It's a big responsibility to care for a dog. It's similar to caring for a small child that barks. While taking care of your dog is a lot of work, all you need is the right knowledge. The following tips will help you achieve this goal.
Take the time to make sure your house is dog-proofed. Don't take a dog into your home without being sure that it is safe from top to bottom. Store things like meds and cleaning products in a safe location, and be sure to keep any indoor trash cans behind a cabinet. Many common types of house plants can be toxic, so it pays to eliminate or move them.
If you have medication for you or a family member, be certain your dog cannot reach it. If your dog has access to these pills, there can be fatal consequences. If the dog does consume some medication, contact your veterinarian immediately.
You should never give table scraps to your dog. If you feed from the table, he'll become a beggar and stop eating his own food. Table scraps can also be unhealthy and lead to excess weight and digestive problems. Put your dog in another room while the family eats, and do not allow him to reenter the dining space until dinner is done.
If you are teaching your dog, do it at home. This will give you security and an area that your dog is comfortable. This will make it more difficult for your dog to pay attention.
It doesn't matter how good your dog is, you should never leave your property without keeping him or her leashed. Wild animals can get his attention and cause him to run out into the street, or a provocation could startle him and cause unpleasantness with other dogs or people. You're responsible for everything your dog does, and for his safety. as well.
Talk to your vet about what kinds of foods you might want to keep your pet away from. Sometimes you'll find that a puppy can't eat certain brands of foods because it will make their stomach upset. Use care when feeding your dog.
Think about your own lifestyle when considering the dog breed you want. If you jog a lot, buy a dog that likes to run, and not something like a toy poodle. If you are a homebody, a small dog that lounges around a lot is a good fit. Keeping a mismatch out of play makes both of you happy.
Your dog's claws must be trimmed. If they get too long, they may start to curl under and cause your dog pain. It is easy to purchase a pair of clippers and attend to these yourself. Can't hack it? Take them to the groomer instead.
Dog ownership is not a decision that should be made on a whim. You dog's health and happiness depend on your care in exactly the same way as the health and happiness of a child. Taking care of a dog requires consistency and responsibility, and you can do it if you apply yourself. This article will highlight different ways to be a great owner.
