Article created by-Steenberg Steen
It's natural that you would love having a dog. Dogs have been great pets for thousands of years. It's always a great idea to get a dog, but you have to remember that you are also taking on some responsibility when you bring a dog into your house. Here are some ways you can handle those responsibilities.
Anti-flea products are dangerous. Many contain ingredients that are dangerous to children. Talk to the vet about different forms of treatment that are safer for use around small kids.
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.
Because non-verbal communication is vital to dogs, you should devote yourself to learning how to read your dog's signals. If your dog is fearful or shy, do not insist that they interact. This may cause a human or the other canine to get bit. Keep eye on non-verbal clues and look toward your dog for your next move.
Never lose your temper or punish your dog if you find that they did something wrong. Negative reinforcement will simply make your dog scared, which will make it difficult for you to train them. Use positive reinforcement at all times to get your dog to cooperate when teaching him new things.
It is very important for you to keep your dog's ears clean. Keeping the inside of the ears clean will help prevent infections of the ear. This is also a good time for you to inspect the ear for fleas, ticks and any other pests that could have made your dog's ear home.
Keep your dog's teeth in tip tip condition. Just like humans, a dog can suffer from toothache, gum disease and even tooth loss. Regular brushing will ensure that that his teeth and gums stay healthy and strong. Without regular brushing, it is estimated that dental disease will affect up to 80% of dogs by the age of three. As well as dental cleaning by a vet, make sure that you brush your dog's teeth regularly.
When To Switch From Puppy Food To Dog Food
Don't assume your toy-sized dog's bite isn't dangerous, just because he's little.
use this link of owners brush-off training, thinking that the smaller breed dog can get away with a little bad behavior and this isn't true. As a responsible canine master, you've got to make certain your dog does not pose a threat to anyone by having him well trained.
No matter what kind of dog you may have, hang up a few "Beware of Dog" signs on your property. They are known deterrents to would-be burglars and can help protect you and your family. Just the sign alone indicates probable failure of any robbery attempt and a single bark will have them running away!
How Much Food Should My Dog Eat
Have a rotating schedule for dog-related responsibilities in your home. It's not fair for one person to always be taking care of him, and he'll feel more like a family pet if everyone pitches in. Kids often lose interest in a pet and leave the work to parents, but it's important that you teach them to keep up the commitment!
To make your dog happy and increase the bond between you, try learning how to give him a massage! It's been shown in recent studies that structured massages are highly beneficial to a dog's health and can improve their overall well-being. This activity can also be very relaxing for you as well.
If you bathe your dog often, watch out for signs of painful earaches that can be problematic for canines. They can happen when too much water gets into the ears. Use cotton balls dabbed in baby oil while giving him a bath, and that should keep water from getting in, even if he splashes around.
If training your dog is more than you can handle, you should consider sending it to obedience school. Do some research to find out more about the different obedience schools in your area and talk to other dog owners to find the best school possible. It is best to send your dog to obedience school while it is still a young pup.
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.
Make sure that your dog always has fresh water. Water that sits for too long can end up developing bacteria, and this can make your dog sick. Make sure that you change the water daily.
http://augustcelebrity.com/?article-by-Gavin-Hazel-tips-on-how-to-sell-pet-food-and-run-your-own-pet-food-empire.html can also invest in a drinking fountain for your dog, which will provide a steady stream of clean water all the time.
How To Make Dry Dog Food
Shop carefully for a dog before you get a new one. Make sure that you have taken the time to research the breed and know how much exercise and grooming a new dog will need. If you take the time to choose carefully, you'll find that you are naturally a better match to the dog and both of you are happier.
Your dog needs plenty of exercise and play time in order to be happy and healthy. Chasing balls, long walks and indoor chew toys will all keep your pet from getting bored and causing problems. Bored dogs tend to chew furniture, shoes, and can literally tear a home apart if left to their own devices!
If it is time for a holiday, keep your dog's well-being in mind. New Year's and the Fourth of July can be very stressful for dogs as it is generally very noisy. Keep your dog inside where it's safe, quiet and relaxing.
It is no simple decision to take on a dog, but now that you are better informed about what to do, it's time to take the next step. Spend some quality time learning all about dogs. It will be an interesting read, and you will know how to better care for your pet.