Content written by-Gregory Weeks
Are you considering adopting a homeless pup from the shelter? Are you interested in getting a pure breed through a breeder? No matter your reasoning for getting a dog, your life will be changed by the love of your dog. You have to realize, however, that you're going to have to be a responsible pet owner. Use the following guide to help you to be sure that you are.
Make sure your home is dog-proof. Make sure any area your dog will be in is safe. Make sure chemicals, medications and any garbage is out of reach of the dog. Some plants that are usually kept in the home are poisonous to pets, so move them where your dog cannot get to them, or put them out of your home completely.
When you have a dog, make sure that you give him enough water. Water should be made available to your dog at all times of the day, particularly in the summertime. Put his water bowl somewhere where no one will trip over it, otherwise you'll be cleaning your floors all day!
Hand signals are great when they are paired with verbal commands. Your dog may have a better time understanding you when you use manual signals. Give both methods a shot, and see what your pet prefers.
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Not every dog is capable of going to the dog park. Some dogs will not do well around other dogs that they do not know. Get to know how your dog does around friends' or neighbors' dogs before you attempt to take him to the park. This way, you will know if he will be aggressive towards other dogs.
Determine your dog's specific exercise regimen. Dogs have different fitness needs based their sex, overall health, age, breed mix, or breed. Every dog should have a couple 10-minute walks a day around the block. Dogs between 6 and 18 months, active breed or mixed breeds, terriers, hounds, and herding dogs will most likely require more fitness than others types of dogs.
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Do not keep your dog outdoors all day. Dogs are social creatures and need interaction with others. If there is only one dog, he may become lonely. In addition, in extreme weather, you must bring your dog inside to protect it from the weather and temperature extremes.
You may be tempted to use your favorite hair shampoo on your dog, but this should not be done. Human shampoo can cause dog skin to dry out. Instead, find a quality shampoo that is made for dogs. When you bath your dog, make sure to rinse all of the residue out of his fur.
Designate a family member or close friend to be responsible for your dog, should something happen to you. If you are in an accident and unable to get home, your dog will need someone to feed him and address other needs. Perhaps you trust a neighbor with your house keys and they could act for you in a time of need.
Don't assume your toy-sized dog's bite isn't dangerous, just because he's little. A lot of owners brush-off training, thinking that the smaller breed dog can get away with a little bad behavior and this isn't true. As a responsible canine master, you've got to make certain your dog does not pose a threat to anyone by having him well trained.
Clean up after your dog when they go to the bathroom in public. Many dog owners let their dog do their business wherever they please whether its on a sidewalk, neighbor's lawn, etc. They can do their business in public, but you must take a bag with you to clean it up when they're done so that it doesn't cause an unsightly and smelly mess for someone else.
When crate training a dog, be sure to allow it to stop making noise (barking, whining, crying) for at least 30 seconds before opening the crate up. This is important because otherwise the dog will believe that as long as it keeps making noise, you will come and open the crate. It can be hard to do this, but is necessary. Of course, always be sure that the dog is safe and not making noise for some other reason.
If your dog seems unhappy and is alone a lot, consider getting a second dog. Dogs are animals that love to be with other dogs. Ensure you carefully select your dog's match based on behavior and energy levels. By doing
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Before you decide to go get a dog you should think about the individual needs of different breeds of dogs. Some dogs can get enough exercise in the home, while others may need a few hours outside each day. These factors can mean a lot when it comes to meeting the needs of your new family member.
A dog needs plenty of love and attention. You should try spending at least a couple of hours a day with your dog. Play in your backyard or take your dog to the nearest park. You should get plenty of exercises before coming home and petting your dog for a while.
You must carefully think for a while before getting a dog. A cute puppy tugs at the heartstrings, but you're not thinking about all the responsibilities caring for it will involve. Weigh all of the positives and negatives before you make your decision.
If you have very high expectations of your dog, lower them slightly when you begin training. Remember that your dog's attention span is rather short, and watch for signs that he is ready for a break from training. Train him a little at a time at first to avoid frustration.
Never tie out your dog on a deck or elevated place wearing a regular collar. If your dog happens to jump off of the deck, he can end up injuring his neck or even worse. Using a harness can help prevent injuries from happening, in the event that your dog decides to take a leap of faith.
Your new family member, or the dog you've loved for many years, will be so thankful once you start changing your habits to better suit them. As you use the tips in this article, both his and your life will become better. Giving your dog what he deserves is the best feeling ever!