When it comes to owning a dog, it is never a piece of cake. Dogs, just like children, need to be fed the right foods, exercised, groomed and cleaned, and taken to the doctor. There is so much to learn that it can be overwhelming. This article is a great place to get started acquiring dog ownership know-how.
It costs a lot to own a dog. Food, supplies and vet bills can add up to $1,000 or more per year. Getting emergency care from the vet is costly, so you may need to take a look at health insurance for your pet.
Since your dog cannot talk to you, you have to learn how to listen to your dog’s non-verbal language. If your pet hesitates when approaching a person or a pet, don’t push them to go near them. This may cause a human or the other canine to get bit. Follow your dog’s body language.
No matter how nicely your dog behaves, never take it off your property unless it is on a leash. Wild animals could get the dog’s attention and lead him into dangerous places, or unanticipated circumstances could provoke conflicts with others. You will be responsible for your dog’s actions and safety.
To improve the dog training process, try using hand signals in addition to verbal commands. These signals will help you keep your dog under control in a noisy environment. Give both methods a try, and see for yourself which your dog responds best to.
Talk to your vet to learn which foods are appropriate for your particular dog. Depending on the type and age of dog, if you purchase the wrong kind of food it may upset their stomach. Be cautious about what types of foods you feed your dog.
Positive reinforcement is very important in training your dog. You need to reward good behavior. It teaches the dog that he gets praised when he does what you’d like him to do.
Rawhide bones are the best options for your dog. Real animal bones can chip and pose a danger to your dog’s digestive tract and mouth. Rawhide is healthy for their teeth and gums, so don’t share your bones, even if the dog wants it!
Find out what is going on that is causing your dog to act out. The longer you ignore it, the more difficult it will be to correct it later, and the consequences could be dire. Neglecting your dog’s behavior can lead to injuries.
The information provided above will be useful in your daily interactions with your dog. Take the time to do more research on how to care for your dog and on any specific issues you are encountering. Your dog will show his appreciation with his love if you use all you’ve learned here.