You need to do more than pet and feed your dog. Your dog also needs constant TLC. But do you know how to care for your dog? In this article, we provide ample advice culled from some of the best sources in dog training. Read on to learn more.
Take your dog to the vet at least one time a year for checkups. Obviously, dogs don’t speak, so it can be hard to figure out when they’re having problems with their bones or teeth. Bringing your dog to the vet each year can help stop these health issues from becoming a huge problem.
Never take your dog outside your yard without a leash. There are a number of distractions that could cause your dog to run off into a dangerous situation. You are responsible for anything your dog does, as well as for his safety.
Don’t go for the cheap stuff when you buy dog food. The brands that are cheaper have preservatives, additives, as well as other things that aren’t good for your dog. You should contact an animal advocacy group or a consumer awareness program to get some recommendations for quality dog foods. Your dog will be much healthier if you feed it some healthy food.
Don’t force your dog to do anything. Some dogs won’t love all treats, and you shouldn’t push your dog to like something. Learn what he likes and what he doesn’t.
A daily brush does a lot more than just prevent shedding. Daily brushing can help them acquire a beautiful, shiny coat. When you brush the coat, oils from the skin are distributed throughout, and this is makes the coat soft and silky.
Train your dog how to properly walk when on a leash. They should walk by your side, instead of behind or in front of you, and they must respond to “heel.” If you do this, your dog will be safe, and it will be easy for you to handle. Your dog needs to get used to this.
You can keep your furry friend mentally as well as physically active through plenty of exercise. Teaching your dog tricks, such as fetching your shoes or the paper, is a fun activity and it also will stimulate your dog’s mind, keeping him alert and attentive. They’ll feel like a useful family member and the constant reinforced training will maintain their sharp thinking skills.
Stay politically active for the sake of your dog. Be on the lookout for changes in local laws and ordinances that may restrict and regulate a dog owner’s rights. Sometimes, a small number of bad dogs get more publicity than a large number of good dogs. You can be a great help by showing the local officials that responsible owners should have rights.
Clean up completely if your dog uses the bathroom on your floor. Use a professional strength cleaner, followed by a proven odor remover. Your dog may do his business in the exact same area if his scent from the excrement lingers.
If you are shopping for a new dog and already own another dog, it is a good idea to take your old dog along. Dogs are quite social, but sometimes two particular dogs just are not compatible with each other. If you find that your dogs are compatible, a lot of anguish and trouble can be saved.
You need to really consider adding a dog to your home. Falling in love with a puppy is easy, but there is more to taking care of a dog than that. In order to make sure you are ready for dog ownership, think it through carefully.
When you first start out training the dog see what kinds of rewards work best. See what motivates your dog to succeed. Dogs will always respond to food as a treat, so see what types works best. If a dog likes toys better, play a little tug o’ war with your puppy if you wish. Quality time spent giving them a good petting can even do the trick.
The longer you spend studying about dogs, the better you’ll be at caring for them. Doing so means providing your dog with the best life possible, seeing as he is already such a good friend. Imagine being a dog: wouldn’t you want the same done for you?
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