Authored by-Mitchell 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. https://cynthiazholt.wordpress.com 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.

Be careful if you're searching for a new dog on Craigslist or other classified ads. Many people exaggerate the truth in order to unload problems or challenging training issues and you could end up with an impossible situation on your hands. Only talk to people who are verifiable through vet records and demonstrate positive handling experience.

When training your puppy or dog, keep the sessions short! Experts say that a dog has the attention span of a small child, sometimes less, and that longer sessions will actually cause him to forget everything you've learned together. Use positive reinforcement and limit your training sessions to no more than 15 minutes.

Dogs love to eat grass and other plants. When you're outside, this may not be much of a problem, but if you maintain houseplants indoors, chances are they are poisonous to dogs. Before bringing a dog into the home, make sure all your houseplants are well out of reach of a dog who may be tempted by a green tasty treat.

Speak with your vet about the amount of food you should be feeding your dog each day. Some people refer to the label on the package to determine the quantity of food to feed their dogs, but those guidelines are not always right and using them can cause your dog to become overweight. Speak to the vet about what makes sense for your dog.

Keep the nails on your dog trimmed. Once they get to a length where they are curling under, this is likely to cause your dog some pain. You can trim them yourself with a pair of store bought clippers. If your dog does not respond well when you try to trim the nails, a groomer or even your veterinarian can handle the task.





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!

Make sure that you trim your dog's nails on a fairly regular basis. You do not want them to get too long since it will make it uncomfortable for them to walk and they may develop health issues. They should be at a length that just about touches the ground.

If you have a new puppy in the house that suddenly begins chewing things, do not fear. This could be a sign that your puppy is teething. To keep puppy from chewing on your belongings, make sure that you have provided him with plenty of chew toys of his own.

Never leave your dog home alone for more than a few hours each day. For example, if you are planning on being away from home for a few days, you should find a place to house them where they can get regular care. Dogs can become anxious when left alone for extended times, so consider their feelings and provide them with the care that they need.

If you are having trouble training your dog, see a professional. A lot of people wait until their problems are enormous, but if you would see a dog trainer as soon as you start having difficulty, you will find training goes more easily. Not only that, but you will save yourself a major headache.

If you bathe your dog often, watch out for signs of painful earaches that can be problematic for canines. They can happen when too much water gets into the ears. Use cotton balls dabbed in baby oil while giving him a bath, and that should keep water from getting in, even if he splashes around.

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.

Use an olive oil spray to keep your dog's dish sparkling clean. Particularly if you feed him canned food, it can quickly cake-up and dry on the inside of the bowl, making it hard to wash later. As can dogs have tuna , the olive oil will help to keep his coat shiny too.

Dogs love to interact with people, so do not get one if you do not have time in your day to spend with a pet. A bored or agitated dog can do unbelievable damage to your home and furnishings while you are away. Make sure you allow your dog to expend excess energy every day.

If your dog is ruining your home while you are gone, it is probably suffering from anxiety. This issue is very common in young puppies, especially if they are still getting used to being home alone. You should find some toys your dog can play with and let your dog have a shirt or a blanket that smells like you.

When choosing a leash and collar, opt for strength. A thick, short leash is your best bet to ensure complete control of your dog. If you have multiple dogs, consider a leash which attaches around your waist to free up your hands for picking up poop or pulling a dog back into line.

There is nothing quite like the joy a dog can bring into the lives of its owner. Although one must be knowledgeable and understand what it takes to sufficiently care for the pet so they are happy and healthy. The intent of this article was to provide you with such knowledge. Use it wisely and you will become a happier, more confident pet owner and a better friend to your canine companion.