Have you thought about getting yourself a dog? Do you already have a dog? The following tips can help improve your abilities as an owner. You should go over the following article to learn more about what being a dog owner entails.
Resist the urge to give your dog table scraps. This will encourage constant begging and reduce their appetite towards their own food. A dog fed on table scraps will be prone to unhealthy weight gain, disruptive digestive problems, and other health issues. Insist that your dog wait away from the table during family meals to avoid temptation on his part – and yours.
Don’t go for the cheap stuff when you buy dog food. The cheaper brands actually contain a lot of preservatives, additives and other ingredients that can compromise your dog’s health. Find a list of recommended dog foods from the vet or an advocate for animals. Your dog is going to be healthier if he eats better.
When selecting a brand of dog food for your pet, read the labels carefully and avoid the cheapest brands. After a while it’s good for the dog if it has been eating nutritious and high quality food. Though this may cost you a bit more, you can rest easily knowing that the dog is eating properly.
Always make sure your dog understands how to walk correctly on a leash. He ought to be next to you rather than ahead or behind. He should also respond to the “heel” command. If your pet is leash trained, it’ll be safer, and you’ll enjoy walks more as well. Understanding that command is great, even if you choose to still walk with a loose leash periodically.
Prevent matting on your dogs paws by keeping the area well trimmed. You should use a comb to straighten out the hair a bit before trying to trim it. If you lack the confidence to attempt this, take the dog to a professional groomer.
If your dog has to listen to many people, he may end up confused. Not everyone will do things the same way, which can cause confusion. You need to put just one person on the task of teaching the dog.
When the weather gets warm, start checking your dog for ticks and fleas. Use a type of flea comb to get rid of fleas you see. There are also other products you may want to consider using to get rid of fleas and ticks. Consult with your vet to learn more about flea and tick control.
Be careful about the kind of food your dog is eating. A number of dog foods are available, but you must choose one that suits your dog’s age and size. While feeding your dog leftover food saves you money, it doesn’t make for a healthy diet.
When choosing an animal to cohabitate with an existing one, try to arrange an introduction before deciding. Dogs happen to be social creatures, but that doesn’t mean they all get along. Finding dogs that are compatible is a good way to save yourself hassle and heartache.
Teaching your dog to stay in a crate while you’re away is great for people that cannot be home all the time. This stops your house from being damaged.
Your dog, like you, must be kept clean. While your dog will not need a bath every day, you do want to be sure to give it a good cleaning at least once a week. This prevents skin issues and helps your home stay clean.
Have you carefully read the above advice? If you have not, spend some time reviewing the information. You’ll be glad you did when something comes up and you know how to handle it. Use the techniques every day to have the best relationship possible with your dog.