Dogs are considered man's best friends. That's probably true. If you understand how to properly take care of your pet, you will find that the two of you can have a fantastic relationship. This article will give you some great advice on having a dog as your best friend.
Having a dog at your home is a big financial commitment. When you add up the medical care, food and supplies in general, your costs could run from $700-$1000 annually. Getting emergency care from the vet is costly, so you may need to take a look at health insurance for your pet.
Your dog speaks to you, but it is through non-verbal cues. Your job is to learn to listen carefully so you understand the message. If you notice that your dog is timid around strangers or other dogs, you shouldn't attempt to force its interaction with them. This might result in another dog or a person being bit. Look for non-verbal cues and follow what the dog is telling you.
Don't let a dog go off property without their leash, even if they're well behaved. You never know when something might spook him or distract him, leading to devastation. Understand that any damage your dog causes to other people and their pets is your responsibility, so you need to always use caution when off your property.
Never force a dog to do something. If you got them a treat and they aren't interested in it, don't make them eat it. When you are a new dog owner, it may take a while to figure out what he does and doesn't like.
Take your time to teach your dog what kind of behavior is right or wrong as soon as it occurs. Turning a blind eye to it just makes it harder to fix down the road. You need to make sure your dog is happy to keep them in control and so he does not hurt anyone.
Take your new dog to the vet. Make the appointment when you buy your dog. The vet will provide a full health check and create a vaccination schedule. Also talk to your vet about getting the dog spayed or neutered - there are already way too many dogs in shelters, and you really don't want to add to this problem.
Your dog must learn to walk on a leash correctly. Your pet shouldn't be ahead of you, behind you, or anywhere that isn't by your side. They should also answer correctly when you say "heel". Walking in this manner keeps your dog safe, and you are bound to enjoy walks more as well. Even if you still use the loose leash walk at times, helping your dog to understand this command is a good idea.
A pet dog can be very rewarding. The more you know about them, the more fulfilling your relationship is going to be. 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. You will be able to have a great friend, so enjoy your dog!
