There are a lot of breeds of dogs, and lots of different families. It’s a huge decision to decide what type of dog to get and how to care for it. Read on to learn what it takes to care for your dog the right way.

Hugs are good, but kisses should be avoided. Dog kissing may be adorable, but dogs have awfully dirty mouths. They eat garbage or poop and even sniff other dog’s butts. Some believe the mouth of a dog is even cleaner than our own. This is completely wrong!

You should take your dog to the vet at least once a year. Your dog is not able to talk, so it is not easy to know when he’s got arthritis or an aching tooth. An annual vet visit can help you find problems early.

When you begin training your pup, start in your yard or home. It’s a bad idea to train a dog in a busy place. This will make it more difficult for your dog to pay attention.

Your lifestyle can help determine what dog breed is a good match for you. For example, if you live an active lifestyle it is probably best for you to find an active dog instead of a little dog. Likewise if you spend quite a lot of time at home you may want to get a dog that likes to be pampered a lot. Keeping a mismatch out of play makes both of you happy.

Check with your vet to determine the amount of food to feed your dog daily. While there are those that feed their dog whatever it says on the package, this may not be good for your dog and can make it overweight. Speak with a vet about your dog’s needs and what they should have.

Purchase or construct a dog house if your dog must stay outside when the weather is cold. Exposure to extreme weather for long periods can cause health issues, particularly if the dog’s feet get wet. Protect them from precipitation and wind by providing them a dry and spacious shelter.

Schedule a vet appointment before adopting a shelter dog. Shelter dogs may have come into contact with viruses or may be ill already. It’s smart to ensure your dog has all shots necessary before you take him home.

You can find pure breeds at the dog shelter. A lot of dog owners leave their dogs in the city pound when they can’t look after their dog anymore. Speak to the nearest pound to see if an option suits you. You may even save a poor dog’s life.

By now, you should feel a little more confident about owning a dog. You’ve got all sorts of new information at your fingertips now. Use the information that you read here to ensure that you have a happy, healthy family dog.

Hopefully, you found this rewarding. For more great dog information, follow this link.

Click on How To Housetrain & Potty Train Any Dog (Guaranteed to Work or Your Money Back!).