There is nothing easy about dog ownership. You will have to care for him in many of the same ways that you would a child. Where can one go for information on handling all these issues? Therefore, you need to be a responsible owner, and this article will guide you into becoming one.
Have your dog spayed or neutered. Statistics show that doing this can reduce your dog's cancer risk, which can result in a longer life span. Also, dogs that have been neutered or spayed stick closer to home, limiting their exposure to dangerous traffic and other hazards.
If you have over-the-counter medication or prescription medication in your home, keep it in a place the dog can't access it. Just a few of your pills can be disastrous for the dog, inducing a heart attack or seizure. If you notice that your dog has consumed any of your medication, you need to immediately contact your vet.
Hand signals are great when they are paired with verbal commands. It may be easier for your dog to learn commands if they see a visual signal. Try both methods to see which your dog prefers.
Before giving your dog a new dog food, talk to your vet. Following his advice on the different foods for different stages of your dog's life can avoid sickness and stomach upset. Never give your dog any food you are not sure of.
Never give your dog milk! It's not necessary for his body and he doesn't have the proper enzymes to digest it anyway. Feeding your dog cow's milk can lead to chronic diarrhea and leave him with an upset stomach, among other health problems. Stick with plain old water for a healthy and hydrated dog.
Make sure your dog gets enough exercise. This is vital to the care of a happy dog. Many people don't bother to exercise their dog, thinking that walks are enough. Dogs are active creatures and need to play. Talk to your veterinarian about how much activity your dog needs, and make sure he gets it.
If your dog has long hair, make sure to take the time to trim the fur around his feet. If you allow your dog's hair to grow too long, they can get things stuck in their fur. This could lead to injuries between the pads of the feet and around the nails.
Remember that dogs are creatures of habit and anything you start with him will be expected in the future. If you're not keen on him sleeping with you, don't let him do it only on occasion. Likewise, if you don't want him begging at the table, never offer him a bite of people food. He will learn and accept things if you are consistent.
When training your dog, consistency is everything. You must be consistent at all times. If your dog is not allowed to jump on people as they walk in, don't allow your dog to do it even if a person says they don't mind being jumped on. You should also make sure that everyone that's around your dog understands your rules and are consistent with them.
To prevent the hair around a dog's paws from matting, you should keep it trimmed. First comb the hair, then give it a trim. If you don't feel comfortable doing this, a professional can always step in to help.
Feed your dog dry, premium-quality dog food. This kind of dog food helps to make sure your dog gets all of their vital nutrients. Making sure that they get proper nutrition helps them live a longer life and reduces their chances of obesity, malnutrition, skeletal problems, muscular problems, and many more conditions.
Respect your pet. When out on a walk, do not force your dog to interact with other people or animals if he does not want to. There is a reason why your dog may not want to get too close, and it is important that you listen to him. If you try and make him interact, your dog may begin to act out over time.
Always be the boss with your dog. A dog is not only much more apt to be obedient when you are in command, he'll also be much happier. Dogs need to know what's expected of them and that they are being led. This gives them a sense of security and you a more peaceful household.
If you're going to be away from your dog for a short period of time, it might be a good idea to invest in a dog crate. A crate for your dog will provide it with a safe and secure area to go into when you aren't able to watch it for a period of time.
This expert advice is something that you will remember so that you may use it with your dog every day. With the things you've learned, you're prepared to make a fine start as a responsible dog owner. Your dog will be much happier and healthier if you put some effort into being a good dog owner.
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