Are you interested in adopting a dog from a shelter? Or are you looking at purchasing a dog from a reputable breeder? No matter your reasoning for getting a dog, your life will be changed by the love of your dog. Although, having a dog is a great responsibility that must be considered before jumping into getting one.
Store your prescriptions and over-the-counter medicines in a safe place where your dog cannot get them. Swallowing even one pill can end very badly, with a sick or dying dog. If your dog gets to your medication, you should call your veterinarian right away.
Never take your dog away from home without a leash, even if he is well-behaved. Something could distract him, like a squirrel or a cat, causing him to leave your side. 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.
Talk to your vet about what foods are best for your dog. Sometimes you'll find that a puppy can't eat certain brands of foods because it will make their stomach upset. Be careful when deciding what to feed your dog.
Reward your dog for doing right things, such as sitting while you place it's food down, with lots of praise and attention. This will show your dog that the behavior he is exhibiting is just what you are looking for. Your dog is looking for ways to please you, and giving him your praise lets him know he has done just that.
Don't get your dog food based on how cheap it is. Many of the cheapest brands contain additives, preservatives and other things that can compromise the health of your dog. You should contact an animal advocacy group or a consumer awareness program to get some recommendations for quality dog foods. Your dog can really benefit from better food.
Genuine meat bones may be tempting, but it's best to stick to rawhide. Real bones can splinter and can get caught in your dog's mouth or digestive tract. Rawhide is healthy and good for their teeth, so don't share that T-bone no matter what faces they make.
Don't leave your dog outside all day long. You may see this on TV or in movies, but that doesn't make it right. A dog with no companions can feel very isolated and stressed out if he is left alone outside. In addition to the socializing need, you should not leave a dog to fend for himself in heavy rainstorms or very cold weather. Bring the dog indoors until the inclement weather passes.
You can find pure breeds at the dog shelter. Many pure bred dogs are abandoned at dog pounds or shelters when owners aren't able to care for them. Call the pound to see what they have available. You could get the dog you are looking for and save a life in the process.
Now you are aware of what you need to do to take care of your dog the best you can. Keep learning more about owning dogs if you have any further questions on the subject. Think about joining online forums to talk about dogs with other dog owners. Don't stop learning; you can learn forever!
