Some dogs require a bit of work to make them the great companion that they should be. To get the most of the time spent with the dog, keep certain things in mind. Read on for advice that will assist you in becoming the best dog owner.
It can be quite costly to own a dog. You will have to spend between $700 and $1000 a year to cover food and medical expenses. Emergency visits to the vet can cost thousands, so you may want to invest in health insurance for your dog.
Since dogs cannot talk, you need to learn your dog’s cues. Don’t force interaction with other pets or people if your dog is showing reluctance. One of the animals could become aggressive. Watch for any of these non-verbal cues and let these guide your actions.
Your daily lifestyle should help guide your choice of dog breed. For example, if you’re a jogger, get a type of dog that can run with you, not a toy-poodle. If you like to stay at home, perhaps you would like a small dog. Steer clear of a breed mismatch if you want to be a happy dog owner.
Try not to base your dog food choices on the price of the food. Less expensive brands of dog food often contain artificial coloring, additives, preservatives and so on that can be very bad for your dog. Try using animal advocacy groups or consumer awareness to get a list of great dog foods that have high professional recommendations. Your dog will be in better health when he has high quality food.
It is important that your dog’s nails are not allowed to get too long. Long nails cause huge amounts of pain. Find some good clippers you can use to trim your dog’s nails yourself. If you can’t do it by yourself, you might want to try the groomers; it does not cost a lot.;
If your dog isn’t happy or is lonely, consider buying a second dog. Dogs are usually in packs by nature and this means they enjoy being around one another. Match them on energy and temperament for the best selection.
Set a regular schedule for doggie check-ups at your vet. Your vet will give your dog an annual exam with any vaccines that your dog might need. Having a puppy means regular visits to the vet. If your dog seems sick or hurt, you should go to the vet immediately.
Prior to bringing home another dog, arrange a meeting between your current pet and your prospective pet. You need to see if they are going to be compatible or not. Finding dogs that like each other will save you headache and heartache in the long run.
You might feel the urge to feed your dog a piece of your snack. There are certain human foods that should not be fed to a dog. Caffeine, grapes and chocolate should never be fed to dogs. These foods can hurt a dog from the inside out.
Wet Nose
Do not rely on a cold, wet nose to judge your dog’s health. A cold and wet nose may be a healthy one. You can get a feeling about a dog’s overall health by watching its demeanor, appetite, and energy levels. These attributes will give you better cues into how your dog feels. Dogs can have their temperature taken rectally.
Always praise your dog when he does something good. Offer the dog plenty of praise and treats when they do well, as they will learn much faster than if you were more stern with them. It’s just a much better solution for immediate results and for the long term relationship too. So be kind to your dog when you are training him; you will be rewarded with positive results.
Watch what your dog is eating. Foods high in calories are fine for puppies who are growing. On the other hand, adult dogs need less food and foods that are lower in calories to keep their weight in check.
Change your dog’s bowls daily. Your dog deserves clean bowls as much as you do. Clean the bowl every day and refill with clean water and fresh food.
Do not expect your dog to do too much. While training your dog, keep in mind that his attention span is not as great as yours. Try training your dog for a few minutes each day so he doesn’t get too frustrated at first.
A new puppy should be socialized as early in life as possible. Your dog can be socialized in many ways, such as at the groomers, play dates, and the dog park.
Where is your dog going to sleep? If you want them crated at night, do not let them start sleeping in the bed with you. If you do decide to allow your dog to enter your bedroom, make sure it’s something you’re okay with for the long term.
A regular schedule is very important for your dog. Dogs are no different. If your pet has no knowledge of how the day is to proceed, the end result can be a cranky and ill mannered dog. Your dog’s mood will predict its behavior. This means you should have set times for play, training, and meals.
Make rules for your dog and make sure they are followed. When you let your dog sleep in the bed for “just one night”, you’re setting a bad precedent. This isn’t good to do because when they get to do something once, they are not going to understand why it’s not okay later on. Do not make exceptions to your rules.
Pet Sitter
If you must be away for several days, it might be wise to engage a pet sitter who can care for your dog. A pet sitter comes to your home to feed, water and walk your dog. If you have one, he’ll be cared for and he’ll still be in the place he knows.
You need a lot of things to become a great dog owner. There is more to having a great dog than just choosing an adorable puppy to bring home. You need to be responsible in your care. Have the best experience with your pet by following the advice presented here.