Do you own a dog now, or have you ever had one before? If so, you surely realize how great having a dog can be. However, dog ownership comes with responsibilities. Neglect these responsibilities and you will miss out on many of the rewards of being a pet owner. The tips in this article will help any dog owner improve the care they give their pet.

It can cost a lot to take care of a dog. You will have to spend between $700 and $1000 a year to cover food and medical expenses. It can cost a lot of money to take your dog to the vet in an emergency, so you will want to investigate health insurance for your pet.

Neuter or spay your dog. Research has proven that this can help your dog live longer and also specifically help prevent cancer. Besides, a neutered dog will be less likely to run away or to get in fights with other animals.

Carefully consider what your home is like when deciding on a breed of dog. For example, if you’re a jogger, get a type of dog that can run with you, not a toy-poodle. If you are a homebody, a small dog that lounges around a lot is a good fit. Avoiding a mismatch means both of you will be happier.

Try not to force your dog to eat things. If you got them a treat and they aren’t interested in it, don’t make them eat it. When you have a new dog, take time to learn what they do and don’t like.

Take the time to correct bad behavior in your dog at the first sign of it. Turning a blind eye to it just makes it harder to fix down the road. If your dog is not under control, he could end up hurting you or someone else.

Whenever you adopt from the pound, take the dog straight to the vet. They may be carrying some sort of illness that they picked up at the shelter. Have your dog checked over and given vaccinations as soon as possible.

Solid leash training is a must for any dog. To properly walk your dog, he must remain directly at your side instead of behind or in front of you. If your pet is leash trained, it’ll be safer, and you’ll enjoy walks more as well. Even if you still use the loose leash walk at times, helping your dog to understand this command is a good idea.

Trim any hair that’s around your pup’s paws so it doesn’t get matted up. Prior to trimming the hair, make sure the hair is straight by using a comb. You can always use a dog groomer if you find the process difficult.

Dogs can get a cut on their foot if they step on glass or debris. If your dog gets a small cut, wash it with an antiseptic and place a bandage around the area. If you believe your dog has a deep cut, you need to visit your vet.

If your dog poops or pees in the house, you need to clean it up. You want to be using a professional grade cleaner along with an efficient odor remover. If your dog can still smell it, he may repeatedly defecate in that area.

Don’t think that a dog’s health status can be determined by how its nose feels. A cold and wet nose could be due to many reasons, and it does not preclude illness. Judge your dog’s health by energy levels, appetite and demeanor. They give you a better indication as to the state of your dog’s health. Check a dog’s temperature rectally.

Positive reinforcement is the best tool for dog training. Do not hit your dog as this will only make him fear you. Treating your dog well is good for your pet’s emotional health, but it’s also the most effective training method. Being nice to your dog and treating him well during training will yield the best possible results.

When you start to train your dog, try out various reward systems. The goal is to learn what type of reward motivates your dog the most. If your dog is food driven, try using small pieces of hot dogs as a reward. Dogs that are more responsive to some play time can be rewarded with a game of catch. Quality time spent giving them a good petting can even do the trick.

During the summer, make sure your dog is comfortable. Dogs can overheat easily. Provide them with a cool, shady area to hang out in during the summer months. Make sure your dog has access to clean and cool water. Also, dogs can have problems with the sun’s rays, so see if the vet has any sunscreens for dogs.

Be sure to thoroughly and regularly clean the bowls that your dog uses. Your dog will appreciate eating out of a bowl that is clean, just as you would. Wash bowls daily and put in fresh water and food afterwards.

When you go out to work or to school, crate training is your best bet. By doing this, your dog will use the bathroom outside and cause less damage to your home.

Your dog, like you, must be kept clean. While you don’t have to bathe your dog on a daily basis, giving it a bath once a week is recommended. A clean dog will be less likely to develop skin problems and will help you keep your house clean.

If you have a dog that chews constantly, buy him rawhide bones or dog toys. These toys are made for the dog’s chewing needs. You can easily get them at your local pet store.

As was pointed out, having a dog is really fun. You’ll get even more out of dog ownership when you’re knowledgeable about your pet. You ought to know more about dogs, since you have this piece. Utilize the advice to its fullest.