Are you a former or current dog owner? If so, you are already familiar with the joys of owning these fantastic pets. However, those rewards are increased through knowledge and responsibility. The tips in this article will get you going in the right direction.
Owning a dog takes a bit of money. When you add up the medical care, food and supplies in general, your costs could run from $700-$1000 annually. A sick dog could cost you tens of thousands! Look into doggie health insurance!
If you bring your pet on vacation with you, keep a picture of him with you, particularly on your phone. If they’re separated from you, then you’ll have a current photo that you can easily access and show others or to download for “lost” flyers.
Your lifestyle should be a determining factor in the breed of dog that you choose. For example, someone that stays inside a lot would want a calm lap dog and not a hyper breed. When you prefer to stay home, choose a small dog who doesn’t need much outdoor time. Steer clear of a breed mismatch if you want to be a happy dog owner.
Reward your dog for doing right things, such as sitting while you place it’s food down, with lots of praise and attention. You need your dog to realize that you’re proud of their behavior and want to see it more often. This will teach the dog that when they do what you wish, they’ll get praised.
Give your pooch rawhide bones instead of those from real meat. Real bones chip apart and can become dangerously lodged in the oral cavity or digestive track. Rawhide is very healthy and will help your dog develop some strong teeth. Never ever give him a real bone!
Buy or build a dog house if he is going to be outside for long periods in the winter. Exposure to extreme weather for long periods can cause health issues, particularly if the dog’s feet get wet. Protect them from precipitation and wind by providing them a dry and spacious shelter.
If you decide to adopt a dog from a shelter, you should schedule an appointment with a veterinarian right away. Shelter dogs have numerous opportunities to be exposed to harmful bacteria and viruses; these can result in dangerous illnesses. Therefore, you should have the animal looked at prior to taking it to your house.
If your dog seems lonely or seems to have separation anxiety, leave the radio or a CD on when you leave the house. The music will calm the dog down, and they’ll feel like someone else is there. This little touch can help your dog feel less anxious as he awaits your return.
Demonstrate plenty of affection to your dog. Similar to other areas of life, dog owners notice a dog’s bad behavior rather than the good. This often results in problems later. Give your dog positive reinforcement every time they do something right. This will make them very happy when around you.
If you have a lone dog think about getting another if he is feeling lonely. Dogs are animals that love to be with other dogs. Get dogs of similar energy levels and temperaments for the best results.
Make political decisions which will help your dog! Watch for local laws that people are trying to pass to restrict how dog owners have to behave and what their rights are. Sometimes people might misjudge a breed. Make sure that your voice is heard on behalf of other dog owners.
Schedule a visit to the vet for your dog on a regular basis. It’s important that the dog sees a vet every so often to make sure there aren’t any shots that they might need. Puppies need to go to the vet more often then adult dogs. Plus, you need to take immediate vet action if the dog shows any signs of injury or illness.
When your dog has a bathroom accident on the floor, be sure to thoroughly clean the area. Use some professional strength cleaners and a good odor remover that works. If you leave behind any type of a scent from the dog’s accident they may end up using the bathroom again in that spot.
Prior to bringing home another dog, arrange a meeting between your current pet and your prospective pet. While dogs are social instinctively, certain breeds and temperaments get along better with others. If you find that your dogs are compatible, a lot of anguish and trouble can be saved.
You can tell about your dog’s health by feeling is nose, but there are other factors, too. Even a sick dog can have a cold, wet nose. You can keep track of your dog’s heath by paying attention to it’s appetite, demeanor, and energy levels. You will be able to learn a lot about how your dog might be feeling. Their temperature can be checked via their rectum.
Your training techniques should only use positive reinforcement. Your dog will learn faster when you employ rewards and praise rather than negative reinforcement. Treating your dog well isn’t just the humane thing to do, it’s effective. So be kind to your dog when you are training him; you will be rewarded with positive results.
Take special care during the summer. It is easy for a dog to become overheated, and this can cause health problems. In the summertime, be sure they can lay in a cool, shaded area. Your dog should always have access to clean and cool water. Also, dogs can have problems with the sun’s rays, so see if the vet has any sunscreens for dogs.
As discussed above, few things are as rewarding as owning a dog. It’s even better if you know what you’re doing. The article you just read has given you many valuable ideas to make your experience the best it can be. Take this tips to heart, and love every minute of your life with your dog!
