Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Dog Care: Useful Tips For A Healthy Canine

By Andrew Mahone


Whether you're an experienced dog owner or considering getting your first puppy, you probably have a lot of questions. Dogs may not be the most mysterious of creatures, but that doesn't mean they're easy to understand. In the following paragraphs, you'll find some excellent advice that will help you take care of your dog.

Consider teaching your dog hand signals along with verbal commands. Consistency and practice are key to teaching a dog these non-verbal commands. Many owners get frustrated and resort back to verbal commands, but a well-trained dog should understand both. Try using only verbal commands when the dog is out of sight range, but when close up, only use the hand signals.

Never allow your dog to be alone with small children, no matter how much you trust his temperament. Many little kids have been attacked by family dogs who have otherwise never demonstrated a tendency towards violence. Sleeping dogs may be woken by a toddler and react negatively or some other offense is committed against the animal that sets him off.

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.

When choosing a dog, make sure you consider your lifestyle. For instance, if you love to run, get a dog that loves to run too, and leave the miniature breed for someone who is less active. Similarly, if you're quiet and stay at home, small dogs might be better suited to you. Both of you are sure to be happier if you choose a good match.

In order to make sure that your dog is healthy, be sure to allow it to have access to clean water at all times during the day. Just like with all living beings, water is one of the most important components. The only exception would be that you would want to keep water from a puppy for three hours before bedtime.

Properly teach your dog how to walk with a leash. Make him walk at your side, and do not let him pull far in front of you or stay far behind. Use the command "heel" to prompt him. This ensures his safety and will make going for walks more enjoyable for you. When you dog understands the command to heel, you can relax occasionally and walk with a loose leash without having your arm pulled off.

If you have tried everything to get your dog to stop digging your garden to no avail, head to your kitchen. Mix up a batch of cayenne pepper (five tablespoons), hot sauce (also five tablespoons) and a quart of water in a spray bottle and spray it where he digs. It should discourage him quickly.

There's so much to know about dog care that it can seem like too much to take in. However, if you utilize the recommendations that this article has given you, it should seem a lot less overwhelming. You know all you need to know to be a great dog owner. Now all you have to do is be one.




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1 comment:

  1. Hi,
    I am Ashley Wilfand, I am an dogs lover, Dogs are really loyal to their owners. It is really great having a dog as a pet. I am also so much concerned about my dogs health. These tips are really effective as I have got.

    ReplyDelete