Owning a dog is like adding a child into the family. They need care, attention, love and discipline. If you do not prepare yourself for this addition, you may find difficulties in the months ahead. Take a few moments and read the tips below to learn the best advice for caring for your K-9 companion.
Be careful with your dog around Christmas season, many dangers are lurking just under the festive ambiance. For instance, electrical chords are typically strewn about during the holidays, and dogs often chew them, creating an electrical hazard. Dogs may be tempted to eat the decorations on the tree. They may also be tempted by the tree water, which can be toxic.
Take some time to become familiar with your canine's non-verbal language. You should never pressure your pet into interacting with strangers, be they human or canine. This might result in another dog or a person being bit. Watch for these non-verbal hints and let the dog guide your actions.
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.
Be wary of the flea treatment you're going to use on your dog. Many contain ingredients that are dangerous to children. Find out about healthy treatments that can keep you and your pet safe.
Never allow your dog to be alone with small children, no matter how much you trust his temperament. Many little kids have been attacked by family dogs who have otherwise never demonstrated a tendency towards violence. Sleeping dogs may be woken by a toddler and react negatively or some other offense is committed against the animal that sets him off.
Remember that dogs are creatures of habit and anything you start with him will be expected in the future. If you're not keen on him sleeping with you, don't let him do it only on occasion. Likewise, if you don't want him begging at the table, never offer him a bite of people food. He will learn and accept things if you are consistent.
If your veterinarian prescribes medication or special care for your pet, make sure you follow their instructions to the letter. They may not like their cone, but they need it for a purpose. When a vet makes a recommendation, it is for the safety and health of your dog; if you ignore them, that can lead to trouble.
Make sure your dog gets enough exercise. This is vital to the care of a happy dog. Many people don't bother to exercise their dog, thinking that walks are enough. Dogs are active creatures and need to play. Talk to your veterinarian about how much activity your dog needs, and make sure he gets it.
You should remember the quote about too many cooks spoiling the soup while trying to train your dog. If the other people who help you train your dog are not consistent with what you started teaching, your dog will have a hard time. Pick a single person to be responsible for all training, and let others support the decisions made by demanding the same standards of behavior from the dog.
Owning a new puppy is very similar to having a new baby. Puppies need a lot of attention and have to be taken care of constantly. They are not ready to be left alone for long periods of time and need to have a fair amount of attention devoted to them.
Be strong when the time comes to say goodby to your beloved dog. Many owners keep the animal suffering to keep them in their lives and that's not fair to the dog. Consult with your vet, then talk it over with family. If it's time to part ways with your dog, do what's best for him.
Attention exercises must be practiced daily. These exercises will help you gain your dog's attention when they are barking or being disruptive or destructive. Once you can gain your dog's attention, you will have less to worry about when you have him out of the house or when there is company over.
Use
best puppy dog food for golden retrievers to teach your dog the habits that you would like to see from them. For example, if you notice that your dog barks anytime someone enters your home you could reward him for not barking with a treat. The dog will then associate being quite with the reward that he will receive.
Make sure that you carry small bags and gloves with you while you are out walking your dog. If he uses the bathroom outside, it is your responsibility to clean up the mess. It is unsanitary for you to leave it there, and it some places you may receive heavy fines for that.
Positive reinforcement is a great tool when training a dog. Rewards and praise will help speed things along, and they work better than being violent. Treating the dog in a humane manner offers the best possible training and has shown to work best over the long run. So be kind to your dog when you are training him; you will be rewarded with positive results.
Your dog needs healthy teeth and you should brush them regularly.
best dog food for golden retrievers canada helps to prevent dental problems and gum disease, but also prevents other illnesses. Infections in the mouth can spread to other areas of the dog's body, like the kidneys and the heart. Pet stores sell special toothpaste for dogs.
When you bring a new dog home, the first thing you should do is make sure they'll always be able to get back to you. Invest in a safe collar and a tag that contains both your name and phone number. Most lost dogs don't make it home, but with a good tag, you can be sure yours will.
Dog care can be simple - you just need the right information. It may take a bit more energy at first, but use what you learned in this article. Take what you've learned here to avoid having issues with your dog.