You have probably heard that dogs are man’s best friend. There really is some truth to the assertion. If you understand how to properly take care of your pet, you will find that the two of you can have a fantastic relationship. This article will provide you with some tips on gaining a new best friend.
It costs a lot to own a dog. Not only do you have to buy food, but you have to pay their vet bills and purchase other items that they need. You could spend as much as a thousand dollars in one year on your pet! Health insurance for your pet can be a great idea to help you in emergency situations.
Dogs can’t talk, so you must learn their body language. Hesitant dogs need to be taken out of fearful situations. This could cause the dog to bite. Take heed of these non-verbal cues, and act accordingly.
Purchase a dog that can keep up with your lifestyle. For instance, if you love to run, get a dog that loves to run too, and leave the miniature breed for someone who is less active. Likewise if you are quiet home-body, look for a smaller dog that enjoys pampering and living it up on your sofa. You will be much happier when you make a choice that is complementary to your lifestyle.
If your dog does something the correct way, such as sitting before you put the leash on, make sure that you give it tons of affection and praise. It’s important that you pooch is aware that they did something good. It will show your dog that doing the right thing will earn him praise from you.
Speak with your vet to see how much you’re going to have to feed your dog daily. Many people look at the guidelines on the dog food bag; the problem with this is that some of the recommendations may be inaccurate and could cause your dog to gain weight. Ask your vet what the right meal plan is for your dog.
Keep the nails on your dog trimmed. It can be quite painful for your dog if his nails start curling under. Nails can easily be clipped. Your local pet store will have the tool you need. If you lack the confidence to attempt this, take the dog to a professional groomer.
Take some time to trim your dog’s paw beds during every grooming session. This can help prevent mats. A comb should be used first to straighten it before you do any cutting. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this, take your dog to a groomer.
Demonstrate plenty of affection to your dog. As with most things, owners tend to focus more on the bad behavior instead of the good. This can cause problems later on. Praise your dog at least 5x more than you discipline him. This increases the chance that your dog will repeat the good behavior rather than the bad.
If your dog has separation anxiety or you wish to be really nice to them, keep music on while you are going to work. The sounds help your dog feel like others are still home and help your dog feel more secure. It can help his anxiety as he waits for your return.
Always remember that you are responsible for the well-being of your dog. Using the tips in this article to help you, you can take even better care of your dog. Your dog deserves longevity and happiness, and you can provide that for him.