Content written by-Love Harboe

Your dog is always there for you. No matter what, a dog will do what it takes to make sure you are alright. He always looks out for you, always wants your attention, and is always happy with you. Shouldn't you see what you can do for him? Here are some tips to help you be a great owner for your dog.

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.

You need to take your older pet to the vet at lease once a day. It can be difficult to know what could be causing your dog pain since they cant talk to you. You need to go to the vet every year to get a check up.

Pet-proof your home before bringing a dog into it, just as you would for a crawling toddler. You need to move anything toxic to a higher shelf and consider the danger that plants may pose if nibbled by your dog. Remember that anti-freeze is deadly and that leaving things like pennies or crayons on floors can pose a choking hazard to curious pups.

Your daily lifestyle should help guide your choice of dog breed. For example, if you're a jogger, get a type of dog that can run with you, not a toy-poodle. By the same token, if you are a quiet person, you should choose a quiet lap dog. Selecting the right dog will make you both happier.

You won't just stop your dog from shedding on your carpet if you brush him on a daily basis. Brushing daily will give them a shiny, beautiful coat. The reason for this is that brushing helps distribute the skin's oils throughout the coat to condition the fur and skin.

If your dog has long hair, make sure to take the time to trim the fur around his feet. If you allow your dog's hair to grow too long, they can get things stuck in their fur. This could lead to injuries between the pads of the feet and around the nails.





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!

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.

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.

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.

Always use a leash when your dog or puppy is out in public. This helps you make sure your dog always stays by you and prevents them from wandering off or getting into trouble. This can also help you restrain your dog if something upsets them so that they don't hurt another animal or person.

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!

Consider getting your dog 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.

When your family gets a brand new puppy, socialize him with different dogs immediately. Your dog can get together with other dogs at the doggy park, at the groomer, or through play dates.

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. Read A lot more 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.

When it comes to a leash, you need to really consider your options. Everyone loves the retractable leashes, but these are the worst choice. The leash itself is thin and not very strong, plus the retractor handle can be unwieldy. Read Alot more can't tell you how many times I've seen dogs get away from their owners with these leashes!

When you first start training, experiment with several types of rewards. You need to figure out what motivates your particular animal. Many dogs are motivated by food, so make sure to have their favorite treats on hand while training. If he likes to play, engage him in a game when he successfully performs the action you are looking for. Some dogs just like to get petted and rubbed when they're good.

Caring for a dog can be absolutely exhausting, but that doesn't mean it has to be. If you use the tips and tricks in this article, you may find living with your dog is a breeze. Soon, others will be wondering how you make being a dog owner look so easy.