Welcome to Gaia! :: View User's Journal | Gaia Journals

Dogs are a great source of happiness for people, if they are well cared for. The key to a healthy and happy dog is learning about their needs. Keep reading to learn more about the many things you can do to keep your dog happy.
Michigan Wolverines Dog Jacket
Keep in mind that dogs are expensive. Expect to spend from $700 to as high as $1000 in a year to pay for medical attention, food and other items needed. You should also look into purchasing a good pet health insurance policy to avoid high medical bills.

Hugs are great to give your pets, but kisses are not that great. In theory, giving a dog a kiss is cute, but realize that the mouth of a dog is generally very dirty. Dogs really get into everything, from toilet water to the neighbor's trash. It's just a myth that your dog's mouth is just as, or cleaner, than yours. This statement is most definitely not true.

Keep your dog on leash any time he leaves your fenced yard, regardless of his gentle nature and good behavior. He can be scared away by some wild animal, or an unforeseen provocation with another dog can result in an unpleasant situation. Your dog is your responsibility.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Dog Jersey Be sure to show your dog lots of praise and love when they do something good. You want to let your dog know that the behavior is something that you want to see. This shows your pup that when things are done right, he will be rewarded.

Consult with your vet about the types of foods that are good for your dog. Depending on the type and age of dog, if you purchase the wrong kind of food it may upset their stomach. You should be careful when you are feeding your dog.

If you have your heart set on a purebred dog, realize that the city pound may be somewhere to look. There are people who drop off pets for many different reasons, such as moving abroad or the death of an owner. Simply call your pound and see what they have. You could save a dog's life by doing so!

If you have a dog with extreme separation anxiety, you can help reduce it by playing music or leaving the television on whenever you leave your home. The noise from the music will comfort the dog and that can help the animal to feel secure. This is a good way to keep your dog from feeling lonely.

If you get your dog from the pound, make sure you have a vet check him out right away. Shelter dogs could be sick or exposed to different viruses. Have your dog checked over and given vaccinations as soon as possible.

Your dog must learn to walk on a leash correctly. They should walk by your side, instead of behind or in front of you, and they must respond to "heel." Having a dog that can properly walk on a leash will be more enjoyable for both you and your pup. If you are using a loose leash, you help your dog to realize this is the best way to go about it.

Mastering dog care starts with education. This means that you will give your dog the life he deserves for being a loyal friend. Let's say you were the dog--it would make you happy to know your owner has researched everything about you.
Miami Heat Dog Jersey