Dogs can bring you joy for a long, long time if you take good care of them. Having a healthy and happy dog depends on your ability to meet their needs. Read on for tips to help you have a great relationship with your dog.
Just as you need to keep up with your annual doctor’s appointment, your dog needs to see his vet annually too. Your dog will not be able to express its concerns, so make sure that you get it a checkup periodically. Regular checkups will help you find these issues prior to them becoming a serious problem.
Think about your own lifestyle when considering the dog breed you want. If you like to go out running in the evenings, select a dog that also enjoys vigorous exercise. If you prefer to stay at home, seek out a small dog that loves to snuggle on the couch. Don’t get a dog that you don’t fit in with if you can avoid that.
Ask the vet about how much the dog should eat each day. Even though many people stick to the label on the can or package of the dog’s food, sometimes these guidelines might not work for the type of dog that you have. This could lead to your dog becoming obese. Ask your vet what the right meal plan is for your dog.
Do not force your dog to do anything. If you have food or treats your dog does not like, leave it alone. It will take you a little while to figure out what your dog likes and what he doesn’t, but you’ll get the hang of it.
When a dog behaves badly, correct him immediately. Ignoring it can help your dog to establish lifelong bad habits. The longer you wait to address the problem, the worse the problem will become. If you don’t get his behavior under control, your dog could end up biting someone.
Be sure your dog is physically active. A dog requires regular exercise and game time; it keeps him healthy and happy, both mentally and physically. Your dog will get the exercise it needs (and you’ll be a little more active yourself!) from virtually any kind of outdoor activity you share with it. It gives you exercise and helps develop a relationship that will last forever with your dog.
When buying your dog’s food, do not get the cheap stuff. After a while it’s good for the dog if it has been eating nutritious and high quality food. While this could mean paying more for higher-end brands, your dog’s proper health will be guaranteed through eating healthfully.
Your dog has to be leash trained. Your dog has to understand the “heel” command and respond to it by walking beside you, not ahead of or in back of you. This will keep him safe, and it’ll make walks more enjoyable. This command will be very useful if you walk your dog while keeping the leash very loose.
Dogs can be one of the most joyful presences in your household. However, you must have the knowledge you need to provide for your fluffy canine. Hopefully, this article has offered some useful guidance on caring for dogs.