Written by-Dejesus Bradley
It's natural that you would love having a dog. Dogs have been great pets for thousands of years. It's always a great idea to get a dog, but you have to remember that you are also taking on some responsibility when you bring a dog into your house. Here are some ways you can handle those responsibilities.
While hugging your dog will make both of you feel great, refrain from kissing him. Dog kisses are very unsanitary. Dogs will eat their own waste, dine on garbage, and gulp water straight from your toilet. Keep in mind that an animal's mouth is full of germs. It simply is not true.
Always be prepared to pick up after your dog with a scoop and bag. Although most people think that this is simply a polite thing to do so that others don't step in it, your dog's excrement is actually hazardous!
It contains a bacterium that can contaminate local supplies when it washes through to ground water.
Make sure
Read This method gets enough exercise. This is vital to the care of a happy dog. Many people don't bother to exercise their dog, thinking that walks are enough. Dogs are active creatures and need to play. Talk to your veterinarian about how much activity your dog needs, and make sure he gets it.
Schedule a visit for your new dog with your local veterinarian. This should be done as soon as he is adopted. Your vet will be able to give a clean bill of health, and appoint a schedule for vaccinations. Talk with a vet about your dog being spayed or neutered. There are lots of homeless dogs and you don't want to make the problem worse.
Keep your dog on leash any time he leaves your fenced yard, regardless of his gentle nature and good behavior. 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. Understand that any damage your dog causes to other people and their pets is your responsibility, so you need to always use caution when off your property.
If your dog has fleas, and they fall off his coat onto your floor, vacuum them up. However, remember that fleas are pretty good escape artists, so you need to throw out the bag immediately after you are finished. To be on the safe side, tape the bag completely shut before you take it out to your trash can.
Make sure you have the correct dog supplies. Before bringing your dog home for the first time, be sure that you are equipped with the right supplies. Every dog needs a good sized food and water bowl, a collar and leash, toys, and a comfy place to sleep. Also, remember to purchase an identification tag immediately.
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.
Don't assume your toy-sized dog's bite isn't dangerous, just because he's little. A lot of owners brush-off training, thinking that the smaller breed dog can get away with a little bad behavior and this isn't true. As a responsible canine master, you've got to make certain your dog does not pose a threat to anyone by having him well trained.
Reward your dog for doing right things, such as sitting while you place it's food down, with lots of praise and attention. After all, your goal is for your dog to know when it is doing something good. It also teaches your dog that when he does the things you want, he will get praised.
How Long Does Dog Food Last
If you have younger children in the home, make sure that you try to teach them what behavior is appropriate with your dog. Let them know the rules and what they are allowed to do. Some dogs are more tolerant of being jumped on, pulled on, and played with than other dogs.
Make sure there is one policy in your home for giving your dog table scraps. While some owners do not give their dog any table food at all, yet others wait until the family meal is done. This causes less confusion on the part of your dog, and makes meals much easier for your family.
When To Switch To Adult Dog Food
A dog needs plenty of love and attention. You should try spending at least a couple of hours a day with your dog. Play in your backyard or take your dog to the nearest park. You should get plenty of exercises before coming home and petting your dog for a while.
To prevent the hair around a dog's paws from matting, you should keep it trimmed. Prior to trimming it, straighten the fur using a comb. If
https://www.realsimple.com/work-life/entertainment/best-shows-on-netflix-to-watch-december don't feel comfortable doing this, then you'd probably have to hire a groomer who knows what they're doing.
How To Switch Dog Food
It's a good idea to keep an eye on what your dog is eating throughout its life. Puppies can eat calorie filled foods since they need to grow. But, adults dogs who eat these foods tend to gain weight, leading to health issues.
Your dog should always have access to fresh water. You should always keep a bowl full of water where your dog can access it or purchase a small drinking fountain for your dog. If you have to leave your dog alone for long hours, so not leave more water than your dog needs.
If you are not sure how your dog will react to other dogs, make sure you keep them on a leash during the first introduction. Rescue dogs especially can be unpredictable around other dogs. Keeping your dog on the leash will allow you to better control their behavior. Once you feel comfortable and your dog is adjusted, you can take them off the leash and let them play.
When you are enjoying your dog's companionship, you will be so happy you read this article and began to use the advice you read. Protecting and loving your dog begins with taking the time to learn all you can, and ends with putting that knowledge to use. Start today, for your dog's sake!