You get more than a pet when you invite a dog into your home. This animal will quickly become your best friend and a family member. Knowing the best methods of caring for him will help you learn to live together in peace. Keep reading to learn some tips about caring for your new friend.
If you are looking for a great family pet, but are on a budget, consider rescuing an animal. You can get one at a local shelter for minimal costs, and the dog will come with a clean bill of health and all his shots. If you are interested in a specific breed, contact a rescue group specializing in only those pooches.
Your dog needs to be secured when in a car. It will make the journey safer, as it will lead to fewer distractions for the person driving the car, but in the event of an accident, it could also save your dog’s life. Look for a seat belt harness, often sold at pet stores, that you can put in your car for your pet.
Never lose your temper or punish your dog if you find that it did something wrong. Negative reinforcement will make your dog scared, which will make it difficult for you to train them. Use positive reinforcement to get your dog to cooperate when teaching him new things.
Never give your dog milk! It’s unnecessary 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.
Rawhide bones are the best options for your dog. Bones can chip and get lodged in the digestive tract or mouth. In contrast, rawhide has health benefits for your pet.
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 them plenty of love and 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.
Check to make sure your dog’s collar is adjusted properly by fitting two of your fingers comfortably underneath it and pulling gently. There should be just enough room to do this and no more. Otherwise, he may be able to wiggle out of it. Keep it on, except during crate transport, as the collar can get snagged and injured.
Do not make training your dog seem like a chore. Dogs pick up on this negative energy and will have difficulty learning if you are not in the right mind frame. Make it fun and look at it as a bonding experience with your pet. When your dog is having fun, they will learn their training quicker.
If you breed your dog, do so responsibly. The AKC advises all owners of pure-bred dogs to make an effort to advance the breed and discard all other motivations, such as money or experimentation. Consider the repercussions of your actions before allowing your dog to mate and create a litter of puppies.
Be prepared to have much patience with your dog during potty training. Dogs learn at different speeds and ages, and your canine may be slow or stubborn. Have good resources at your fingertips to assist your efforts, and remember not to get angry when your dog has “accidents,” as that will only impede his progress.
If you have a smaller breed dog, make sure everyone who touches him knows the proper way to hold him. Small dogs can be easily injured by inappropriate handling, and many owners find this out the hard way. Gently lift the belly from under his front legs and secure him with both hands.
When your dog has a bathroom accident on the floor, be sure to clean the area thoroughly. Use a cleaner specifically made to clean up such messes. If any scent remains, the dog might soil the area repeatedly.
Choose the food your dog eats very carefully. There are quite a few different types of food out there, but you have to get one that works with your dog’s size and age. Ask your vet for advice.
Ensure that you buy an appropriate collar for your dog to ensure its health and safety. If the collar is too loose, it may become snagged on something. If the collar is too tight, it may restrict the dog’s breathing ability. Allow for a two-finger space between the dog and the collar.
If you have a hard time keeping your dog from chewing your possessions or furniture, use a taste deterrent. Most pet stores sell bitter apple sprays or other products you can use to keep your dog from chewing. Choose a product that does not contain any chemicals if possible.
Before you decide to get a dog, you should think about the individual needs of different breeds of dogs. Some dogs can get enough exercise in the home, while others may need a few hours outside each day. These factors can mean a lot when it comes to meeting the needs of your new family member.
Never give your dog away for free. No matter how desperate you feel, quickly get rid of it. Even if you can not care for the animal, it is still your responsibility to ensure that it will have a good life. Instead, take the time to investigate the person you will give it to and charge a re-homing fee to ensure they are serious about caring for the animal.
It would be best if you now understood what is necessary for the proper care of your furry friend. Keep these tips in mind as you live your day-to-day life. Soon, you will not have problems of any kind and will have a healthy companion to enjoy and love.
