Written by-Gunn Jordan
When it comes to learning, we never stop. Whether it be new cooking techniques or new driving routes, we're always picking up new information. When it comes to dogs, there is always something new to learn. This article provides you with today's top tips that show you all about dogs.
Keep on top of fleas. Not only can fleas cause infection in your dog, if one is swallowed, your pet can get tapeworms as well. Speak to your veterinarian about the best prevention method, but remember that this is not a one shot deal. You will have to continue your efforts over the life of your pet.
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.
If your dog is a digger, make sure to protect him and your garden. Some plants are poisonous to dogs, not to mention the damage those paws can do to your prized flowers and produce. Put up an appropriately sized fence to keep him out or consider using an electric one.
Remember that dogs are creatures of habit and anything you start with him will be expected in the future. If you're not keen on him sleeping with you, don't let him do it only on occasion. Likewise, if you don't want him begging at the table, never offer him a bite of people food. He will learn and accept things if you are consistent.
Avoid leaving your pup outside all day. Lots of folks do this, but it's bad because dogs need constant attention. Especially if it's only one dog, it can get very lonely. Plan on bringing your dog inside when the weather is rainy, snowy, very hot, or very cold.
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If training has become routine and boring with your dog, consider introducing agility exercises into the mix. These will still teach your dog to obey and be challenging, but they tend to be a lot more fun than the regular commands. Get the whole family involved by making an obstacle course and working the dog through it frequently.
Dogs love to eat grass and other plants. When you're outside, this may not be much of a problem, but if you maintain houseplants indoors, chances are they are poisonous to dogs. Before bringing a dog into the home, make sure all your houseplants are well out of reach of a dog who may be tempted by a green tasty treat.
Have a rotating schedule for dog-related responsibilities in your home. It's not fair for one person to always be taking care of him, and he'll feel more like a family pet if everyone pitches in. Kids often lose interest in a pet and leave the work to parents, but it's important that you teach them to keep up the commitment!
Take your new dog to a vet. Make the appointment when you buy your dog. The vet will give him a complete health check and set up a vaccination schedule. Talk with a vet about your dog being spayed or neutered. There are lots of homeless dogs and you don't want to make the problem worse.
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When you are walking your dog in the wintertime, there may be rock salt or chemical ice melters that come in contact with his feet. Once you get back in the house, wash his paws and dry them gently. This will prevent these items from causing any type of infections.
Groom your dog frequently. Keep them clean and reduce the amount of hair they shed by brushing them frequently. When the weather warms up, start checking them for ticks and fleas daily. Dogs generally require a few baths a year. Before you give your dog a bath, make sure to cut or comb out mats and tangles. Rinse their coat thoroughly to avoid dirt sticking to any soap residue.
Before you have your dog fitted with a microchip, be sure and check the database of the company that will store his information. Not all of them are created equal and you want to know that you'll get a fast response if your dog is lost. Look for a large database that connects to shelters and vets near you.
Just like people, dogs need their exercise too. Playing a game of fetch or Frisbee is a great way to get your dog to burn some calories, while having fun at the same time. Dogs should also be walked everyday. Some dogs require more exercise than others, which is why it is so important to understand your dogs needs.
If you are trying to teach your dog some basic commands, one of your first ones should be a recall. Everyone wants their dog to return to them when called for. If  
http://where2go.com/binn/b_search.w2g?function=detail&type=quick&listing_no=1917688&_UserReference=7F0000014651F7DD86A6ED1F62E36009B904  have a solid recall for your dog, you will not have to worry about chasing your dog down it manages to get outside. It should come back to you when you use your recall word.
If you are not sure how your dog will react to other dogs, make sure you keep them on a leash during the first introduction. Rescue dogs especially can be unpredictable around other dogs. Keeping your dog on the leash will allow you to better control their behavior. Once you feel comfortable and your dog is adjusted, you can take them off the leash and let them play.
Many dogs enjoy things like fruits and vegetables, rice, eggs and cottage cheese. There is nothing wrong with letting them have these things, but they should not make up the bulk of their diets. You should feed them dog food, and implement these items around 10 percent of the time.
Never punish your dog for their negative behaviors. This will only lead to confusion and possibly resentment as well. If you want a well behaved dog it is best to instead focus on the behaviors that you like and work from there to train them to add more positive behaviors to the list.
Are you more confident about caring for your pet now? You have the right information, and now you just need to implement it. Put the tips and advice you've read to good use as you make sure your family dog is well taken care of.