Refrain from making the training sessions with your dogs too long. Extended sessions can make a dog tire out and become bored easily when you are trying to teach them new things. Limit your training sessions to 20-30 minutes, as this will help to keep the full attention of your dog.
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
Certain dog breeds are susceptible to some health problems, so make sure you know what is typical for the breed of dog you have. Research his heritage and take preventative steps for problems you know he is a candidate for. You can also speak with your vet about any precautionary measures you can take to help your dog avoid the problems associated with his breed.
Take your grown dog to the vet at least once a year. The vet will check to see if the dog’s vaccines up to date. In addition, the vet will check the dog’s teeth and vital signs. If any major health or behavioral issues come up between annual checkups, you should see the vet earlier.
Always be prepared to pick up after your dog with a scoop and bag. Although most people think that this is simply a polite thing to do so that others don’t step in it, your dog’s excrement is actually hazardous! It contains a bacterium that can contaminate local supplies when it washes through to ground water.
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.
Your dog loves you unconditionally, and you want to make sure you provide the most for him. Therefore, it’s imperative that you utilize the information you’ve been given so that you can work towards taking good care of your pet. Your pet deserves proper care, and you can now provide that to him.
If you notice your dog gets dry skin in the winter, you probably need to brush him or her more often. Doing Funny Things so will get rid of old fur and help get their oil glands working properly. Try brushing once in the morning and once in the evening to see if it makes a difference for your pet.
If your pet slips up and uses the bathroom in your home, be sure to remove every trace of the mess. Special cleaners and deodorizers are available to do the job right. If your dog can still smell the spot he has marked, he will be likely to mark it again.
If you are not allowed to place a fence in your yard but want your dog to run freely there, consider an electric fence. Electric fences are easy and inexpensive to install, and they can help to keep your free roaming pet safely contained. Using them will require a little training, but they are quite effective if you put the work in.
Always be prepared to pick up after your dog with a scoop and bag. Although most people think that this is simply a polite thing to do so that others don’t step in it, your dog’s excrement is actually hazardous!
Keep your dog in good shape. He can suffer with the same weight-related issues that you can, so make sure he gets plenty of healthy exercise and eats a well-balanced diet. Remember that walking will benefit you as well, so make it a part of your daily routine together to be happier and healthier.
Look into subsidized health care for your dog if money is tight. Many local communities, in cooperation with groups like the SPCA offer discounted services that have proven invaluable to dog owners. Look into getting your dog spayed or neutered and vaccinated for a fraction of veterinary costs at a sponsored event probably close-by to you. Just contact the SPCA or an animal shelter in your town.
Timing is key when bringing your dog home. Try to introduce him to his new home over the weekend or Puppies Topic #2 when you have a couple of days off. Take the time to get to know one other – this will make him feel much more comfortable when he has to spend time in the home alone. Also, if you have children, make sure that they don’t overwhelm him at first. If you have other pets in the house, be extra cautious when introducing the new arrival.
Be prepared for natural disasters that also impact your dog. Have an emergency supply of water and food for him and know in advance if your local shelter for people will allow pets inside. Too many pets are injured or lost following storms, Puppies Topic #2 floods and other situations that cause chaos in a community.
You love your dog to the ends of the world. He loves you straight up to the moon. That love is irreplaceable, which means you have to ensure your dog is happy and healthy every day of the year. This article has a ton of great advice for you, so continue through until the very end.