Article by-Cooney Beier
Nothing beats a dog in terms of the loyalty and love that can be received. For owners who live on their own with their canine companion or for large households who consider a dog part of the family, dog ownership comes with plenty of rewards. If you'd like to better care for a dog, be sure to use these tips.
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.
Research a particular breed of dog you may be interested in before bringing him home. Lots of people make the mistake of falling in love with a type of dog, then find out later that the animal isn't really for them. Chihuahuas, for example, are a trendy type, but very difficult to fully potty train, especially in colder climates!
Start training your dog as soon as you bring them home. Create a vocabulary list that all your family members will use to command the dog and stick to it. Dogs can become confused if the same words are not used to give them directions. The dog will see "get over here"� and "come"� as two different commands.
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.
If your dog is still getting used to the grooming process, only work with him or her in short bursts. Groom for about five minutes and then stop and move on to another activity. Eventually, start adding on two or three minutes to your total grooming time until your pet is able to handle a full session.
To protect your dog in the event he is lost or stolen, have a microchip surgically implanted by your vet. These handy chips store data that can be retrieved by a shelter or animal officer and used to contact you. They are painless to put in and offer peace of mind for the pet lover!
Accept the aging process in your dog and know how to meet his changing needs. Your older dog may require dietary changes, more rest and not be as playful as he once was. This doesn't mean he should be left to grow old in a corner. Adapt to his needs and make his golden years enjoyable!
Avoid keeping your dog outdoors all day, every day. Many people do this, but dogs need interactions with others. If your dog is alone outside, it will quickly get lonely. In addition, in extreme weather, you must bring your dog inside to protect it from the weather and temperature extremes.
Make sure there is one policy in your home for giving your dog table scraps. While some owners do not give their dog any table food at all, yet others wait until the family meal is done. This causes less confusion on the part of your dog, and makes meals much easier for your family.
If you live with other people, make sure they are aware of your training "rules." It is important that everyone redirects the dog off of the furniture, for example, and that they use the same language when doing so. If everyone's rules are different, your dog is just going to get confused, which will make the training process much longer and more difficult.
One if the keys to training your new dog is lots of practice. The repetitive and consistent training is the best way to teach your dog proper behavior and good long term habits. If you do not have the time to devote to training a dog, you should consider choosing a different pet.
Be clear with your pet during training. The word "no" does not explain anything to your dog, other than that you are unhappy with something. Instead, explain which behavior you do want to see. For example, if your dog jumps on the furniture, tell him to get down instead of just saying the word no.
Conduct tick and flea inspection on your dog during the warm seasons of the year. Use a type of flea comb to get rid of fleas you see. There are a lot of things on the market that will help you get your dog's fleas and ticks under control. Speak with your vet before using anything and ask them what your options are.
If you have a smaller breed dog, make sure everyone who touches him knows the proper way to hold him. Small dogs can be easily injured by inappropriate handling and many owners find this out the hard way. Gently lift at the belly from under his front legs and secure him with both hands.
Always try to do your training in an area where the dog has some distractions around them. Rarely are you going to be in a situation where you need your dog to obey and it is completely quiet.
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1SBZdwGcyXWmS78WO6MqAm-F4Qu9Qp3KX?usp=sharing is best for you to practice your training with the television on, kids running wild and maybe some music playing.
Do not give in to the temptation to get a puppy without knowing how to take care of it properly. Educate
sheltie about the needs of the breed you are considering before actually visiting a breeder or a pet store. Some breeds are happy to live in a limited space, but others need room to run.
You need to take your dog for a walk at least once a day. You dog needs the exercise, and he needs to get out of the house. This is an essential part of the dog's development process and needs to be a top priority.
Perfect advice is impossible to find. That said, what you have read here is a great start to your dog education. While your dog and your situation differ from those of the authors, the general knowledge you have gained is priceless. Make use of what you have learned today to make for a better tomorrow.