Dogs have an uncanny ability to provide unrivaled levels of loyalty and friendship to their human counterparts, and are therefore a valuable part of the lives of many. The key, though, is for any dog owner to learn everything they can about what dogs need and what helps them live their best possible lives. The article that follows is a terrific resource for helping them do that.
Always clean up after your pet. Failure to do this can result in a fine in the worst case. Or, it can result in your neighbors cowering at the sight of you and your dog. Simply carry around a plastic bag and some tissue to pick up after him, and everyone will be happy!
You must learn how to introduce your dog to other dogs. Keep him on his leash during introductions so you have better control. Start with a walk by while keeping his attention on you. Then, on the next walk by, allow the dogs to sniff each other a bit. This will allow them to get to know each other without the dangers of attacks.
Never allow your dog to be without a collar. It is common for dogs to get out of the home unleashed, or to escape the yard, and if this happens and they do not have a collar, the chances that will return home are slim. If you truly love your dog you will be sure to follow this rule.
If you are having trouble training your dog, see a professional. A lot of people wait until their problems are enormous, but if you would see a dog trainer as soon as you start having difficulty, you will find training goes more easily. Not only that, but you will save yourself a major headache.
Moist dog food may look more appetizing, but dry food tends to be better for dogs. Kibble is great for your dog’s dental health, and in most cases, it’s more nutrient rich. If your dog loves the taste of moist food, try mixing dry and canned food together. That way, they get the best of both worlds.
If you breed your dog, do so responsibly. The AKC advises all owners of pure-bred dogs to make an effort to advance the breed and discard all other motivations, such as money or experimentation. Consider the repercussions of your actions before allowing your dog to mate and create a litter of puppies.
It is important not to get frustrated with your dog when trying to teach him or her new tricks. Be persistent with whatever you are trying to teach. Be sure that when he or she does something you like that you praise them with a happy tone of voice and a treat.
It is hard to dispute the critical role dogs play in the lives of countless individuals. From providing companionship to offering legitimate service for the disabled, dogs can do amazing things to improve the daily experiences of humans. The piece above has hopefully offered some useful insights as to how any dog owner can facilitate this type of beautiful relationship.
