TIP! Make your home suitable for dogs. Before you bring a new dog home, make sure the whole area is safe.

Dogs provide joy to many lives when they get proper care. Learning about a dog’s needs is key to its health and happiness. Keep reading for great tips on developing a good relationship with your pup.

TIP! Be wary when it comes to flea treatments. A lot of the ones on the market have ingredients that are 1000 times more potent than what is considered safe by the EPA and it may be a cancer risk for children.

Hugs are good, but kisses should be avoided. Kisses seem nice, but dogs have very dirty mouths. Keep in mind that dogs drink from toilet bowls and eat whatever is on the ground. Many people believe that dogs’ mouths do not have as much germs as humans’ mouths. This statement is most definitely not true.

TIP! It is smart to use your hands to signal while dog training, as opposed to just your voice. This is a very effective way to communicate with your dog.

Don’t give table scraps to your dog. Doing so teaches it to beg and ruins its appetite for its regular food. “People food” can also make dogs sick and contribute to obesity. Make sure your dog doesn’t hover around your dinner table so it isn’t tempted to eat your food.

TIP! Your dog’s nails should be trimmed regularly. When they start curling under, the dog runs the risk of experiencing pain.

Purchase or construct a dog house if your dog must stay outside when the weather is cold. Wet feet and cold fur can bring on health problems. Keep your dog safe by giving him shelter.

TIP! If your welcome a new dog into your family, immediately schedule a check up for him. Make the appointment when you buy your dog.

Do not force your dog to do anything. If your dog doesn’t like a particular treat, don’t force him to eat it. Get to know your dog better to figure out how you can make it happy.

TIP! Your dog has to be leash trained. Make him walk at your side, and do not let him pull far in front of you or stay far behind.

You should always trim your nails. If they start to curl under then your dog may start to feel pain. Buy some clippers from a pet store and cut them yourself. If this idea makes you uneasy, a groomer can easily attend to them for you.

TIP! Certain health issues plague particular dog breeds, and you need to know what those conditions are for the type of dog you own. You might be able to prevent some conditions from developing by taking a little extra care of him from the beginning.

Avoid leaving your pup outside all day. While this happens quite often, a dog needs interaction during the day. If you have a single dog, it may feel lonely outside on its own. Also, any extreme weather can cause problems for your dog.

TIP! Stay on top of canine politics for your friend. Keep up with local legislation to learn about new changes that might have an effect on your situation as a dog owner.

If you have to leave your dog alone for a whole day, leave a radio or a TV on. The sounds will help your pet feel safer and will make it feel like it’s not alone. That might work to appease his anxiety during the time you aren’t home.

TIP! Carefully pick the foods you feed your dog. There are a lot of foods out there, but you have to choose foods that are right for the size and age of your particular dog.

Show the dog that he is loved. Like a lot of things, people notice bad behavior more often that good behavior. This causes problems with dog behavior. Instead, make sure you pet or praise your dog five times more often than you scold him. When you do this, you will probably end up with a better behaved dog.

TIP! If you are shopping for a new dog and already own another dog, it is a good idea to take your old dog along. Most dogs enjoy another dog’s company, but some dogs do not get along.

Stimulate your dog mentally and physically with plenty of exercise. Teach your dog to get your newspaper as well as other things that are useful in your home. Your dog is going to feel useful and also stay quite sharp.

TIP! Don’t be afraid to be stern when disciplining your dog for bad behavior. When some people own dogs they give them extra treats and allow them to misbehave.

Be sure your dog sees the vet once a year. Your vet will give your dog an annual exam with any vaccines that your dog might need. When you own a puppy, you may need to see a vet more often. When your dog seems to be sick or injured in any way, it is time to go to the vet.

TIP! Do not expect your dog to do too much. Remember that your dog’s attention span is rather short, and watch for signs that he is ready for a break from training.

If you already own a dog and are getting another one, have the two meet before bringing the new one home. Dogs are social creatures, but it’s true that some dogs are more friendlier than others. Finding the right dog for you will save you lots of trouble in the end.

TIP! Dogs must be kept clean, much like humans. While your dog will not need a bath every day, you do want to be sure to give it a good cleaning at least once a week.

When snacking, you might allow your dog to have a bite or two of your food. This is true of some snacks, but not of others. A few foods that you should not allow your dog to have include grapes, chocolate and caffeine. They can make you dog seriously ill or even cause death if enough is ingested.

TIP! It is important to socialize new puppies early, so that they are comfortable with a variety of people and other dogs from the beginning. Taking your dog to a dog park, on a play date, or to a groomer is a good way for them to socialize with other dogs.

Dogs bring joy to all they meet. It is very vital that you know what is going to make your dog happy. The intent of this article was to provide you with such knowledge. Use it wisely and you will become a happier, more confident pet owner and a better friend to your canine companion.