For thousands of years now, dogs have been domestic animals. Humans and dogs have proven that they are just meant to be side by side, through thick and thin. However, dog ownership comes with a great responsibility to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and well-cared for. Below is the information you need to make that happen.

It doesn’t matter how good your dog is, you should never leave your property without keeping him or her leashed. Dogs are easily distracted by other animals, cars, and kids, so always make sure to keep your dog on a leash for his own safety. Your dog is your responsibility, so treat him right.

Associate some hand signals to verbal commands when training your dog. When provided with signals of this type, dogs tend to pick things up faster. Give both methods a shot, and see what your pet prefers.

Instead of feeding your dog meat bones, give him rawhide. Real bones can break into pieces that can then become dangerous due to how sharp and small they can be. It has been shown that rawhide bones are safe and great for their teeth, so be sure to not give your dog that ham bone next time.

Build or buy a house for your dog if he has to stay outdoors for any length of time in cold weather. Wet feet and cold fur can bring on health problems. Keep your dog safe from precipitation and winds by providing him with a place that is spacious, with a dry floor.

Avoid pushing things that your dog dislikes onto him. If your dog doesn’t like a particular treat, don’t make him eat it. When you have a new dog, take time to learn what they do and don’t like.

Make sure your dog always has trimmed nails. If they begin to curl under, you dog could experience quite a bit of pain. You can purchase clippers and do this at home. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this on your own then you can hire a groomer to do it for a little bit of money.

Should you visit a shelter to adopt a dog, take the animal to the vet as soon as possible. They may be carrying some sort of illness that they picked up at the shelter. It is best to make sure your new puppy gets all the shots needed before you bring it home.

Do not buy the cheapest dog food you can find. It is best to invest in quality dog food. Although this could mean paying a higher price for a better brand, at least you know that your pet is getting the required amount of nutrients in their diet.

When you have a dog, you are going to be responsible for it and will have to meet its needs. The information you have read should get you well on your way to being a great dog owner. Use the tips, and you will find your dog is much happier.

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