Dogs can make great pets. They offer lots of love unconditionally and make for an excellent lifelong companion. But, it does pay to understand the needs and desires of dogs in order to develop good relationships with them. To become a truly responsible master to your dog, take a look at the savvy advice presented below.
Your home must be dog-proofed. Check your whole home to be sure it is safe prior to bringing a dog home. Medicine and cleaners should be stored, and indoor trash should be placed in a cabinet. Since some plants are very harmful because of their toxicity, it’s best to get rid of them or put them in an area that the dog cannot get to.
If you have medication is your home, even if it is just over-the-counter medication, place it where your dog cannot access it. Even if the dog were to eat a couple of pills, it could have very life threatening effects. If you find that your dog has eaten any medication, you should call a vet as soon as possible.
Be careful when selecting canine flea treatments. A lot of the ones on the market have ingredients that are 1000 times more potent than what is considered safe by the EPA and it may be a cancer risk for children. Speak with your vet to see if there are any alternatives that are healthier choices for your pet and your family.
When you begin training your pup, start in your yard or home. Don’t train them in any areas full of people. Distractions occur, making it difficult to get your dog to focus on basic commands.
Think about your life and then find a dog breed that will fit in well with your habits. Do not buy a dog that is lazy if you are very active. If you prefer to stay home curled up on your couch, go for a small dog that likes to be spoiled and that will curl up along with you. Steer clear of a breed mismatch if you want to be a happy dog owner.
Talk to your vet about how much to feed your dog. The amounts on the label might not apply in your dog’s situation. Speak with a vet about your dog’s needs and what they should have.
Take your time to teach your dog what kind of behavior is right or wrong as soon as it occurs. If you let it fester it can only make the problem much worse and eventually the dog becomes extremely difficult to train. If you don’t get his behavior under control, your dog could end up biting someone.
Follow instructions from the vet if the dog needs special attention or has medication. He may not like wearing a cone over his head, but it’s prescribed for a reason! Your vet recommendations should be taken seriously for the betterment of your dog’s health.
If you have a dog that has problems with separation anxiety, or to be nice, you should leave music on when you’re going out of the house. The sounds of the music will provide a sense of security and company for your dog. It could be just what he needs to get over his anxiety while he waits for you to come home.
After all is said and done, dogs are going to give their owner a form of love that just can’t be found elsewhere. That said, you have to understand them to return the favor. These tips should help you become an expert on dogs. Apply them to become the best dog owner that you can be.
