Article written by-Field Blalock

Would you like to save one of the precious pound puppies? Or, would you prefer a pure bred dog from the breeder? Whether you are looking for a regular house dog or a show dog, either one will bring a lot of love into your life. But, you have to be responsible as well, which is why you should read the whole article that follows.

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.

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.

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.





Having fresh and clean water available to your dog at all times is a must. Dogs become dangerously dehydrated in a matter of days, so its very important to always have water ready. Dogs will also appreciate water that is clean. If you find it necessary to drink filtered or bottled water because of the quality of water from your tap, then be sure to provide your dog with the same high quality water.

Give is lavender oil safe for pets to sleep. Every dog needs a bed to call his own that is temperature controlled and comfortable. If not, the dog may alternate sleeping locations between undesirable locations, such as your sofa when you're not watching. A bed also gives him a great sense of security and belonging.

How To Measure Dog Food Portions

If training has become routine and boring with your dog, consider introducing agility exercises into the mix. These will still teach your dog to obey and be challenging, but they tend to be a lot more fun than the regular commands. Get the whole family involved by making an obstacle course and working the dog through it frequently.

A dog's bad behavior should always be corrected whenever you see the first signs of it. If do the trumps have any pets ignore it, you are going to make the problem harder to contain, and you aren't sure what the result of bad behavior will ultimately be. The dog may harm somebody, even you, so control them.

What Can I Feed My Dog Instead Of Dog Food

Trim hair around a dog's paws so that hair mats don't form. A comb is a good tool to straighten the dog's fur before trimming. If this scares you, have a professional do it.

Properly teach your dog how to walk with a leash. The dog needs to stay beside you, not behind or in front of you. It also needs to know the command "heel". This ensures his safety and will make going for walks more enjoyable for you. Understanding that command is great, even if you choose to still walk with a loose leash periodically.

How To Store Dry Dog Food Long Term

Do not make training your dog seem like a chore. Dogs pick up on this negative energy and will have a difficult time learning if you are not in the right mind frame. Make it fun and try to look at it as a bonding experience with your pet. When your dog is having fun, they will learn their training quicker.

If you have one dog that seems lonely or is by himself often, consider another dog. Dogs prefer living in groups with other animals. Choose another dog whose energy level and temperament matches your dog's, and you should have a good match.

Be sure to keep your dog's nails clipped in order to prevent injury. This can occur both from the dog scratching itself or also from having its nails get caught in things such as carpet. In order to be sure you are cutting the nails correctly, be sure to check with the veterinarian or groomer.

Think about how you live your life on a daily basis, as well as vacations and other events you participate in before deciding to get a dog. It is easy to want a dog, but it is much harder to take care of the responsibilities that come with being the parent of a loving dog.

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.

Take your pet to the veterinarian regularly. Dogs need to be checked for heartworm and other health issues, and need to have any and all necessary vaccinations. Puppies have to go to the vet more often than older dogs. If your dog seems ill or becomes injured, you must take it to a vet immediately.

You must give careful thought to a decision to bring a dog into your life. It's one thing to fall head over heels in love with a puppy. It's another to provide a forever home for a dog. Think about finances, time commitment and your current household situation before making a decision.

Give your dog love, just as you would with a child. Dogs are intended to live in groups, and in those settings they tend to be affectionate with one another throughout each day. To give your dog what it needs you must show it love through petting and snuggling. This will only strenghthen the bond that you will have through the years.

Now that you have reached the end of this article, have you learned something new? If so, how will you start to use it in your everyday life? The most important part of learning is using your new knowledge, so take the time to implement this advice and enjoy the benefits you receive.