. Getting into a vet if you have an emergency can cost quite a bit of money, sometimes in the thousands, so you may need pet health insurance too.
Get your dog neutered. Studies have shown that this leads to the pet living a longer and much healthier life. Dogs that are neutered or spayed don’t have strong urges to leave their home, reducing their chances of getting hit by a vehicle or getting lost.
It is a great idea to put hand signals in use when you are training your pet; use them in conjunction with words. Your dog might learn commands more easily using this approach. Not every dog will learn the same, so try different techniques with your dog.
If your dog displays a good behavior, praise it or reward it with a treat. Always make sure your dog knows when they perform a behavior you wish to see repeated. This also shows the dog that good behavior will earn praise.
Rawhide Bones
Rawhide bones are the best options for your dog. Real bones can break into pieces that can then become dangerous due to how sharp and small they can be. Studies have shown that rawhide bones are good for your dog’s health and their teeth. Don’t give in and let your dog gnaw on real bones. Stick to rawhide.
Don’t force your dog to do anything. If your dog is not interested in a treat, do not force your pet to eat it. The best judge of what your dog likes is the dog himself. Fancy name brands mean nothing.
You won’t just stop your dog from shedding on your carpet if you brush him on a daily basis. Brushing your pup daily will help make their coat shiny. Brushing distributes the natural oils of the skin throughout the hair coat for added sheen and softness.
Take the time to train your dog on a leash. Make him walk at your side, and do not let him pull far in front of you or stay far behind. Use the command “heel” to prompt him. That way, your dog is safe and the walks are better for you as well. Regardless of how you intend to take your walks, this is a good command for your dog to know.
Do not keep your dog outdoors all day. Even though a lot of people tend to do this, a dog requires human interaction to feel good. Your dog may be lonely outside if he is the only dog in your household. If you’re area is experiencing rain or snow, you’ll need to bring your dog inside to prevent your dog from getting ill.
You can find pure breeds at the dog shelter. Many pure bred dogs are abandoned at dog pounds or shelters when owners aren’t able to care for them. Speak to the nearest pound to see if an option suits you. It could mean you save a dog in the process!
Take the dog to see the vet often. Your dog requires an annual checkup and testing for heartworm, and the vet can ensure that your dog has had all the necessary vaccinations. Puppies have to go to the vet more often than older dogs. If you see any signs of injury or illness, talk to your vet immediately.
When the weather heats up, ticks and fleas become active. If you find fleas, use a flea comb. Certain products are geared to eliminate fleas and ticks. Speak with your vet about which choices are best.
When engaged in dog training, stick to the methods that use positive reinforcement. Rewards will really help the training much more than threats and violence. Humane training is better for years to come and it’s more effective. Be kind and you will enjoy great results.
Crate training a puppy is a great idea if no one is available during the day to watch him. This will allow you to be sure that you’re not going to come home to a bunch of damaged items. It also teaches the puppy not to go to the restroom inside.
Your pet must have good hygiene habits the same way you do. Your dog might not need a daily bath, but you should bathe him about once a week. This will help to prevent any skin issues, and will keep your home clean as well.
Once you buy a puppy, make sure to get it socialized as quickly as you can. A trip to your groomer’s, a dog park, or an excursion with other pets is a wonderful way for your dog used to being around dogs.
Take time to carefully decide the kind of diet you want to feed your dog. Expensive foods are not always the best option. Speak with your vet to see what you should be feeding your dog. Make sure that the breed, health status and age are taken into consideration. This can help make your dog’s life longer.
This information is all yours, so use it to get started right away. Make more of an effort to attend to your dog’s health and happiness and you’ll see a big improvement very soon. If you can’t offer a dog the best life it can have then there really isn’t a point in having a dog.