The different array of pets available can make it hard to decide on one. People make pets out of birds, rodents, fish, and reptiles. However, if you want unconditional love, get a dog. If you are among the people who love dogs, this article will provide some valuable information about how to properly care for the pet you have chosen to adopt.
Since humans don’t speak dog, we need to figure out how to communicate with our pets non-verbally. When dogs seem hesitant upon meeting others, never force an interaction. That could lead to another person or dog being bitten. By reading the body language of your dog, you can ensure that this does not happen.
If you’re taking your dog on a trip, be sure that you have a recent picture of them on-hand. That way, if he happens to get separated from the family, you have an up-to-date picture of him that is easily accessible for showing people or can be downloaded for printing up “lost” flyers.
Flea Treatments
Be wary about certain flea treatments to use for your dog. Some medicines can put your children in harms way. Discuss family-friendly alternative flea treatments with your vet. Be sure to store all flea treatments out of the reach of children.
Don’t let a dog go off property without their leash, even if they’re well behaved. Wild animals could get the dog’s attention and lead him into dangerous places, or unanticipated circumstances could provoke conflicts with others. You’re responsible for their actions and safety.
Your lifestyle can help determine what dog breed is a good match for you. For instance, if you jog, a toy poodle may not be as great a choice as a dog that is able to run with you. By the same token, if you are a quiet person, you should choose a quiet lap dog. By selecting the right dog breed, both you and your dog will be more content.
Positive reinforcement is very important in training your dog. By rewarding your pup when it does the right thing, you’ll be teaching it to do these behaviors more often. It will show your dog that doing the right thing will earn him praise from you.
Do not buy your dog a particular brand of food just because it is cheap. Cheap brands are full of fillers, preservative and even chemicals. You can get a list of veterinarian-recommended foods from your vet or from animal advocacy groups or consumer awareness groups. The higher quality food will benefit your dog profoundly.
Pure Bred Dogs
When seeking pure bred dogs, you shouldn’t automatically rule out pounds. There are often pure bred dogs at shelters and rescues, and they are desperately in need of homes. Call the pound to see what they have. Taking this option may save the life of a dog.
Make sure your let your dog know you love him. As it usually happens, many times owners focus more on bad behavior rather than good ones. You might have a hard time later on. You should mostly focus on praising and petting your dog when you notice a good behavior. When you do this, you’ll see much better behavior from your dog.
Owning a dog is a big responsibility, but this article should make it an easier task. Continue your research on dogs and the responsibilities for caring for them. You can turn it into a hobby and make your pet a happy one.