Dogs are known for their loyalty and trusty companionship, making them an ideal pet. That doesn't mean that's how they are, instantly. They need to learn how to act right, and you need to be aware of how to go about it. Start by reading this article for some useful tips that will help you take good care of your new dog.
It costs a lot to own a dog. Not only do you have to buy food, but you have to pay their vet bills and purchase other items that they need. You could spend as much as a thousand dollars in one year on your pet! You should also look into purchasing a good pet health insurance policy to avoid high medical bills.
Hugging is okay but kissing should be avoided. Kisses seem nice, but dogs have very dirty mouths. Dogs poke around trash cans, love smelling and licking other dogs' body parts and enthusiastically drink from toilet bowls. Some believe the mouth of a dog is even cleaner than our own. It is not necessarily true.
You should never give table scraps to your dog. Your dog will constantly beg for food when you are eating and will not be hungry when the time to feed it comes. Table scraps can negatively affect the dog's health and cause digestive issues or obesity. Train your dog to sit far away from your dining room so that you and your family won't be tempted to feed it table scraps.
Don't allow your dog to leave your property without being on a leash even if you think your dog is well behaved. You never know when something might spook him or distract him, leading to devastation. You are responsible for anything your dog does, as well as for his safety.
Talk to your vet about which foods you should be feeding your dog. A puppy's stomach may not be able to handle particular foods, which may cause stomach issues. Err on the side of caution when feeding food to your dog.
If you have a dog that does something right, like sitting when you're getting out the leash, you should give the animal lots of praise and affection. You need the dog to realize that he or she has done something you like. This is called positive reinforcement.
If you aren't sure of the amount of food your dog needs on a daily basis, talk to your vet. While there are those that feed their dog whatever it says on the package, this may not be good for your dog and can make it overweight. Speak with a vet to see what you should be feeding your dog according to its needs.
It is probably clear to you at this point that it is not very hard to care for a dog. You may struggle in the beginning, but by educating yourself on your dog's care, you will soon be headed for success. By using this advice, you'll be able to easily care for your pup.
