There are lots of colloquialisms about how men and dogs are great friends. That's probably true. Knowing what it takes to have a great dog starts with the right education. This article contains a wealth of information that can make caring for your dog that much easier.
Yearly physicals help you and yearly vet checks help your dog. Since your dog does not speak the human language, he simply cannot tell you if his tooth aches or his arthritis is making it difficult for him to walk. A veterinary checkup can speak when your dog cannot, and it might help you to detect health problems before they become severe.
Get your dog spayed or neutered. Statistics show that doing this can reduce your dog's cancer risk, which can result in a longer life span. It also keeps dogs from humping, running away from home or becoming violent at puberty.
Obviously, dogs are unable to sleep. Therefore, you have to pay attention to your canine's non-verbal cues. If when meeting a new dog or person you find your dog is filled with dread, remove him from the situation. It could end up with someone getting bit. Watch for any of these non-verbal cues and let these guide your actions.
If you take your dog with you on vacation, keep a photo of him on your phone. This way, should he get lost, you have a picture you can show others. You can also use the picture to hand our "lost" flyers.
If you are teaching your dog, do it at home. It's a bad idea to train a dog in a busy place. Distraction ensues, and it is harder to get your dog to focus on basic commands.
Ask your vet about which foods he can eat. Different breeds and stages of development might mean that certain brands and types of food cause an upset stomach. Be cautious about what types of foods you feed your dog.
Ask the vet about how much the dog should eat each day. Though some folks feed whatever the package recommends, those guidelines are not always appropriate and can lead to overfeeding. Your vet should be able to let you know what your dog's specific needs are.
You need to make sure your dog can walk on a leash. They should walk by your side, instead of behind or in front of you, and they must respond to "heel." Having a dog that can properly walk on a leash will be more enjoyable for both you and your pup. Understanding that command is great, even if you choose to still walk with a loose leash periodically.
Certain dog breeds are susceptible to some health problems, so make sure you know what is typical for the breed of dog you have. Research his background and prepare for problems he might have. Also, talk to your vet about things that can be done to increase the odds for your dog's breed.
Dogs are excellent pets. The more you educate yourself about caring for them, the happier your relationship will become. You should have learned a lot here, and hopefully you'll use what you have learned to build a happier life for you and your dog. There's no reason you can't have exactly the dog/human relationship you're looking for.
