Written by-Kappel Harboe

If you take good care of your dog, they can bring you a lot of happiness. The secret to keeping your dog in good spirits and good health is to educate yourself about what your pet needs. Continue reading to find out how to properly care for your dog.

Your dog speaks to you, but it is through non-verbal cues. Your job is to learn to listen carefully so you understand the message. If your dog gets stressed when meeting a new dog or person, don't force them to meet. This may cause a human or the other canine to get bit. Always be on the look out for non-verbal hints. If you see them, allow your dog to guide you in the next action you will take.

Keep on top of fleas. Not only can fleas cause infection in your dog, if one is swallowed, your pet can get tapeworms as well. Speak to your veterinarian about the best prevention method, but remember that this is not a one shot deal. You will have to continue your efforts over the life of your pet.

Keep your dog in comfortable housing. They should be able to rest off the floor and away from drafts. A training crate is a good choice or any covered shelter outside. Try placing a dog bed inside that has a warm blanket or a pillow inside. Wash the dog's bedding frequently.

Schedule regular veterinary visits. Regular veterinary exams are extremely important for your dog's overall health - as with humans, it is important to catch any health problems early on. The vet will make sure that your dog is up to date on his vaccinations, and check for any other issues such as weight and dental problems or parasites.

Pet boarding and day-care services are a billion dollar business, so make sure you get your money's worth if you have to leave home without your dog. Although kennels offer interesting opportunities to socialize, your dog will be happier with familiar surroundings. Thoroughly check references for a sitter-service and keep him in his own home if at all possible. Otherwise, put him in a reputable kennel and check up on him oft

If your dog is prone to getting burs in his coat, keep a can of Crisco in your kitchen cupboard. Next time you notice a bur, put gloves on to protect yourself and work the Crisco around until you can pry the bur out. Give him a nice shampoo to get the shortening out later.





Unless you're okay with your dog playing with your shoes and other things around your home, buy him some toys. He will enjoy having things of his own, particularly if they are interactive like pull-toys you can use together. Also buy him things he can use to occupy himself and stay out of trouble!

When you own a dog, you typically understand the general costs of ownership, such as food, vet visits, and grooming. A generally overlooked cost is emergency situations. Although it may not happen frequently, you should have a bit of money set aside for any emergency that may arise. It's better to be prepared for an emergency vet visit than to wonder how you are going to pay for it.

Really show your dog some love. It is easy to overlook the good behavior your dog shows while you concentrate on eliminating the bad. This can cause issues later. Try praising them at least 5 times more than when you scold them. This will make it more likely that your dog will behave well.

It is important to train your dog as soon as you get him or her. Behavior that might seem cute as a puppy, can develop into bad habits as your dog matures. It is essential that your dog understands and obeys simple commands. Not only for your safety, but the safety of your dog as well.

Consider getting just click the up coming web site from a shelter. Many of the dogs that are brought there are well behaved, yet the owners could not handle the responsibility that came with raising them. For the best results, visit the shelter a few times so that you can find the dog that is right for you and your lifestyle.

Schedule appointments with the vet regularly. Dogs need to go to the vet for a check-up, but also to check for heartworm and to ensure they have all their shots. With a puppy, you will need to visit your vet a little more often. When your dog seems to be sick or injured in any way, it is time to go to the vet.

Take your pet to the veterinarian regularly. Your vet will give your dog an annual exam with any vaccines that your dog might need. A puppy will have to visit the vet more frequently. At click here for info of illness or if your dog is injured, don't hesitate to take him to the vet.

Do you have a hard time keeping your dog from barking? You might be encouraging this behavior without even realizing it. Your dog will keep barking if you acknowledge this behavior. It is best to ignore your dog until it stops barking, even if your dog wants to come inside.

Do not introduce your dog to strangers right away. Your new pup needs some time to get used to its new environment and owners. Make sure your dog spends plenty of quality time with all the members of your household and introduce strangers slowly once you feel your dog is more comfortable.

Make sure that you spend adequate time on each thing that you try to teach your dog. Even though your dog might catch on to something, for example the "sit" command, it may not be mastered. You'll want to make sure that the command is done every time that you ask no matter what situation you are in before you move onto a new command.

Teach your dog a few basic commands. Simple commands like sit, stay and heel are important for keeping your dog safe and helping him to become friendly around other people. Dogs can easily learn these commands in very little time, and lessons are available if you need some extra assistance.

These simple tips for taking good care of your dog apply whether your pup is a terrier or a retriever, old or young, furry or hairless. That is what makes using everything you have learned so important - you know it will apply in your situation! Love your dog daily by doing all you can to be the best owner.