A dog is a wonderful pet and some say they make the best possible companion. There really is some truth to the assertion. For the responsible pet owner, a dog can be a boon companion throughout its lifetime. The piece below is full of useful information for raising a dog.
You need to trim your dog's nails regularly. If they get too long, they may start to curl under and cause your dog pain. You can do this yourself using a pair of dog clippers from the pet store. If you don't feel comfortable doing this on your own then you can hire a groomer to do it for a little bit of money.
Makes sure your dog gets adequate exercise. A dog requires regular exercise and game time; it keeps him healthy and happy, both mentally and physically. Your dog will be happy with any kind of activity, even if it's just going for a walk or throwing them a ball. Every time you play with or exercise your dog, you will find that you are promoting a lasting bond.
If you're considering becoming a dog owner, but are unsure if you're ready to take the step, you can foster one. A lot of abused and homeless animals are in shelters waiting, but resources are slim. Fostering is a great way to help a dog and get a feel for what having a dog is like.
If your dog is undergoing a course of treatment with medication or therapy, make sure you follow your veterinarian's instructions precisely. He may want out of that cone immediately, but he needs to keep wearing it! Your vet will recommend things that are good for the health of your dog, so make sure that you follow his advice.
If your pup seems lonely by itself, consider getting another dog. Dogs come from packs, so it's in their nature to prefer spending time with a member of their own species. Match them up carefully by temperament and energy levels and your dog should be in canine heaven!
Keep your dog mentally active along with providing him plenty of opportunity to get physical exercise. Teaching your dog tricks, such as fetching your shoes or the paper, is a fun activity and it also will stimulate your dog's mind, keeping him alert and attentive. This will help your dog to feel like he is helping you out.
Ensure your dog will return by placing some type of identification on them. A common way to find a lost dog is to ensure it has a collar with an ID tag. Include your dog's name and your phone number on the tag. You may also want to install a micro-chip into your dog.
Dogs have the potential to be terrific pets. The more you know about your dog, the more prepared you will be to raise him. Now you know much more about having a happy, healthy dog. There's no reason you can't have exactly the dog/human relationship you're looking for.
