Dog Care Advice Straight From The Experts

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.

Consider teaching your dog hand signals along with verbal commands. Consistency and practice are key to teaching a dog these non-verbal commands. Many owners get frustrated and resort back to verbal commands, but a well-trained dog should understand both. Try using only verbal commands when the dog is out of sight range, but when close up, only use the hand signals.

Giving your dog a bath is essential to his health. Depending on his size and activity level, toss him in the tub weekly or monthly and always use a shampoo that is made for dogs and is pH balanced. Pets have different pH levels than humans and a good dog shampoo will leave your canine clean with a beautiful shiny coat.

Teach your dog to be trained, even if you don't plan on devoting a lot of time to special tricks. A dog needs to understand the basic hierarchy of the home and should be prepared to listen and learn throughout his life. Practice the basics like "sit" and "down" in the beginning and introduce something new every once in a while.

Don't buy cheap dog food. Over the course of the dogs life he will be much healthier if you stick to high quality food with plenty of nutritional value. This may mean that you have to pay a higher price, but you will know your dog is receiving all of the nutrients he needs.

If you're thinking about getting a dog, but aren't sure you want to make the commitment, try serving as a foster home. Animals are overcrowded in shelters, and the resources available for them are not abundant. Not only will you be helping a dog in need, but it will help you figure out if you would like to become a dog owner.

Not every dog is capable of going to the dog park. Some dogs will not do well around other dogs that they do not know. Get to know how your dog does around friends' or neighbors' dogs before you attempt to take him to the park. This way, you will know if he will be aggressive towards other dogs.

If you are considering owning a dog, keep in mind the size of your home when selecting the breed. Large dogs do not mix well with small apartments unless you have the ability to walk them frequently. They need exercise and room to roam. In this situation, a smaller barred might be the better choice.

Never leave a dog outside for long periods of time. Dogs need to interact with people or with other animals. Your dog may be lonely outside if he is the only dog in your household. Also, when the weather gets bad, you need to keep your dog inside.

Don't forget about your dog when writing your will. Many pets end up being fought over or neglected completely because specific instructions were not left regarding their care. Include a clause that clearly directs your loved ones on what to do with your dog so that he's well taken care of.

It's not rare for dogs to acquire cuts by stepping on debris or glass pieces. If your dog gets a small cut, wash it with an antiseptic and place a bandage around the area. If the cut seems deep, visit your vet.

If you are getting a second dog as a companion for one that you already have, consider taking your current dog along when you make your final selection. Dogs are social animals and may or may not get along. You can prevent future problems if you are able to get a dog that is compatible with the dog you already have.

Clean up after your dog when they go to the bathroom in public. Many dog owners let their dog do their business wherever they please whether its on a sidewalk, neighbor's lawn, etc. They can do their business in public, but you must take a bag with you to clean it up when they're done so that it doesn't cause an unsightly and smelly mess for someone else.

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.

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