Are You Considering Getting A Dog? Find Great Tips Here!
When you enter a pet shop, you may have a gentle, obedient type of dog in mind that you want to purchase. What you actually get could be very different. No matter what, you can find some tips here to help.
It is expensive to own a dog. Every dog is going to need supplies, good food, and will also need medical care. After all is said and done this could cost about $800 or more. Also, should an emergency arise, this can cost thousands so you might consider pet health insurance.
Make sure your house is free of doggy danger. Prior to bringing the pooch home, check that the whole home is safe. Secure the trash can, stow way all medications and put away your regular cleaning supplies. Many common types of house plants can be toxic, so it pays to eliminate or move them.
You should have your dog spayed or neutered. Research has shown this simple procedure can lessen cancer risks and can give your dog a longer lifespan. Also, dogs that are fixed lose their desire to stray from the home, lessening the chance of them getting lost or hurt.
Verbal Cues
Your dog cannot speak, so you have to interpret non-verbal cues. If when meeting a new dog or person you find your dog is filled with dread, remove him from the situation. It could end up with someone getting bit. Watch for any of these non-verbal cues and let these guide your actions.
If you’re taking your dog on a trip, be sure that you have a recent picture of them on-hand. 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.
In addition to verbal commands, employ a variety of hand signals when training your dog. Your dog may pick things up much easier when they are given these type of signals. Give both methods a try, and see for yourself which your dog responds best to.
Avoid buying your dog bargain-based food. Cheap brands usually are loaded with additives that can be bad for health. You can get a list of veterinarian-recommended foods from your vet or from animal advocacy groups or consumer awareness groups. Your dog is going to be healthier if he eats better.
Bad Behavior
A dog’s bad behavior should always be corrected whenever you see the first signs of it. If you ignore it, you are going to make the problem harder to contain, and you aren’t sure what the result of bad behavior will ultimately be. In addition, by not taking action, your dog may injure another person, even you. Therefore, ensure you discipline your dog.
Your dog should not be left alone outside all day. It is important that your dog has interaction. When your dog is the only one you have, leaving him alone will make him sad. Plan on bringing your dog inside when the weather is rainy, snowy, very hot, or very cold.
If you have a pure bred dog, make sure you educate yourself on what type of problems are “normal” for that breed. Research his background and prepare for problems he might have. Speak with your vet to determine the correct course of action.
Be cautious with female dogs in the heat. If you aren’t, you may have to deal with an unwanted pregnancy. Male dogs can pick up the scent of a female dog in full heat up to five miles away. She might instigate problems with fellow dogs, as well as getting pregnant with an unknown mate.
Always make sure that your dog is wearing some sort of identification on their collar. This is typically a collar with a tag on it. Your dog’s name and your contact info should appear on the tag. Have you considered micro-chipping your dog?
You’ve just been given a treasure chest full of good advice- don’t throw it away. Use it liberally and you will see that your dog can be a model of good behavior. Happy dogs give unconditional love, and that is what you should strive to achieve.