Christian

TIP! Always have your dogs spayed or neutered. Research shows that doing this can make your animal live longer and reduce their cancer risks.

You have a plethora of animals choose from when you want a pet. You may choose a cat, fish, reptile, or even a rodent. But, if you want a pet to be faithful and your best friend, the dog is the way to go. This piece illustrates proper dog care methods.

TIP! Don’t let a dog go off property without their leash, even if they’re well behaved. He could easily get spooked by something and run off into harm’s way.

Your home must be dog-proofed. Your entire home should be safe prior to bringing the dog inside. Cleaning supplies and medications should be locked away, and any indoor trash cans need to be put in a cabinet. Some plants in your house may be toxic to your dog, so they should be kept where your dog cannot reach them.

Your dog needs annual medical exams. Your dog can’t speak to tell you he’s in pain. A checkup once a year will help diagnose any problems.

TIP! If your dog spends time outside, he should have a good house. You can purchase one or build one yourself if you are handy.

Because dogs cannot speak to you, it is important to learn their non-verbal cues. If you notice the dog being hesitant in a new situation, don’t force your dog to socialize if it doesn’t want to. This could lead to the other dog or person getting bit. You need to keep your eyes open for these signs.

TIP! You need to trim your dog’s nails regularly. Once the nails start to curl under, they can cause your dog a great deal of pain.

Even if your dog is well-behaved, never leave home without putting him on a leash. Wild animals can get his attention and cause him to run out into the street, or a provocation could startle him and cause unpleasantness with other dogs or people. You are the only one responsible for your dog’s safety and his actions.

TIP! If you get a dog that was in a pound or shelter, you must see a vet right away. Dogs from pounds are exposed to more illnesses than others.

Carefully consider what your home is like when deciding on a breed of dog. A good example would be if you are a runner. A dog that can keep up with you while you run would be a good choice. If you are a homebody, a small dog that lounges around a lot is a good fit. By selecting the right dog breed, both you and your dog will be more content.

TIP! Be sure your dog is physically active. Regular exercise and play time promotes the health and happiness of your dog.

Your dog needs a dog house if he or she has to remain outside in cold weather. If the dog gets wet feet that could make him stressed out and cause other health problems as well. Always protect him from wind, sun and rain by making sure he has a dry shelter to go to.

TIP! Becoming a foster home is a good way to work with dogs without committing to one on a long term basis. Thousands of animals are living in shelters, which is less than ideal for many dogs, while they wait for a chance to be adopted.

Don’t force your dog to eat something. If you have purchased treats the dog does not appear to enjoy, do not force the issue. The best judge of what your dog likes is the dog himself. Fancy name brands mean nothing.

TIP! Know any canine laws that might affect your ownership. Keep up with local legislation to learn about new changes that might have an effect on your situation as a dog owner.

Make sure your dog engages in sufficient amounts of exercise. Regular play and exercise is essential to keep your dog happy, both physically and mentally. Regardless of the activities you choose, the dog and you will surely benefit a great deal. It gives you exercise and helps develop a relationship that will last forever with your dog.

TIP! Never miss one of your pet’s annual check-ups. Your vet can notice health ailments long before you can, and many of the tests he can perform will help to detect or prevent things like diabetes, kidney or thyroid problems.

You need to make sure your dog can walk on a leash. He ought to be next to you rather than ahead or behind. He should also respond to the “heel” command. This will keep him safe, and it’ll make walks more enjoyable. Even if your dog is sometimes walked on a loose leash, it should still know the command anyway.

TIP! Be sure your dog sees the vet once a year. Your dog should be checked for things like heartworms regularly, and his shots need to be current.

Show your dog that you love him. A lot of owners focus on correcting bad behaviors rather than displaying affection for their dog. This causes problems with dog behavior. You should ensure you give your dog positive reinforcement. Your dog is going to behave much more if you do that.

TIP! You must give careful thought to a decision to bring a dog into your life. Dogs can easily steal your heart, but they also require a lot of care.

Clean up completely if your dog uses the bathroom on your floor. A combination of an industrial strength cleaner preceding an odor remover is effective. If any scent from their excrement is left behind, they may keep soiling that area.

TIP! Remember, your dog isn’t a human. When you’re getting a dog trained, it may not have a long attention span.

When you first start training, experiment with several types of rewards. Each pet is different, and therefore, what motivates him or her is going to be different as well. If your dog likes food, try giving them food as a reward. If your canine likes playing with toys, tug of war might be a good game for them. Pet your dog if this is something he enjoys.

TIP! If you have kids, it is important that they have a schedule, same for your dog. Caring for a dog is not that different.

Be patient with your dog and do not push the training too hard. When you train your dog, remember his attention span isn’t like yours. Train for a couple of minutes at a time to ensure you don’t turn him off training.

TIP! If you find your dog chewing on inappropriate items, consider purchasing a few dog toys or chewable treats such as antlers and bully sticks. The satisfaction they provide are designed to direct his instincts away from household possessions and provide a health outlet for your dog.

It is no simple decision to take on a dog, but now that you are better informed about what to do, it’s time to take the next step. Take some time to read more about the amazing world of canines. You’ll be better able to care for you dog and have a wonderful hobby!