Content writer-Lindsey Lim
Do you want a canine companion? Do you understand what you will be responsible once you take possession of your dog? There are many responsibilities which come with dog ownership, and they start the first time you bring your puppy home. This article will show you the ropes and get you ready for your new best friend.
Being a dog owner requires a financial commitment. Food, vet care and supplies can add up quickly. Emergency vet care is very expensive, in some cases thousands of dollars, so you might want to consider purchasing pet health insurance.
When training your puppy or dog, keep the sessions short! Experts say that a dog has the attention span of a small child, sometimes less, and that longer sessions will actually cause him to forget everything you've learned together. Use positive reinforcement and limit your training sessions to no more than 15 minutes.
Keep your dog at a healthy weight. Plenty of dogs are overweight, and just like humans, this can lead to health issues. People tend to overfeed their dogs, and many also feed them table scraps. A dog doesn't need as many calories as most people think; talk to your vet about how much you should feed him each day, and what food is most suitable. A vet will advise you based on his size, age and lifestyle.
Ask your vet what kinds of foods you should feed to your dog and what to stay away from. Some puppies take longer to develop, and some types of food may be too rich, leading to an upset belly or vomiting. Always exercise caution when it comes to your animal's food.
If you are in the market for a new puppy, make sure you will have enough time to devote to his training. On average, you need to take a young dog outside to do his business eight times a day and that can take a lot away from your schedule. Training takes more time and patience than most people realize.
Make sure your pet has time each day to stretch his legs and move around. Exercise and play are necessary for a dog. They keep the dog fit and healthy, both physically and mentally. Playing fetch or going for a nice walk will be good for both you and the dog.
Get More will thus offer necessary exercise, but will also build strong bonds with the animal.
Your dog needs to exercise regularly. Like humans, dogs must exercise to burn calories, remain healthy, and help their minds stay sharp. Exercising also helps them avoid boredom that can cause destructive behaviors. Keeping your dog active can curb chewing, biting, digging, and chasing urges. It can even help them avoid depression.
The pads of your dog's feet can become dry and cracked, so make sure that you moisturize them regularly. Ask your veterinarian for advice on which product to use. Avoid using moisturizers that are intended for humans, because they can make the pads too soft and your dog may get hurt.
Send your dog to school! He will feel more comfortable knowing exactly what is expected of him and obedience school will help him learn that. It will also boost his self-confidence, and of course, make a more well-behaved pet of him. Call around locally and see if you can sign him up for a trial class and take it from there.
Do not make training your dog seem like a chore. Dogs pick up on this negative energy and will have a difficult time learning if you are not in the right mind frame. Make it fun and try to look at it as a bonding experience with your pet. When your dog is having fun, they will learn their training quicker.
Which Dog Food Has Never Been Recalled
Be politically active when it comes to your dog. Watch local legislation that passes to see how it regulates or restricts the rights and behavior of dog owners. These regulations often exist because of bad behaviors from a few dogs of a certain breed. Make sure that your voice is heard on behalf of other dog owners.
When you are walking your dog in the wintertime, there may be rock salt or chemical ice melters that come in contact with his feet. Once you get back in the house, wash his paws and dry them gently. This will prevent these items from causing any type of infections.
How Long Can Dog Go Without Food
Vitamins are not necessarily a good thing for your dog. Your dog does not need vitamins if you feed it a good diet. Do not give your dog too many vitamins as this can get them sick. Talk with your veterinarian prior to starting a vitamin regimen with your dog.
Make sure that you're feeding your dog a good quality food. Most dog foods available at your grocery store are mainly made up of grains or corn. Instead of this, you should try to find a dog food that is mostly made of meat. Foods that are high quality can provide you with many benefits, such as having a healthy pup, less vet visits, and your dog's coat will shine more.
When taking care of your dog's grooming needs, do not neglect their feet. Obviously, dog's do not wear shoes so their feet are exposed to the elements and could hurt their feet in debris outside. Look for any cuts or abrasions on their feet and if you find something serious, bring him or her to their vet.
It is important that you give your dog plenty of exercise. Doing so will promote a healthy lifestyle for your dog and you. This is especially the case if the dog in question is very energetic. If you give your dog sufficient exercise, it is less likely he or she will cause problems inside the home.
When choosing a leash and collar, opt for strength. A thick, short leash is your best bet to ensure complete control of your dog. If you have multiple dogs, consider a leash which attaches around your waist to free up your hands for picking up poop or pulling a dog back into line.
Dogs make great pets. To be a great pet owner, however, does require some work on your part. Take time to educate yourself on all of the latest doggy-care recommendations. Apply everything you learn, including the hot tips from this article, to ensure that your loyal pooch lives a healthy and very happy life.