Written by-Upton Rogers

What is more fun that having a dog? So many dog owners know the special happiness that comes from having a canine in their lives. If you're one of the people who know what it's like to have a dog, you want to do your best to make sure he's with you a long time. Here are some tips to help make sure of that.





Whenever you travel with your pet, don't skimp on the packing. Of course you need to be well supplied with his food, water and any medications he may be on, but experts advise that you also bring his grooming supplies, vaccination paperwork, tags and an extra leash. Also, bring a flat sheet for when your dog will be on hotel furniture.

If you are thinking of getting a new dog for your family, be sure you are prepared for this commitment. national dog show 2019 breeds will require at least a 14-16 year commitment, and larger dogs will require at least 10 years. If Keep Reading are not prepared to own the dog for its entire life, then do not choose a dog as a pet.

When you are trying to teach your dog new tricks, you should always be patient. Different dogs will learn things differently. If your dog isn't picking up a new trick right away, give him time. You could also try changing your teaching method. Your dog may respond better to a different approach.

If your dog has long hair, make sure to take the time to trim the fur around his feet. If you allow your dog's hair to grow too long, they can get things stuck in their fur. This could lead to injuries between the pads of the feet and around the nails.

If the dog is doing something right, like sitting before he is leashed, lavish him with praise and affection. This will show your dog that the behavior he is exhibiting is just what you are looking for. This will teach the dog that when they do what you wish, they'll get praised.

Giving your dog a bath is essential to his health. Depending on his size and activity level, toss him in the tub weekly or monthly and always use a shampoo that is made for dogs and is pH balanced. Pets have different pH levels than humans and a good dog shampoo will leave your canine clean with a beautiful shiny coat.

To discourage your dog from chewing everything in the house, combine equal parts of water, white vinegar and apple-cider vinegar in a spray bottle. Gently mist things like shoes and umbrella handles and this should repel your dog. If not, dab a little minty muscle ointment on the things he's prone to chomping and that should work for sure.

Don't forget to trim your dog's nails regularly. Long nails can make him uncomfortable, cause injury to his feet and will ruin your floors. If he makes a "click" sound when he walks on hard wood or linoleum, that's a good indication it's time for a trim. Ask your vet to do it if necessary.

Do you have a hard time keeping your dog from barking? You might be encouraging this behavior without even realizing it. Your dog will keep barking if you acknowledge this behavior. It is best to ignore your dog until it stops barking, even if your dog wants to come inside.

A dog needs plenty of love and attention. You should try spending at least a couple of hours a day with your dog. Play in your backyard or take your dog to the nearest park. You should get plenty of exercises before coming home and petting your dog for a while.

If you have a dog that seems unhappy or lonely, think about getting another dog. Dogs are animals that love to be with other dogs. Get dogs of similar energy levels and temperaments for the best results.

When the weather heats up, ticks and fleas become active. Use a comb for fleas to get rid of them. Additionally, there are a number of other products and tools that help in controlling fleas and ticks on your dog. Speak with your vet concerning these products and other options.

Identification will be great in the event that your dog gets away from you. A breakaway collar that includes an ID tag will ensure the return of your dog if they should wander. On the tag, make sure to include your pet's name and your phone number. A micro-chip can also be installed on your dog.

If your pup has an accident in your home, be sure to clean it up properly. Make sure that you clean up the mess quickly and thoroughly. If your dog can still smell the spot, he may go to the bathroom there again.

Make sure that you spend adequate time on each thing that you try to teach your dog. Even though your dog might catch on to something, for example the "sit" command, it may not be mastered. You'll want to make sure that the command is done every time that you ask no matter what situation you are in before you move onto a new command.

If you have younger children in your home, a dog crate or dog area in your house may be a good idea. With younger children running around all day, your dog may become stressed out and want a safe place to go relax. A crate can provide your dog with a dog only area where it can take a break from a hectic day.

Discipline is as important for puppies as it is for children. In fact, it can be more important because puppies quickly grow to full size and need to respect you before reaching full size. You should gently but firmly teach your puppy he is not allowed to bite or jump up on anyone.

Having read this article, you should now have an idea of what your dog should be eating. Dogs are different from humans, and must have a diet that is specialized for their body and their needs. When your dog eats the right kinds of food, it will be happy and healthy.