Pet Dogs

Take your dog outside so that he can get fresh air and exercise. Dogs need game time and regular exercise to keep them mentally and physically healthy and happy. Regardless of the activities you choose, the dog and you will surely benefit a great deal. This doesn't just entertain and exercise your dog, it helps you form a bond.

If your female dog is in heat, be very careful with her around other dogs or she may become pregnant. Males can smell her scent for miles. This can lead to aggression among other males, and you certainly don't want to be left with an unexpected litter of pups.

Owning a dog is not always easy. Owning a dog is a bit like raising a child: they need love and kindness, but also food, shelter, exercise, hygiene, and health care. Where can one go for information on handling all these issues? Reading this article can help you become a great dog owner.

Avoid the bargain brands of pet food. Cheaper brands have tons of additives, preservatives, and ingredients that can harm a dog's health. Check with animal advocacy groups or consumer reviews to find the best dog foods that are recommended by professionals. You will see a difference in your dog's activity level and general happiness when you feed him good" food."

If you have medication for you or a family member, be certain your dog cannot reach it. Swallowing even one pill can end very badly, with a sick or dying dog. If your dog happens to get into any such pills, call your veterinarian or animal poison control immediately.

Not all dogs are meant to be outdoor dogs. If you plan to keep your dog outside, carefully choose the breed. Small dogs, short-hair, or older dogs will not do well being kept outside. Choose one that has a nice thick coat, that is mature and one that is extremely healthy.

Hug your dog, but don't kiss him. Kisses seem nice, but dogs have very dirty mouths. He probably doesn't mind eating dirt, enjoys drinking water from the toilet if he can get at it, and tries in vain to clean himself with his tongue. Your dog's mouth is not really any cleaner than a human's mouth. However, this simply is not the case.

It takes quite a bit of money to take good care of a dog. Good quality dog food and medical care can cost between $700-1000 a year. Emergency vet visits can cost a ton, so think about purchasing health insurance for your dog.

Owning a dog is a serious matter. You have to be sure that you have a happy and a healthy dog. Doing your research will help you reach this balance, so be sure to properly read the following information.

Don't let too many people train your dog. Everyone will have a different way of trying to teach the dog something, and that can make things confusing for the animal. One person should be the master while the others reinforce what the dog is learning.

Train your dog in your backyard or home, as these are safe, convenient areas. This will give you security and an area that your dog is comfortable. Being around others can cause distractions, meaning it is more difficult for your dog to master basic commands.

They say dog's faces show a lot of emotions, and that fact is not very surprising. That said, reading this article will give you a greater understanding of the body language of your dog. You will have a happy dog for that.

Positive reinforcement is very important in training your dog. Make your dog understand you are pleased with the behavior and expect to see it again. Your dog is looking for ways to please you, and giving him your praise lets him know he has done just that.

You should have your dog spayed or neutered. This helps reduce the probability of cancer and extends the life of your dog. Additionally, dogs who undergo this procedure are much less likely to wander off and maybe get into to an accident.

Talk to your vet about how much to feed your dog. Simply reading the label on your dog food package may not be enough; your dog may have special needs. Ask your vet for the proper amount based on your dog's needs.

When training a dog, practice in the yard or your home. This prevents some of the problems that are associated with training around a lot of other people. This may distract your pet which will make it a lot harder to teach it even basic things.