Arguably, dogs can be as great a loyal companion as any person can. However, in order to get the most out of your dog and for him to be happy, you need to understand the proper way to care for the dog. Below you will find some great advice and solid information to get started.
When you are training your dog, you should practice in your home or in your yard. Don’t train in a park. Distraction ensues, and it is harder to get your dog to focus on basic commands.
Don’t give in to the urge to feed your dog food meant for humans. This will make your dog beg all of the time and also will make it not want to eat its regular food as much. Table scraps can negatively affect the dog’s health and cause digestive issues or obesity. You can keep your dog healthy and avoid any temptation to feed it from the table by teaching it to spend dinnertime well away from your family.
Be wary of the flea treatment you’re going to use on your dog. Many have ingredients that are dangerous to kids. Talk to your vet about safer options, especially when there are kids around.
Train your dog how to properly walk when on a leash. They should walk by your side, instead of behind or in front of you, and they must respond to “heel.” Following this tip can make walking safer for your pet, and it can also make walks more enjoyable for both of you. Regardless of how you intend to take your walks, this is a good command for your dog to know.
Becoming a foster home is a good way to work with dogs without committing to one on a long term basis. There are many animals that need love and care. Fostering a dog will both help the cause and allow you to test drive the responsibility involved with pet ownership.
Never leave a dog outside for long periods of time. Dogs need companionship and interaction with their owners. If you don’t have more than one dog, the dog will get lonely when he’s not around you. It’s especially important that your dog be inside if the weather outside is nasty.
A dog’s bad behavior should always be corrected whenever you see the first signs of it. If you delay too long, the behavior will get harder and harder to correct. This could lead to huge problems down the road.
Make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise. Your dog has to be worked out to stay happy and healthy. Whether you decide to take the dog for a walk or if you’re just playing fetch, it will benefit both of you. In addition to fulfilling the physical need for exercise, you will foster a strong bond with your dog that will last a lifetime.
Do not buy your dog a particular brand of food just because it is cheap. Less expensive brands of dog food often contain artificial coloring, additives, preservatives and so on that can be very bad for your dog. Check out professional recommendations from groups online. The higher quality food will benefit your dog profoundly.
Stimulate your dog mentally by giving him exercise and physical activity. For example, train your dog to retrieve the newspaper or other helpful chores. Your dog will feel useful and like a contributing piece of the family, during the process of sharpening his mental capacity.
Leave those days of the bad dog behind. You’re never going to have to sit there and see your dog disobey you and do things like growl at people that walk by. Your dog’s behavior depends on you. Take all that you’ve learned here, and teach your canine how to be a good pet.