Christian

TIP! Dog-proof your home. It should be perfectly safe before you bring a dog in.

Dogs are great pets, but they’re rarely low-maintenance ones. Dogs, just like kids, are going to have to be cleaned, taken to doctors, fed correctly, and entertained. Learning everything about training a dog can take some time. The following tips will teach you how to take great care of your dog.

TIP! Neuter or spay your dog. Your pet stands to enjoy a significantly better (and longer) life.

Praise your dog when he behaves or performs in the way that you have been training him to. He needs to understand that this is the right thing to do. This will also give your dog incentive to be good.

TIP! Consult with your vet about the types of foods that are good for your dog. Following his advice on the different foods for different stages of your dog’s life can avoid sickness and stomach upset.

Correct bad behavior the first time you see it from your dog. The longer you ignore it, the more difficult it will be to correct it later, and the consequences could be dire. Your dog might hurt someone else, or you, so take steps to control him early on.

TIP! If you have a dog that does something right, like sitting when you’re getting out the leash, you should give the animal lots of praise and affection. You want to reinforce your dog’s good behaviors.

Should you visit a shelter to adopt a dog, take the animal to the vet as soon as possible. They may be carrying some sort of illness that they picked up at the shelter. That is why it’s important to have a full checkup and a course of vaccinations before you bring your puppy home.

TIP! Daily brushing brings great rewards – much more than just a reduction in shedding. Their coat will become shinier when they are brushed everyday.

Exercise your dog frequently. Your dog has to be worked out to stay happy and healthy. Throw a ball around the park with your dog and play fetch. It gives you exercise and helps develop a relationship that will last forever with your dog.

TIP! Make sure that your dog receives plenty of exercise. Dogs need consistent physical activity to ensure they are physically and mentally fit.

If you want a dog but don’t know if you can handle the responsibility, start out as a short-term foster home. Shelters for abused or homeless dogs are often looking for temporary homes, called foster homes, where dogs can live until they are adopted out to a permanent home. Besides helping you figure out if full-time ownership is right for you, fostering will also do a great deal for the cause of abandoned animals as a whole.

TIP! When you get a new dog, set up an appointment for him at the vet. As soon as your dog is brought to your home you should get an appointment scheduled with the vet.

If you are in the market for a pedigree pup, you just may find him at the pound. Lots of dog owners take animals to the pound when they can’t care for them any longer. Simply call your pound and see what they have. You may get to save a canine’s life if you do this!

TIP! Make sure that your dog is not left alone outdoors all day. While this happens quite often, a dog needs interaction during the day.

Make sure you provide your dog with affection on a regular basis. In life, it is far too common to give bad behavior more attention than good. This often results in problems later. Rather, stroke, praise and pet your dog at least three to four times more than you scold or speak sternly to him. Your dog will probably show proper behavior more if this is done.

TIP! Let your dog feel the love that you have for him. A lot of owners focus on correcting bad behaviors rather than displaying affection for their dog.

If your dog isn’t happy or is lonely, consider buying a second dog. Dogs are animals that love to be with other dogs. Matching a dog up with another of a similar disposition will make your dog very happy.

TIP! You need to ensure your dog will come back if he runs away; that is why you need to have a collar with his information on it. Keep identification on your dog’s collar.

If your female dog is in heat be cautious – she could very easily become pregnant. A male canine might sense her from a distance of five miles. As well as possibly causing a fight amongst male dogs in the area, she might actually get pregnant.

TIP! Keep vet appointments for your dog. Your vet may see problems, such as thyroid problems, kidney problems, and diabetes, before you’ll notice any signs.

Always take your dog for his yearly check-up. Vets can find problems such as kidney troubles, thyroid issues and diabetes well before symptoms appear to you. Regular check-ups will keep your dog healthy, and may save you a lot of cash in the long run.

TIP! When selecting a new dog to come and live with an existing dog, take your current dog to meet him if at all possible. Dogs are social creatures, but it’s true that some dogs are more friendlier than others.

As you can see, there is a lot to know when it comes to being a dog owner. Take the time to do more research on how to care for your dog and on any specific issues you are encountering. Use all that you now know, and your dog will be eternally grateful for your love, support, and leadership!