Authored by-Serup Kure
Bringing a dog into the home is a decision that should not be taken lightly. If you are considering, or have already extended your family to include a dog, there are things that you should know. Below, you will find a list of quality tips to use to help the transition easier for you and your dog.
If you are thinking of getting a new dog for your family, be sure you are prepared for this commitment. Smaller dogs will require at least a 14-16 year commitment, and larger dogs will require at least 10 years. If you are not prepared to own the dog for its entire life, then do not choose a dog as a pet.
Groom your dog regularly. A dog requires constant grooming to keep his coat in tip top condition. Make sure that your dog is completely relaxed before you start the grooming session; this is especially important if he is excitable. Keep the session quite short (5 to 10 minutes at most) until he is comfortable with the idea of being groomed. Most importantly - be sure to praise him and offer a treat after a successful grooming session!
Be a good neighbor and discourage your dog from barking, unless he is alerting you to danger. Most people get used to the sound of their dog yelping, but others find it a constant annoyance. If your dog barks often, consider talking to your vet about what could be causing it and how you can put a stop to it, for everyone's sake.
When you're thinking of taking a dog with you when you travel, snap a photo of the animal with your phone. This will help in the rare situation that you get separated from your dog. You will have a current picture of your dog to show to people.
Don't get sub-par food for your dog that's from a bargain store. Cheaper brands have tons of additives, preservatives, and ingredients that can harm a dog's health. Use an animal advocacy group or some kind of consumer awareness group to see if you can get a list of good foods that are professionally recommended. Your dog will be much better off.
If your dog does something that you do not like, try to avoid just saying no. To your dog, no doesn't really explain what you want your pup to do. Instead of saying no if your dog is jumping, try to get your dog to sit or lay down. By doing this, you provide your dog with an instruction of what to do.
If you're on a tight budget at home, think carefully before getting a dog. They actually cost hundreds of dollars annually, but many people don't realize this until they've actually forked over the money. Depending on the size and regular maintenance requirements of your new dog, you could be getting in way over your head and forced to part with him later so make sure beforehand.
Do you have a hard time keeping your dog from barking? You might be encouraging this behavior without even realizing it. Your dog will keep barking if you acknowledge this behavior. It is best to ignore your dog until it stops barking, even if your dog wants to come inside.
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.
If you have your heart set on a purebred dog, realize that the city pound may be somewhere to look. Lots of dog owners will leave their dog stranded whenever they don't want it anymore. You can contact the local dog shelter to see what breeds are there. You could possibly be saving a dog's life in the process.
Do you have a hard time keeping your dog from barking? You might be encouraging this behavior without even realizing it. Your dog will keep barking if you acknowledge this behavior. It is best to ignore your dog until it stops barking, even if your dog wants to come inside.
Did you know that vitamins could actually be harmful to your dog? If your dog is eating a balanced diet,do not give him additional vitamins. Excessive amounts of some vitamins can harm the bones, joints and blood vessels. If you're going to be giving your dog vitamins, be sure to talk to your vet first.
Consider getting your dog from a shelter. Many of the dogs that are brought there are well behaved, yet the owners could not handle the responsibility that came with raising them. For the best results, visit the shelter a few times so that you can find the dog that is right for you and your lifestyle.
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.
click here to investigate 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.
Prior to getting a dog, take into consideration your lifestyle and the amount of time you are away from home.
website want dogs, but sometimes they cannot give the dog everything that they need.
Use different reward systems to find out what your dog prefers. Take the time to learn what will motivate your pet the most. Pieces of sausage or tasty dog treats will work for a dog that is motivated by food. Tug of war is a great game that you can play with your dog as a reward. Occasionally, a dog may just want to be petted for their reward.
Dogs love to chew. Make sure your dog has plenty of things that he can chew on so he doesn't chew on things he shouldn't be chewing on. Dogs love to chew on rawhide and various other things that are manufactured and sold just for dogs to chew on.
If you are looking to get a dog but do not know where to look, turn to your local ASPCA or animal shelter. Getting a dog from one of these establishments is ideal because not only are they in need of a good home, but they have probably also been well taken care of. Most dogs are vaccinated, spayed or neutered and checked for illnesses at these places.
You need to be a great friend to your dog, just like he's a great friend to you. The advice you just read can help your dog remain healthy for many years to come. Your dog is deserving of a great life and if you use what you have learned in this article, you'll have a fantastic life too.