Would you like to save one of the precious pound puppies? Would you like to pick up a pure breed dog from a breeder? Any dog will enrich your life, whether it is a plain old mixed breed or comes with a fancy pedigree. This is a big responsibility, keep reading to find out what you can do.
It’s very important to make sure that your home is safe for a dog. Before bringing home your new pup, make sure that it’s safe. Make sure anything toxic is put up. Make sure no toxic plants are in the vicinity of your dogs.
Avoid kisses and stick with hugs. Dog kissing may be adorable, but dogs have awfully dirty mouths. Dogs really get into everything, from toilet water to the neighbor’s trash. It is not true that a dog has a cleaner mouth than a person. That tidbit of information is plain wrong.
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. If your dog seems hesitant when meeting another person or dog, do not force them to interact. It could end up with someone getting bit. Watch for these non-verbal hints and let the dog guide your actions.
Store your prescriptions and over-the-counter medicines in a safe place where your dog cannot get them. Just a few of your pills could literally kill your dog. If your dog eats your medication, see a vet right away.
Which breed you need to buy depends on your lifestyle. For instance, joggers may want dogs that can run along with them, instead of a toy breed that cannot. Also, if you like to stay at home, find small dogs that prefer sitting on laps and being stroked. Don’t get a dog that you don’t fit in with if you can avoid that.
Dog Foods
Do not buy the cheapest dog food. Less expensive dog foods include fillers and additives that are not beneficial to your dog’s health. Try using animal advocacy groups or consumer awareness to get a list of great dog foods that have high professional recommendations. The higher quality food will benefit your dog profoundly.
Never give your dog a real bone to chew on. Bones can chip and hurt your dog if sharp fragments are ingested. It has been shown that rawhide bones are safe and great for their teeth, so be sure to not give your dog that ham bone next time.
Your dog’s nails need to be trimmed regularly. If they get so long that they start curling under, your dog will probably hurt a lot. It is easy to keep nails trimmed with simple implements available at pet stores. Can’t hack it? Take them to the groomer instead.
Make sure your dog knows how to properly walk while it’s leashed. Your dog should walk beside you, not lag behind or run ahead, and should obey the command “heel.” This will ensure that your pet is not too far ahead or behind you. Even if your dog is sometimes walked on a loose leash, it should still know the command anyway.
After reading this article, you have been supplied with the information necessary to bring the new family member home! Don’t quit trying to learn new tips and advice. You should think about joining a forum to talk to other dog owners. Learning takes a lifetime, so don’t stop!
