You need to do more than pet and feed your dog. Make sure that you give your dog a lot of love. How will you know what you can or should do in regards to your dog? This article is going to give you some things you need to know about owning a dog. It will teach you information experts on dogs know, so continue on.
An annual checkup at the vet is a great idea for your dog. Since your dog doesn’t talk, you may have difficulty figuring out if a tooth starts hurting or where arthritis is developing. Annual checkups can catch issues before they develop into something serious.
Always neuter or spay your pet. Statistics show that doing this can reduce your dog’s cancer risk, which can result in a longer life span. Also, dogs that have been neutered or spayed stick closer to home, limiting their exposure to dangerous traffic and other hazards.
Never allow your dog to leave your yard without a leash even if he seems very trustworthy and calm. A dog might run after an animal and get into trouble, or it might get into a fight with another animal. Ultimately, you’re the one who’s responsible for your dog’s safety, as well as its actions.
If you have a dog that doesn’t look like it’s very happy because it’s always alone, think about getting your dog a friend. Dog’s love the companionship of others and enjoy another partner to play with. Choose another dog whose energy level and temperament matches your dog’s, and you should have a good match.
You should be an activist for your dog. Keep an eye on legislation that might regulate or restrict your rights as a dog owner. Many times new, overly-restrictive ordinances have incredibly broad impacts when they’re only intended to affect a tiny minority of pet owners. Stand up for good dog owners and let local officials know your thoughts.
Remember the saying “The more people that work on something, the less likely they are to succeed” while you train your dog. Be sure that each person working with the dog uses the same commands and responses. You should train your dog for a few minutes several times a day and encourage everyone else in your household to reinforce what you have been doing.
Dogs sometimes get tiny cuts on their paws. Wash the cut with antibacterial soap, dry it thoroughly, and leave it to air dry unless it is bleeding or the dog is licking it. If the cut is deep, check with your vet.
When choosing to introduce a new pooch to a home that already has one, it is best that you bring your current dog along to meet him. Though most are sociable, certain dogs are better able to get along with other dogs than others. If you find a dog that is compatible right away, you’ll save yourself some difficulties later.
You need to really consider adding a dog to your home. There are a lot of things you have to think about instead of just falling in love with the first dog you see. Think it through carefully and talk to friends with dogs so you fully understand all that is involved.
Don’t judge the health of your dog by his wet, cold nose. There are many reasons for your dog’s nose to be cold and wet even if the dog is sick. Pay attention to the amount of energy, type of appetite and the dog’s demeanor. These can be great ways to know how your dog’s health is. Your dog’s temperature can be taken rectally.
Make sure that your lifestyle will work with a new dog. Wanting a dog doesn’t mean you’ll provide the best environment for him.
When you start training, try different reward systems. You need to figure out what motivates your particular animal. Dogs that are driven by food may respond to small bits of hot dog used as rewards. If your dog is toy driven, short games can be a great reward. Certain dogs just need love and affection whenever they behave.
You must keep a close eye on what and how much your dog eats. Young puppies need foods rich in calories to grow. When they become adults, if they eat too much, they can become obese which is not healthy.
You will become a much better dog owner if you take the time to learn more about him. Doing so means providing your dog with the best life possible, seeing as he is already such a good friend. Naturally, a dog wants an owner who is competent.