There is little out there that’s like getting a dog when you want loyalty and love. Dogs make wonderful pets for the whole family, or they can provide companionship for those living on their own. If you are interested in being a better pet owner, the advice in this article can help.
Make sure that your home is safe for your dog. Take the time to tour your home with an eye for safety before you introduce your dog to your home. Place any meds or household cleaning supplies out of reach, and place any trash cans in a cabinet. Research the toxicity of plants you own, and move or remove anything that might be an issue.
Your dog cannot speak, so you have to interpret non-verbal cues. For instance, if your dog is hesitating, it is not a good idea to force him to approach a person or another animal. This could cause your dog to harm a person or another dog. Watch for these non-verbal hints and let the dog guide your actions.
Keep a leash on your dog at all times. Something could distract him, like a squirrel or a cat, causing him to leave your side. You’re responsible for their actions and safety.
Your dog cannot communicate through speech; therefore, you must learn its non-verbal language. If your dog seems hesitant when meeting another person or dog, do not force them to interact. This could cause the dog to bite. Look for your dog’s non verbal cues and react accordingly.
Be sure to address your dog’s bad behavior when you first notice it. Ignoring it for a while can make it harder to correct later and you don’t know what may happen if you don’t. Your dog could hurt somebody, including you, so keep him under control.
Schedule a visit to the vet when you get a new pet. Schedule a visit with the vet right away. The vet will check him over and prepare him for vaccinations. You should also have your dog neutered or spayed to cut down on pet overpopulation.
Try giving the dog rawhide versus actual meat bones. Real bones can chip or break and are dangerous for the dog. Rawhide is proven healthy and great for teeth as well, but don’t be tempted to share that T-bone, no matter what kind of eyes your dog gives you.
If you’re adopting a dog through a local shelter, try scheduling a vet appointment right away. You need to find out if they picked anything up at the shelter. Error on the side of caution and get your dog all its shots.
Take care with a female dog in heat, unless you want a lot of puppies. Males can smell a female’s scent from a full five miles away. Also, she can cause a fight between other dogs, as well as become pregnant with unwanted litter from an unknown origin.
You need to take your responsibilities as a dog owner seriously. Just like having a baby, a puppy requires constant care. Taking care of a dog requires consistency and responsibility, and you can do it if you apply yourself. This article should have helped you with caring for your dog, so use it well.
