Owning a pet, especially a dog, is a serious commitment. Owning a dog is a bit like raising a child: they need love and kindness, but also food, shelter, exercise, hygiene, and health care. Learning everything about training a dog can take some time. The fact is, reading this article will give you the knowledge you need to be the best dog owner ever.
When you get a puppy, have him fixed at around two years old. Statistics show that doing this can reduce your dog’s cancer risk, which can result in a longer life span. Additionally, dogs who undergo this procedure are much less likely to wander off and maybe get into to an accident.
If there are prescription medications in your home, be sure to keep it out of your dog’s reach. If the dog gets near the pills, then just a few of them could do serious harm and result in a trip to emergency room. Make sure you have your veterinarian’s number handy in case your dog does accidentally swallow your medicine.
If your dog has fleas, and they fall off his coat onto your floor, vacuum them up. However, remember that fleas are pretty good escape artists, so you need to throw out the bag immediately after you are finished. To be on the safe side, tape the bag completely shut before you take it out to your trash can.
Take your grown dog to the vet at least once a year. The vet will check to see if the dog’s vaccines up to date. In addition, the vet will check the dog’s teeth and vital signs. If any major health or behavioral issues come up between annual checkups, you should see the vet earlier.
Check with your vet to determine the amount of food to feed your dog daily. Most dog food packages include guidelines but keep in mind that these instructions might not be adapted to your dog. Ask your vet for the proper amount based on your dog’s needs.
If you are thinking about adopting a dog, try taking a couple of weeks off work so you can spend some time with your puppy and teach it a few good habits. Training your puppy and helping it get used to its new environment will be much easier if you are home.
Follow your vet’s advice when it comes to medications and special care requirements. He may not like wearing a cone over his head, but it’s prescribed for a reason! If you fail to listen to your vet, your dog may end up sick or injured.
Send your dog to school! He will feel more comfortable knowing exactly what is expected of him and obedience school will help him learn that. It will also boost his self-confidence, and of course, make a more well-behaved pet of him. Call around locally and see if you can sign him up for a trial class and take it from there.
Make sure that your dog gets plenty of exercise- both physical and mental. 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. Many dogs were originally bred to work, and will get frustrated if you do not give them a job to do.
To ensure that your dog is safe, you should try to make your home as dog-proof as possibly. This includes making sure that only safe play toys are within your dogs reach. If you have a problem with your dog getting into your kitchen trash or the things on your counter, you could consider getting a baby gate to prevent your pup from entering the kitchen.
Put your dog through obedience training. A well-trained dog is a joy to live with for both you and them. Teaching them simple commands like “Come,” “Heel,” “Sit,” and “Stay” can help curb or prevent troublesome behaviors in no time. You can either teach them yourself, or you can find out about obedience courses by contacting the SPCA or the local humane society for class recommendations.
Prior to getting a dog, take into consideration your lifestyle and the amount of time you are away from home. No matter how much you may want a furry friend, you may realize that you aren’t ready for that kind of responsibility.
A great way to have some company on your car rides is to take your dog with you. Most dogs enjoy riding in the car. Riding in the car is also a good place to practice some training exercises with your pet as well. You can practice “stay” when the dog enters and exits the vehicle. Always remember to leave windows down because heat from a closed car can kill the dog.
Now that you have learned more about caring for and enjoying your dog, you are ready to apply your knowledge. This information lets you take good care of your faithful pet. Your dog will be much happier and healthier if you put some effort into being a good dog owner.
