Caring for dogs is a huge amount of work. In fact, being a dog owner is a lot like caring for an actual human child. A big task, but it's totally worth the effort. The following tips will give you these necessary skills.
Always have your dogs spayed or neutered. Research shows that taking this simple action can help your pet live a longer life, as it can reduce the risk of cancer. In addition, spayed or neutered dogs aren't as likely to roam away from your home, which can result in them getting run over by a vehicle, killed by a bigger animal, shot, or kidnapped.
Take some time to become familiar with your canine's non-verbal language. If your dog gets stressed when meeting a new dog or person, don't force them to meet. This may cause a human or the other canine to get bit. Watch for any of these non-verbal cues and let these guide your actions.
If you're taking your pup on a vacation, make sure that you take a picture of him for on your phone. If he gets lost, you have a recent picture you can immediately access in order to print "lost" flyers.
It is a good idea to use hand signals when you are trying to train your dog, instead of just relying on verbal commands. These types of signals are sometimes easier for a dog to learn. Every pet is different though, so use a combination of both verbal and visual cues and then determine what works the best.
If your dog has to stay outside during cold weather, give him a dog house. Exposure to extreme weather for long periods can cause health issues, particularly if the dog's feet get wet. Your dog needs a space that is dry and provides him with adequate shelter.
Find out what is going on that is causing your dog to act out. If you ignore it, it will be hard to contain it later. If your dog is not under control, he could end up hurting you or someone else.
Always follow your vet's instructions to a tee. He may not like wearing a cone over his head, but it's prescribed for a reason! When a vet makes a recommendation, it is for the safety and health of your dog; if you ignore them, that can lead to trouble.
You might find a pure breed dog at the pound. Many pet owners will abandon dogs at pounds when they don't want them or can't keep them anymore. Simply call the area pound to determine which breeds are available. You may save a poor dog's life if you do this.
Those who want to care for dogs should take it seriously. Just as with child care, dog care requires you to provide all of the essentials for life. It's a big challenge, but you're definitely up to the task. Use the tips from this article to take good care of your dog and get help from your veterinarian if you need to.
