Great Tips That Can Help Any Dog Owner
Are you a current or former pet owner, or are you considering becoming one? If you do, you understand the benefits a dog brings. But, like most other areas in life, dog ownership can be more rewarding when you are properly educated. In the following paragraphs, you'll find some great tips.
Your dog speaks to you, but it is through non-verbal cues. Your job is to learn to listen carefully so you understand the message. 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. By reading the body language of your dog, you can ensure that this does not happen.
Keep your dog on leash any time he leaves your fenced yard, regardless of his gentle nature and good behavior. Wild animals could get the dog's attention and lead him into dangerous places, or unanticipated circumstances could provoke conflicts with others. Your dog's safety and behavior are your responsibility.
Train your dog in your backyard or home, as these are safe, convenient areas. Don't train in a park. This will make it more difficult for your dog to pay attention.
Speak with your vet about the amount of food you should be feeding your dog each day. It is important to follow guidelines for the sake of your dog's health. See what your vet recommends and adapt that to how your dog responds.
Make sure that your dog's nails are trimmed weekly. Once they get to a length where they are curling under, this is likely to cause your dog some pain. You can purchase clippers and do this at home. If you lack the confidence to attempt this, take the dog to a professional groomer.
Don't force anything into a dog. If your dog doesn't like a particular treat, don't force him to eat it. When you have a new dog, take time to learn what they do and don't like.
If you wish to get a dog, but don't know if you can commit to it, try getting a foster dog. The shelters are full of homeless pups and lack many resources because of the overcrowding. Fostering a dog could help the cause as well as find you a new companion you cannot bring yourself to return.
When making a dog food selection, the cheap stuff is rarely the best choice. Overall, your dog will benefit form a lifetime of quality food. You'll have to pay more, but you can be certain your dog gets the right vitamins and minerals from good sources.
Dogs need to be exercised physically and mentally in order to stay healthy. Train him to do fun things like retrieve a ball. Doing this will help your pet to feel like a loved and needed family member, and teaching your dog these skills will give it some much needed mental exercise.
If you've got just one dog and he doesn't seem all that happy or is left alone a lot, think about getting him a friend. Dogs come from packs, so it's in their nature to prefer spending time with a member of their own species. Get one that is similar in energy level and temperament and your dog will be in heaven.
As this article went over before, it's rewarding to own a dog. It's even better when you've got all the right intel on dogs. The article you just read has given you many valuable ideas to make your experience the best it can be. Use what you have learned here and you will have a great time with your pet! how to install a dog door news
