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Are you planning to adopt a dog from a shelter? Or are you looking at purchasing a dog from a reputable breeder? Whether you have a pedigree puppy or a barnyard mutt, you're in for a lot of affection. This is a big responsibility, keep reading to find out what you can do.
http://www.louisvilleky.gov/AnimalServices/fostercare.htm
It is expensive to own a dog. Food, vet and supplies bills can add up to $1,000 or more per year. Getting emergency care from the vet is costly, so you may need to take a look at health insurance for your pet.
Do not kiss him, although go on and hug your dog. Your dog's mouth is fairly dirty at any given time. Dogs go through garbage cans, toilet bowls, and love smelling and licking specific body parts of some other dogs. Many people say that dogs have cleaner mouths than people. It's not true.
The dog breed you choose should blend in well with your lifestyle. For instance, if you are athletic, you might want an active dog, not a poodle. If you prefer to stay home curled up on your couch, go for a small dog that likes to be spoiled and that will curl up along with you. You will be much happier when you make a choice that is complementary to your lifestyle.
Train your dog indoors or in the backyard. Avoid training your dog in heavily occupied areas. Being around others can cause distractions, meaning it is more difficult for your dog to master basic commands.
Your dog should not be left outside for the entire day. This is done for various reasons, but your dog needs interaction with people. Dogs become lonely. In addition, in extreme weather, you must bring your dog inside to protect it from the temperature and weather extremes.
Start out as a short-term foster home if you want a dog but don't know if you can handle the responsibility. Dogs who have been abused or left without a home stay in shelters until someone adopts them. Since there are so many dogs in shelters, there are little resources. Become a foster parent to test the waters.
If you are going to get a dog from the shelter, make a appointment with the vet. Dogs are more likely to be sick or have exposure to viruses in the shelter. Error on the side of caution and get your dog all its shots.
Immediately try to correct them, as soon as you notice your dog engaging in bad behaviors. If you ignore it you might make it worse than before. You don't want to be the owner of a dog who hurts someone, so get a handle on it now.
It is a common occurrence for a dog to get a cut after stepping on glass or other debris. Small cuts can be treated by washing, flushing with hydrogen peroxide and bandaging. Go to a vet if it seems like the cut is very deep.
Stimulate your dog physically and mentally with plenty of exercise. You can even teach your dog useful tricks such as fetching the newspaper for you. He will always feel useful and a part of the family, while the constant reinforcement of training will keep his thinking skills sharp.
Make sure that your dog gets plenty of exercise- both mental and physical. Train him to fetch the newspaper and help with other household chore. He will always feel useful and a part of the family, while the constant reinforcement of training will keep his thinking skills sharp.
Separation anxiety could be a problem with your dog. If so, show him extra love and attention and leave music on while you are away. Having noise will help your dog feel more secure and comfortable while you are away. It can help his anxiety as he waits for your return.
Think about the changes your life will undergo, such as vacation and special events, before choosing to bring a dog into your life. Many people romanticize having a dog, but the reality involves consistency, commitment and responsibility.
http://faculty.elgin.edu/jcarpenter/general/Ch5Lab.doc
Don't go overboard with what you allow your dog to do. Sometimes people think it's alright to give a dog table scraps or allow destruction of an item. This is particularly the case when the dog is very cute! Consistency is key. In this way, your dog will always know what to expect, and you will not be surprised by unacceptable behaviors.
Check with your vet about the type of food you should be feeding your dog. There are a variety of medical issues that may decree your dog needs to be particular about its diet. Certain types of food can be harmful for a dog with certain medical conditions. Your vet will be able to tell you what the best food is.
You'll have to decide where you want your dog to sleep if you've recently added a new dog to your home. Crate training means starting from the very first night. Before letting your dog into your bed, you should be sure that you're okay with this being a long-term sleeping arrangement.
So much must be considered in order to take proper care of your beloved dog. It's not as simple as a long walk and regular feedings. Give the proper affection to your dog, and show him a lot of compassion. This will make the both of you very content in the long run.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jBN2_YuTclU
magnificentshel57 · Sat Jul 05, 2014 @ 09:34am · 0 Comments |
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