Are you considering adopting a homeless pup from the shelter? Are you interested in getting a purebred dog directly from a breeder? Whether you have a pedigree puppy or a barnyard mutt, you’re in for a lot of affection. A lot of responsibility is involved, and reading this will help you understand what you can expect.
Make your home suitable for dogs. Before bringing your dog home for the first time, make sure that the entire area is completely safe. Make sure chemicals, medications and any garbage is out of reach of the dog. Some house plants are poisonous, so keep them away from your dog’s reach or remove them.
Just as you need an annual physical exam, dogs do as well. It can be difficult to know what could be causing your dog pain since they cant talk to you. An annual checkup can help catch such issues before they become a major problem.
Get your dog neutered. This reduces the chances of cancer and helps keep the stray animal population down. Also, dogs that get fixed won’t feel the need to wander away so that may mean that they won’t get into accidents like getting hit by a vehicle.
You shouldn’t allow your pet off your property if it’s not wearing a leash, even if he is extremely well-behaved. Something could distract him, like a squirrel or a cat, causing him to leave your side. It is your job to keep your dog safe, and to keep him from harming anyone else or causing anyone problems.
Use your lifestyle to pick the dog breed you need to get. For instance, if you jog, a toy poodle may not be as great a choice as a dog that is able to run with you. If you prefer to stay home curled up on your couch, go for a small dog that likes to be spoiled and that will curl up along with you. You will be much happier when you make a choice that is complementary to your lifestyle.
When it comes to buying food for your dog, don’t skimp by buying the cheap stuff. High quality foods are always your best bet. Sure, it’s more expensive. But, isn’t your pet worth it?
Instruct your dog clearly about how to walk with a leash. He needs to know to heel next to you, not behind you or in front of you. Your dog will be safer in this position, and you’ll both enjoy your walks more this way. Even if you practice a loose leash walk, it’s still important for your pet to know this command.
In the case your dog has separation anxiety, leave music or the television on when you leave your house. The noise can help him feel more secure. The sounds might help to emulate a normal home environment when people are around.
When you are training your dog, don’t have too many people telling your dog what to do. Folks all do things differently, and it is important not to confuse the animal. Assign a person to do the training and then have others fortify what he learns by following the same guidelines and respecting the procedure.
It is not uncommon for dogs to get cuts on their paws from stepping on pieces of glass and debris. If your dog suffers a cut, clean it with antiseptic and bandage the wound. If the cut seems deep, visit your vet.
Whenever your dog has a house-training accident, be careful to clean it very thoroughly. Start with a professional quality cleaner, and follow that up with an odor remover you know will work. If any of the smell remains, your dog might be encouraged to do the same thing, in the same spot, all over again.
After reading this article, you have been supplied with the information necessary to bring the new family member home! Keep reading to find out more. There are many forums that are great for dog owners. There’s always more to learn about caring for dogs, so get in the habit of educating yourself!