What You Need To Know If You Have A Dog

Are you a current dog owner or did you one before? If so, then you’re aware of how incredible it is to be a dog owner. But, in order for it to be as enjoyable as it can be, dog ownership can be more rewarding when you are properly educated. This article is going to go over some things that will help you with dogs.

Hugs are great, but steer clear of kisses. Kisses from dogs are adorable, but they’re a lot less cute when you realize how filthy your dog’s mouth actually is. Dogs are always getting into garbage, drink from places like the toilet, and they clean their bodies with their tongues. Some believe the mouth of a dog is even cleaner than our own. This statement is most definitely not true.

TIP! Just like people need regular yearly physicals, dogs need the same thing. Since dogs cannot talk, it’s difficult to know if your dog is in pain.

Hugs are great to give your pets, but avoid kisses. Dogs root around in garbage pails, drink out of toilets and explore the hind quarters of other animals. It is an old wives’ tale that a dog’s mouth is cleaner months than a humans. This statement is most definitely not in the least bit true.

Since you’re not able to speak with your dog like a person, it’s crucial that you listen to their non-verbal language. If they seem hesitant upon meeting up with other dogs or people, don’t force your dog to socialize if it doesn’t want to. This might result in another dog or person being bit. Look for your dog’s non verbal cues and follow what the dog is telling you.

Your dog cannot speak, so you have to interpret non-verbal cues. Avoid forcing your dog to interact with others if he doesn’t want to. This may lead to someone getting bitten. Keep an eye out for your dog’s hints, and do what he needs you to do.

TIP! Never take your dog outside your yard without a leash. A wild animal may set your dog off and send it running into traffic, or someone could provoke your dog and get injured by accident.

If you decide to take your dog with you on a trip, keep a picture of him handy or take one using your phone. This will be helpful should he gets lost.

Never allow your dog outside your yard without a leash. You will be responsible for your dog’s actions and his actions.

Use hand signals when training your dog along with verbal commands. When you give your dog these kinds of signals, he may learn faster. Give both methods a try to find out which works best for your particular pup.

TIP! Don’t get your dog food based on how cheap it is. Cheap brands usually contain ingredients that can be harmful to the health of your dog.

Your daily lifestyle can help guide your choice of dog breed. For example, if you’re a jogger, get a type of dog that can run with you, and leave the miniature breed for someone who is less active. If you are a homebody, perhaps you would like a small dog. You should find a choice that fits well with your lifestyle.

This communicates to your dog that the behavior he is doing just what you are looking for. It also reinforces the idea that they will be rewarded for good behavior.

Give your pooch rawhide bones instead of those from real meat. Real bones can chip or break and are dangerous for the dog. It has been proven that rawhide is healthy for your dogs teeth, therefore avoid giving your dog natural meat bones.

TIP! Do not buy cheap food items for your dog in an effort to save money. In the long run, it is beneficial to be feeding your dog high quality, nutritious food.

Don’t try forcing anything into a dog. If your dog is not interested in a treat, don’t force them to eat it. Learn what he likes and dislikes when you first bring it home.

Take your time and correct bad behavior when you first see it. Your dog could hurt somebody, or you, so take steps to control him early on.

If you are interested in adopting a pure breed, consider visiting the dog pound. Lots of dog owners will leave their dog stranded whenever they don’t want it anymore. Simply call the area pound to determine which breeds are available. You’ll be saving a life.

TIP! Show the dog that he is loved. As with most things, owners tend to focus more on the bad behavior instead of the good.

Make sure that your dog always has trimmed nails. If you neglect your dog’s nails, your dog will probably hurt a lot. You can purchase clippers to trim them yourself. If you lack the confidence to attempt this, you can have the groomers trim your pup’s nails.

Some dog breeds are more likely to suffer from health problems and so you should know what to look out for in your dog could have problems. Research the breed of your pup and learn how to prevent any common problems.

If your dog isn’t happy or is lonely, consider buying a second dog. Dogs are known to be pack animals and enjoy the company of other dogs. You need to match like-tempered dogs together.

TIP! Get your dog spayed, and if you have a female in heat, take extra care that she does not become pregnant. A female’s scent can travel a very long distance.

Make sure you provide your dog with affection at all times. As is often the case, many times owners focus more on bad behavior rather than good ones. This could cause lots of problems later on. Try to give your dog praise five times more than the amount of time you scold them. Your dog is going to behave much more likely to showcase the proper behavior if you do that.

As you’ve read, you can get a lot out of dog ownership. It’s even better when you’ve got all the right intel on dogs. With the knowledge you’ve gotten here, you are better prepared than ever to be a great dog owner. Utilize these excellent tips to ensure you raise an incredible dog.

Clean up after accidents immediately. Use a cleaner that is professional strength, and follow up with an odor remover. If your dog can still smell the spot he has marked, he will be likely to mark it again.