Frustration Free Tips On Caring For Your Dog
Are you lucky enough to have a misbehaving dog? Does he chew your favorite shoes without thinking what he is doing? This may be the time to instill some rules around the house. Take a few minutes to review this article and learn more about being a good dog owner.
Keep in mind that dogs are expensive. Food, supplies and vet bills can add up to $1,000 or more per year. Also, should an emergency arise, this can cost thousands so you might consider pet health insurance.
Hugging is okay but kissing should be avoided. While those sloppy kisses may be cute, be aware that your dog’s mouth is apt to be crawling with germs and bacteria. Dogs root around in garbage pails, drink enthusiastically from the toilet bowl and love to lick and smell certain body parts of other dogs. There is a belief that the mouth of a dog is cleaner than that of a human. This statement is most definitely not true.
It is important to use your lifestyle as a guide to what breed of furry friend you should get. For example, if you live an active lifestyle it is probably best for you to find an active dog instead of a little dog. When you prefer to stay home, choose a small dog who doesn’t need much outdoor time. You should find a dog that fits well with your personality.
Try giving the dog rawhide versus actual meat bones. Real bones can chip and fragments may become lodged in their mouths or digestive tract. Rawhide bones are tested and veterinary approved, and they can benefit your dog’s teeth and gums too. Treat your dog to one regularly.
Do not force your dog to do anything. If you’ve bought a treat that your dog doesn’t seem to interested in, don’t try to make your dog eat it. Upon initially bringing a dog into the home, spend some time discovering its likes and dislikes.
Make sure to exercise your dog often. This will keep his bones and muscles strong and healthy. You will enjoy the time you spend doing these things with your dog as well. It gives you exercise and helps develop a relationship that will last forever with your dog.
Make sure your dog knows how to properly walk while it’s leashed. The dog needs to stay beside you, not behind or in front of you. It also needs to know the command “heel”. If you do this, your dog will be safe, and it will be easy for you to handle. Even if you’re using a loose leash from time to time, you should still train your dog so that it understands when you issue that command.
If you have a pure bred dog, make sure you educate yourself on what type of problems are “normal” for that breed. Find out what your dog’s breed frequently suffers from and the symptoms. Your vet can also tell you how to give your dog the best odds for overcoming any conditions that are typical for his breed.
Separation anxiety could be a problem with your dog. If so, show him extra love and attention and leave music on while you are away. The dog will be less likely to feel anxiety if there is a familiar noise. This little touch can help your dog feel less anxious as he awaits your return.
Identification Tag
Ensure that your dog will come back after being lost by having some type of identification tag. A good way to ensure your dog is returned if he is lost is to attach an identification tag to his collar. Include your dog’s name and your phone number on the tag. Another good thing to do would be to have a micro-chip put in your dog.
Your dog’s days of behaving badly should be over. You don’t have to observe your dog ripping everything apart or barking at anyone who comes near it. Your dog’s good behavior lies squarely at your feet. Apply what you now know and demonstrate proper behavior to your pet.