Getting A Dog? Consider This Suggestions First
Authored by-Lynch Briggs
Are you unsure of what to feed your dog? If you give your dog the wrong food, it will show. Your dog will either be underweight or overweight depending on its diet. Table scraps are not good enough for the dog. Give your dog a proper diet using the following tips.
If you are looking for a great family pet, but are on a budget, consider rescuing an animal.You can get one at a local shelter for minimal costs and the dog will come with a clean bill of health and all his shots. If you are interested in a specific breed, contact a rescue group specializing in only those pooches.
Be a good neighbor and discourage your dog from barking, unless he is alerting you to danger. Most people get used to the sound of their dog yelping, but others find it a constant annoyance. If on front page barks often, consider talking to your vet about what could be causing it and how you can put a stop to it, for everyone's sake.
If your dog is a digger, make sure to protect him and your garden. Some plants are poisonous to dogs, not to mention the damage those paws can do to your prized flowers and produce. Put up an appropriately sized fence to keep him out or consider using an electric one.
Nip bad behavior in the bud. Ignoring it for any length of time will only make it that much more difficult to contain later and you never know what could happen as a result of it now. This could lead to huge problems down the road.
Give your dog a great place to sleep. Every dog needs a bed to call his own that is temperature controlled and comfortable. If not, the dog may alternate sleeping locations between undesirable locations, such as your sofa when you're not watching. A bed also gives him a great sense of security and belonging.
Remember that dogs are creatures of habit and anything you start with him will be expected in the future. If you're not keen on him sleeping with you, don't let him do it only on occasion. Likewise, if you don't want him begging at the table, never offer him a bite of people food. He will learn and accept things if you are consistent.
Give your dog plenty of love. Many owners inadvertently spend more time focusing on their pet's negative behaviors than on all the good things they do. With dogs, this can lead to trouble. Rather, be sure to give praise five times more frequently than you reprimand. Your dog will more likely showcase proper behavior when you do that.
Giving your dog a bath is essential to his health. Depending on his size and activity level, toss him in the tub weekly or monthly and always use a shampoo that is made for dogs and is pH balanced. Pets have different pH levels than humans and a good dog shampoo will leave your canine clean with a beautiful shiny coat.
Make sure there is one policy in your home for giving your dog table scraps. While cairn terrier do not give their dog any table food at all, yet others wait until the family meal is done. This causes less confusion on the part of your dog, and makes meals much easier for your family.
Pay attention to your dog's breath. Dogs will always have "dog breath,"� however, really bad breath is a sign that they need a dental check up. Plaque buildup caused by bacteria could be the culprit and that will need to be treated by a professional. After their treatments, you will need to brush their gums and teeth and feed them food that helps maintain good dental health.
One if the keys to training your new dog is lots of practice. The repetitive and consistent training is the best way to teach your dog proper behavior and good long term habits. If you do not have the time to devote to training a dog, you should consider choosing a different pet.
If you have your heart set on a purebred dog, realize that the city pound may be somewhere to look. A lot of dog owners leave their dogs in the city pound when they can't look after their dog anymore. Just call your local pound to find out what breeds they have available. This can help save the life of a beautiful dog.
Brush your dog's coat regularly. Brushing will spread the oils evenly in your dog's coat and will keep it healthy and shiny. Besides, brushing will allow you to remove a lot of loose hairs, which could help reduce your dog's shedding. Take your dog to the groomer to have its hairs trimmed if you need to.
Many dogs enjoy things like fruits and vegetables, rice, eggs and cottage cheese. There is nothing wrong with letting them have these things, but they should not make up the bulk of their diets. You should feed them dog food, and implement these items around 10 percent of the time.
Some people think it is cute to give their dog alcohol, but it is dangerous. In high doses, alcohol is toxic to humans and even more so for animals. In addition, it affects co-ordination, causing accidents, and can decrease a dog's respiratory rate. Even small amounts of alcohol can kill a dog.
Give your dog love, just as you would with a child. Dogs are intended to live in groups, and in those settings they tend to be affectionate with one another throughout each day. To give your dog what it needs you must show it love through petting and snuggling. This will only strenghthen the bond that you will have through the years.
Never punish your dog for being curious about a new baby. Instead, allow your dog to investigate the smells and sights that come with a baby at a safe distance. If the dog is made to feel like the baby has infringed on his home, the very worst is far more likely to happen.
While humans may judge us, a dog never will. He will continually love you, even when you neglect his best interests. That said, you have read this article because you never wish to do anything which harms him, so use these tips every day and make his life as joyous as he makes yours.
