Staff Writer-Reese Mahler

Isn't it great to have a dog? A dog is always there for you after a long day, and doesn't ask for anything but your love all day. In return, you must give him a safe home, with food and water. However, there are other things that must be done as well. Read this article for tips about how to keep your dog happy.

If you are thinking of getting a new dog for your family, be sure you are prepared for this commitment. Smaller dogs will require at least a 14-16 year commitment, and larger dogs will require at least 10 years. If you are not prepared to own the dog for its entire life, then do not choose a dog as a pet.

Look into subsidized health care for your dog if money is tight. Many local communities, in cooperation with groups like the SPCA offer discounted services that have proven invaluable to dog owners. Look into getting your dog spayed or neutered and vaccinated for a fraction of veterinary costs at a sponsored event probably close-by to you. Just contact the SPCA or an animal shelter in your town.

Ensure that your dog gets enough exercise. Dogs need game time and regular exercise to keep them mentally and physically healthy and happy. Your dog will get the exercise it needs (and you'll be a little more active yourself!) from virtually any kind of outdoor activity you share with it. Besides just getting some exercise, you'll be creating a bond between you and your dog.

If your dog has fleas, and they fall off his coat onto your floor, vacuum them up. However, remember that fleas are pretty good escape artists, so you need to throw out the bag immediately after you are finished. To be on read page , tape the bag completely shut before you take it out to your trash can.

Make sure that you trim your dog's nails on a fairly regular basis. You do not want them to get too long since it will make it uncomfortable for them to walk and they may develop health issues. They should be at a length that just about touches the ground.

Correct bad behavior the first time you see it from your dog. When you ignore this behavior, your dog thinks that it is okay. Not only will it be difficult to curb the bad behavior, he can pose physical harm to you or someone you love.

When preparing to groom your pet, start the session off on the right foot by helping your dog relax. Spend click here for info petting him, starting with the head and then rubbing the back, paws, belly and even tail. Once you feel your dog is happy and content, begin grooming him.

If your dog does something that you do not like, try to avoid just saying no. To your dog, no doesn't really explain what you want your pup to do. Instead of saying no if your dog is jumping, try to get your dog to sit or lay down. By doing this, you provide your dog with an instruction of what to do.







Make sure your dog gets enough exercise. This is vital to the care of a happy dog. Many people don't bother to exercise their dog, thinking that walks are enough. Dogs are active creatures and need to play. Talk to your veterinarian about how much activity your dog needs, and make sure he gets it.

When you go out to work or to school, crate training is your best bet. This will allow you to be sure that you're not going to come home to a bunch of damaged items. It also teaches the puppy not to go to the restroom inside.

Brush your dog's teeth every week. Use a child's toothbrush that is soft, some nylon pantyhose over your finger, or a gauze pad. Don't use regular toothpaste. Instead, try using a baking soda and water paste or toothpaste made for dogs. Clean their teeth one to two times a week.

Before you head out for a day of fun in the sun with your dog, dab a little sunblock on him! Dogs can get very serious burns on their noses and the inside of their ears, so include him in your sun-protection regimen. Just make sure there's no zinc or PABA in the product you use.

If you live with other people, make sure they are aware of your training "rules." It is important that everyone redirects the dog off of the furniture, for example, and that they use the same language when doing so. If everyone's rules are different, your dog is just going to get confused, which will make the training process much longer and more difficult.

Make sure that you buy an appropriate sized collar for your dog in order to ensure its health and safety. If the collar is too lose, it may become snagged on something. If the collar is too tight, it may restrict the dog's breathing ability. Allow for a two finger space between the dog and the collar.

Even if your dog does not spend the majority of his time outside, it is still important that you bring him or her to the vet for their yearly shots. Your dog could come in contact with other dogs at the dog park or at your home. If the other dog is sick, it could pass on to your dog. This is why it is important that they are vaccinated every year.

Keep in mind that some behavioral problems in your dog could be connected to health issues, especially if your dog is displaying a new behavior. Your dog might become aggressive when you touch it because of a pain and it might have a hard time with house-training because of an infection.

When it comes to choosing a leash, there's a lot you should consider. The leash should be light and well built. A leather leash may feel expensive and look great, but it's also something your pet will love to chew. Nylon leashes are ideal because they're durable, easy to grip, and weigh next to nothing.

Since you do own your dog, it is your responsibility to care for him the right way. You have taken the time to read this article, so you must also take the time to implement its advice. As you start to do the things you have learned here, you will find things become easier for both you and your dog.