Look Below For Some Really Great Tips About Dogs

Dogs make wonderful pets. They've got an amazing ability for unconditional love which brings a ton of joy to a house. To benefit both of you, you should learn all that you can about dogs. The below article will provide you with some excellent knowledge on how to begin raising a dog.

Hugs are great, but steer clear of kisses. It is unsanitary to be licked by a dog. 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. Many people say that dogs have cleaner mouths than people. This is not the truth!

If you have medications at home, ensure that it is safely hidden away and out of the reach of your dog. Consuming even a single pill can cause serious health problems or your dog. Make sure you have your veterinarian's number handy in case your dog does accidentally swallow your medicine.

 Dogs can't talk, so you must learn their body language. If it seems as though your dog holds back when around other dogs or people, don't insist that they interact. It could end up with someone getting bit. Always be on the look out for non-verbal hints. If you see them, allow your dog to guide you in the next action you will take.

If your dog needs to be outside during cold months, buy him a house or build him one. Remember that dogs exposed to cold and damp or excessive heat are far more likely to become ill. Keep your dog out of the wet weather and the wind by building a shelter that keeps them dry and gives them room.

Make sure your dog is getting enough exercise. Regular exercise and play time promotes the health and happiness of your dog. Your dog will be happy with any kind of activity, even if it's just going for a walk or throwing them a ball. This will create a great bond with your dog when performing these activities.

 Rawhide is a great alternative to the meat bones that most people feed dogs. Pieces can break off of the real bone, which may cause your dog to choke. Rawhide is much safer and also cleans teeth.

When selecting a brand of dog food for your pet, read the labels carefully and avoid the cheapest brands. Over the course of the dogs life he will be much healthier if you stick to high quality food with plenty of nutritional value. You'll have to pay more, but you can be certain your dog gets the right vitamins and minerals from good sources.

Some dog breeds are more likely than others to develop certain health issues. Find out what your dog's breed frequently suffers from and the symptoms. Be sure to ask the vet if there is anything you can do in order to avoid health problems that run in the breed.

 Love your dog! Like many things in life, many owners pay much more attention to bad behavior than good behavior. This may eventually cause problems. Praise your dog at least 5x more than you discipline him. Your dog will do its best to please you.

A dog needs both mental and physical exercise. Teach them to do things around the home to help or get a newspaper. He will always feel useful and a part of the family, while the constant reinforcement of training will keep his thinking skills sharp.

Your dog's unwanted behavior should stop soon. You don't have to sit back and watch the dog destroy your home or growl at everybody. You encourage good behavior with the proper information. The article above can help you to give your dog just what he needs.