Loyal dogs make great companions. This, however, doesn’t mean that they just come that way. They need to be trained and taken care of properly in order to be the best pet possible. This piece will show you how.
If you’re on any kind of medication, even if it’s over-the-counter, you need to keep it away from your dog. Your dog could be seriously injured or killed by ingesting a couple of small pills. Be sure to contact your vet if your dog swallows your medication.
If your young dog is teething and gnawing at everything, buy him a fun chew toy and keep it in the fridge. Not only does this provide him with a good alternative to your furniture, but the cold will help to make his gums feel better. Most younger dogs gnaw out of necessity, not poor manners.
Having fresh and clean water available to your dog at all times is a must. Dogs become dangerously dehydrated in a matter of days, so its very important to always have water ready. Dogs will also appreciate water that is clean. If you find it necessary to drink filtered or bottled water because of the quality of water from your tap, then be sure to provide your dog with the same high quality water.
Try using hand signals when training a dog instead of just using verbal commands. This is a very effective way to communicate with your dog. Try both ways and see which is best for your dog.
Keep your dog in good shape. He can suffer with the same weight-related issues that you can, so make sure he gets plenty of healthy exercise and eats a well-balanced diet. Remember that walking will benefit you as well, so make it a part of your daily routine together to be happier and healthier.
Be careful if you’re searching for a new dog on Craigslist or other classified ads. Many people exaggerate the truth in order to unload problems or challenging training issues and you could end up with an impossible situation on your hands. Only talk to people who are verifiable through vet records and demonstrate positive handling experience.
Let your dog chew some rawhide rather than meat bones. Giving them actual bones may cause them to fall apart and become lodged in the digestive tract or oral cavity of your dog. Rawhide is much safer and also cleans teeth.
Ease your dog into knowing a new baby that comes into your home. Dogs can be very jealous and you need to continue to show him plenty of love an affection, even though you’ve got a brand new bundle of joy in your life. Talk to the dog as you handle the baby and keep him in the loop.
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.
Unless you’re okay with your dog playing with your shoes and other things around your home, buy him some toys. He will enjoy having things of his own, particularly if they are interactive like pull-toys you can use together. Also buy him things he can use to occupy himself and stay out of trouble!
Being a pet owner doesn’t have to be hard. It may be a bit hard in the beginning, but the advice here should lead you in the correct direction. Take everything that you’ve learned here, and you should have no trouble taking care of your furry friend.