If you walk down the street, you probably notice that a lot of people own a dog. Perhaps you own one as well, and wish to know a little more about them. This article is going to teach you the basics of caring for a dog, along with other tips. Keep reading and you'll be an expert on dogs in no time.
Always give your dog plenty of attention and affection. When your dog behaves properly, make sure you let the dog know you are happy and give them some affection. This will help reinforce the good behavior and the dog will try to behave in this manner for the positive attention..
Hot summer days are harder for dogs to handle than humans. Always make sure your pet has enough water to drink. Provide them with a shaded area to rest if they are going to be outside for any length of time. And, if your dog begins acting in an unusual manner, call the veterinarian. Heatstroke could be fatal, so it is important to get medical care as soon as possible.
Keep your dog in comfortable housing. They should be able to rest off the floor and away from drafts. A training crate is a good choice or any covered shelter outside. Try placing a dog bed inside that has a warm blanket or a pillow inside. Wash the dog's bedding frequently.
Pet-proof your home before bringing a dog into it, just as you would for a crawling toddler. You need to move anything toxic to a higher shelf and consider the danger that plants may pose if nibbled by your dog. Remember that anti-freeze is deadly and that leaving things like pennies or crayons on floors can pose a choking hazard to curious pups.
If you do not have any ear cleaner solution on hand, you can use a baby wipe instead. Simply wrap it around the tip of your finger and wipe the inside of the ear's surface. Only go as far as your finger can easily fit. Do not use Q-tips as they can injure the ear.
Make sure your dog knows how to properly walk while it's leashed. He ought to be next to you rather than ahead or behind. He should also respond to the "heel" command. If you walk in this way, you will be sure that your pet is safe so that your walks are more enjoyable. Even if your dog is sometimes walked on a loose leash, it should still know the command anyway.
Some people think that it is necessary to bath a dog often. The truth is that unless your dog gets into something to get dirty, they only need bathed once every two to four months. Bathing more often could strip their skin of the oils they need for a healthy coat and skin.
If you have a new puppy in the house that suddenly begins chewing things, do not fear. This could be a sign that your puppy is teething. To keep puppy from chewing on your belongings, make sure that you have provided him with plenty of chew toys of his own.
You can find pure breeds at the dog shelter. Pets are abandoned due to a variety of circumstances, so you might be lucky enough to find one at the pound. Contact the pound in your area to see what kinds of breeds they have at the time. You may even save a poor dog's life.
If your dog is prone to getting burs in his coat, keep a can of Crisco in your kitchen cupboard. Next time you notice a bur, put gloves on to protect yourself and work the Crisco around until you can pry the bur out. Give him a nice shampoo to get the shortening out later.
Be a responsible dog owner, to represent the species well. For example, Pit Bulls are feared and often even hated in most places these days, due to irresponsible ownership. People tend to blame the animals when in fact it's the human factor influencing the dog's behavior. Train your dog well and leave a good impression on others!
Unless you're okay with your dog playing with your shoes and other things around your home, buy him some toys. He will enjoy having things of his own, particularly if they are interactive like pull-toys you can use together. Also buy https://www.businessinsider.com/touchbar-pets can use to occupy himself and stay out of trouble!
Pay attention to your dog's breath. Dogs will always have "dog breath,"� however, really bad breath is a sign that they need a dental check up. Plaque buildup caused by bacteria could be the culprit and that will need to be treated by a professional. After their treatments, you will need to brush their gums and teeth and feed them food that helps maintain good dental health.
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.
Try out a variety of rewards when training. Take the time to learn what will motivate your pet the most. Use food as a positive reward when you start. Maybe your dog will respond better to a game of tug-of-war with a favorite toy. Occasionally, a dog may just want to be petted for their reward.
When it comes to a leash, you need to really consider your options. Everyone loves the retractable leashes, but these are the worst choice. The leash itself is thin and not very strong, plus the retractor handle can be unwieldy. I can't tell you how many times I've seen dogs get away from their owners with these leashes!
Never punish your dog for being curious about a new baby. Instead, allow your dog to investigate the smells and sights that come with a baby at a safe distance. If the dog is made to feel like the baby has infringed on his home, the very worst is far more likely to happen.
Time, energy and knowledge will make the living arrangement with a dog more enjoyable for everyone. Use what you have just learned to help the household adapt to the addition. Dogs can be great friends and companions if you take the time to train, love and care for them properly.
0 
Star