Article created by-Carr Schmidt
Bringing a dog into the home is a decision that should not be taken lightly. If you are considering, or have already extended your family to include a dog, there are things that you should know. Below, you will find a list of quality tips to use to help the transition easier for you and your dog.
Give your dog hugs, but don't kiss him. Dog kisses may be seen as cute, but their mouths aren't all that clean. Remember that dogs use their tongues to clean themselves, and they like to eat garbage and drink out of the toilet. It's an old wives' tale that a dog has a very clean mouth. It simply is not true.
Let your dog know who is boss! Unless shown otherwise, a dog will naturally assume that he is the leader of the pack - once this has been established it is quite difficult to persuade him otherwise! When disciplining your dog, be firm in tone, but calm. Never punish a dog in a physical manner, as this will lead to lifelong mistrust. Also, when he behaves, remember to praise him!
Always be the boss with your dog. A dog is not only much more apt to be obedient when you are in command, he'll also be much happier. Dogs need to know what's expected of them and that they are being led. This gives them a sense of security and you a more peaceful household.
Take your grown dog to the vet at least once a year. The vet will check to see if the dog's vaccines up to date. In addition, the vet will check the dog's teeth and vital signs. If any major health or behavioral issues come up between annual checkups, you should see the vet earlier.
Keep a leash on your dog at all times. 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. Ultimately, you're the one who's responsible for your dog's safety, as well as its actions.
Do you have a hard time keeping your dog from barking? You might be encouraging this behavior without even realizing it. Your dog will keep barking if you acknowledge this behavior. It is best to ignore your dog until it stops barking, even if your dog wants to come inside.
Genuine meat bones may be tempting, but it's best to stick to rawhide.
https://zenwriting.net/betsy6issac/relating-to-canine-ownership-we-have-the-goods can break off of the real bone, which may cause your dog to choke. Rawhide bones are tested and veterinary approved, and they can benefit your dog's teeth and gums too. Treat your dog to one regularly.
Schedule regular veterinary visits. Regular veterinary exams are extremely important for your dog's overall health - as with humans, it is important to catch any health problems early on. The vet will make sure that your dog is up to date on his vaccinations, and check for any other issues such as weight and dental problems or parasites.
Consider the placement of your dog house carefully. Think about
http://bamboopolish5willis.tribunablog.com/check-out-these-wonder-tips-about-dogs-in-the-short-article-below-16788143 that the winds typically blow and face the door on the opposite side. If you tend to get winds from all directions, consider a house with a door flap. There are some states that require a door flap, so check with your local animal shelter to learn more.
If you live with other people, make sure they are aware of your training "rules." It is important that everyone redirects the dog off of the furniture, for example, and that they use the same language when doing so. If everyone's rules are different, your dog is just going to get confused, which will make the training process much longer and more difficult.
Don't buy cheap dog food. High quality foods are always your best bet. Though
https://www.supermarketnews.com/winning-pet-care/rising-demand-supply-issues-impacting-pet-food-category cost more, it is worth it to know your dog is receiving the nutrients it needs.
Be thoughtful about breeding your dog. Repeated breeding of a female can evetually lead to severe health problems for both the dog and the puppies that is born from her. If you plan to breed be sure to do your research first so that you can be sure that you are doing the right thing for your animals.
Always try to do your training in an area where the dog has some distractions around them. Rarely are you going to be in a situation where you need your dog to obey and it is completely quiet. It is best for you to practice your training with the television on, kids running wild and maybe some music playing.
Teach your dog a few basic commands. Simple commands like sit, stay and heel are important for keeping your dog safe and helping him to become friendly around other people. Dogs can easily learn these commands in very little time, and lessons are available if you need some extra assistance.
If you are starting to train, start by rewarding them in different ways. Take the time to learn what will motivate your pet the most. Pieces of sausage or tasty dog treats will work for a dog that is motivated by food. Maybe your dog will respond better to a game of tug-of-war with a favorite toy. Petting can be the best reward too.
If you're considering introducing trick commands to your dog, make sure that you have first covered all of the basic commands, such as sit, lay down, stay, and come. Although trick commands are fun and entertaining, having a well mannered dog is more beneficial. Having a dog "stay" when asked will be more fulfilling than having a dog "play dead."
If you are trying to teach your dog some basic commands, one of your first ones should be a recall. Everyone wants their dog to return to them when called for. If you have a solid recall for your dog, you will not have to worry about chasing your dog down it manages to get outside. It should come back to you when you use your recall word.
Being a good dog owner calls for a careful mixture of wisdom, insight, and patience. There is more to having a great dog than just choosing an adorable puppy to bring home. It takes some responsibility on your part. Use the information obtained here to enjoy your pet more and make him feel like part of the family.