Content author-McCallum Kirk
You might already own a dog or are thinking about becoming an owner - either way you are aware that it's a huge responsibility. You need to be prepared before you jump into it. To increase your knowledge, take a look at the tips below.
Consider teaching your dog hand signals along with verbal commands. Consistency and practice are key to teaching a dog these non-verbal commands. Many owners get frustrated and resort back to verbal commands, but a well-trained dog should understand both. Try using only verbal commands when the dog is out of sight range, but when close up, only use the hand signals.
If you are thinking of getting a new dog for your family, be sure you are prepared for this commitment. Smaller dogs will require at least a 14-16 year commitment, and larger dogs will require at least 10 years. If you are not prepared to own the dog for its entire life, then do not choose a dog as a pet.
Be wary about certain flea treatments to use for your dog. They contain carcinogens proven to cause cancer in kids. Discuss any concerns with your veterinarian, and see if he has more holistic treatment options that might help to keep your pet free from fleas and your family safe.
If your dog spends a lot of time outdoors, he or she may eventually come in contact with a skunk. If he gets sprayed, mix together one teaspoon of dish-washing detergent, a fourth a cup of baking soda and a quart of hydrogen peroxide solution (but make sure it is no more than three percent). Apply the mixture to your dog's coat and allow it to sit for five minutes. Wash your dog off well afterward.
Some people think that it is necessary to bath a dog often. The truth is that unless your dog gets into something to get dirty, they only need bathed once every two to four months. Bathing more often could strip their skin of the oils they need for a healthy coat and skin.
It is very important for you to keep your dog's ears clean. Keeping the inside of the ears clean will help prevent infections of the ear. This is also a good time for you to inspect the ear for fleas, ticks and any other pests that could have made your dog's ear home.
Know the symptoms of dehydration in your dog, as it is a common ailment that can be dangerous. Particularly during hot dry summer months, your dog may pant excessively and experience a loss of the elasticity of his skin. If you see this, encourage him to drink water and add a little Pedialyte to rehydrate him.
If you have a pure bred dog, make sure you educate yourself on what type of problems are "normal" for that breed. Research the heritage of your pup and learn how to prevent any common problems. Your vet will be able to tell you how you can help your pet prevent illness that it is prone to getting.
Help your dog to stay active mentally and help him to exercise enough. For example, train your dog to retrieve the newspaper or other helpful chores. Doing this will help your pet to feel like a loved and needed family member, and teaching your dog these skills will give it some much needed mental exercise.
Invest in a separate tub if your dog gets frequent baths. Buy a large metal basin where you will have plenty of room to scrub, but won't risk clogging the pipes in your bathroom. Giving him a bath outside and away from the slipperiness of a porcelain tub is also safer for you
You should check your dog regularly to make sure that he does not have any ticks or fleas on him. There are combs you can purchase that can be used to help you locate them. To prevent fleas and ticks, you can purchase special collars from the pet supply store.
Be prepared to have a lot of patience with your dog during potty-training. Much like children, dogs learn at different speeds and ages and your canine may be slow or stubborn. Have good resources at your fingertips to assist your efforts and remember not to get angry when your dog has "accidents" as that will only impede his progress.
If you are trying to teach your dog some basic commands, one of your first ones should be a recall. Everyone wants their dog to return to them when called for. If you have a solid recall for your dog, you will not have to worry about chasing your dog down it manages to get outside. It should come back to you when you use your recall word.
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When you first start out training the dog see what kinds of rewards work best. Figure out what motivates your dog to perform well. Dogs will always respond to food as a treat, so see what types works best. If your dog prefers toys, have a quick game of tug of war once your pup does what you want. Quality time spent giving them a good petting can even do the trick.
Never leave your dog inside your vehicle. Remember that your dog needs supervision and that it could become dehydrated very quickly, especially during the hot summer months.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-9f5izFNlzra7jGIjgmKmr9qF05orDaWLCaqNetfmQ8/edit?usp=sharing is best to leave your dog at home for a few hours if you have to go somewhere and cannot take your dog inside.
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If you want to take good care of your dog, you need to learn to think like a dog. Does your pet seem distressed? Think about what you might want if you were a dog. Is your pet having trouble sleeping? Consider where
https://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/chion 'd want to sleep if you'd been born with a tail. Taking your pet's needs into account can make it easy to solve any problem.
If you pick up a dog from a shelter, make sure that he has been seen by a medical professional. You don't want to bring home a sick dog unless you are aware of it, particularly if you have other dogs at home. Make sure to ask if the dog you have chosen has been around sick dogs in the past few weeks as well.
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If you are in the market for purchasing a dog that has been breed you need to make sure that you have every stipulation in writting. For example, if the breeder promises to spay or nueter the pet, you must get that in your contract. Doing this will protect you from any conflict later on.
You should be able to take better care of your dog, now that more information is available to you. You just need some patience and love in order to have a happy, appreciative dog. Make sure you continue to keep your knowledge levels up-to-date about how to care for your dog.