A great many people grow up with pets. If you are thinking about adopting a puppy, there are a few things you should know first. Read on to find some great tips by Pet store Tweed Heads South from experts and owners alike.
Being a dog owner requires a financial commitment. You need to pay for high quality food, regular vet care, and various supplies. This can cost anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars each year. Pet insurance can be a good investment because your pet may require emergency care for illness or injury.
Just like humans benefit from an annual physical, your dog should see the vet at least once a year. Since dogs cannot talk, it's difficult to know if your dog is in pain. You need to go to the vet every year to get a check up.
Never hit your dog. There are better ways to train a dog without having to resort to violence. The best way to train a dog is to reinforce positive behaviors with treats and attention. Negative behavior should be handled with a stern and disapproving voice as opposed to striking the animal.
Avoid insisting that your dog socialize nicely with every other passing dog. Experts recommend that your dog be able to tolerate introductions through sniffing and eying with another animal, but say forcing the issue can create problems. Accept your dog's lead when meeting and greeting other animals and allow for natural interaction.
Rather than merely using verbal commands, it is wise to utilize hand signals when training your dog. This is a very effective way to communicate with your dog. Always associate the spoken command and the hand gesture at first and choose the system that works best later on.
Keep your dog's teeth in tip tip condition. Just like humans, a dog can suffer from toothache, gum disease and even tooth loss. Regular brushing will ensure that that his teeth and gums stay healthy and strong. Without regular brushing, it is estimated that dental disease will affect up to 80% of dogs by the age of three. As well as dental cleaning by a vet, make sure that you brush your dog's teeth regularly.
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It is important that your dog always have plenty of fresh water available to keep him hydrated. Especially after walks, or other activities, he will need to drink in order to cool himself down. This is particularly true in warm weather. You can even purchase a portable bowl at a pet shop to carry with you wherever you go.
Now that you've come to the end of this article, you know what it takes to take care of your dog. Once you put your techniques into practice, things will become easier for you as the owner. Just take your time and go over the article from Pet Shop Blog Tweed Heads again if you have any questions.
