Getting The Best Behavior From Your Dog

Dogs have an uncanny ability to provide unrivaled levels of loyalty and friendship to their human counterparts, and are therefore a valuable part of the lives of many. The key, though, is for any dog owner to learn everything they can about what dogs need and what helps them live their best possible lives. The article that follows is a terrific resource for helping them do that.

Much like people in the United States, many dogs are overweight. Having a few extra pounds on their frame can lead to a number of health problems, like cancer or diabetes. Many owners simply overfeed their pets. Talk to your veterinarian about how many calories your dog needs each day so you can adjust their meals accordingly.

If you have medication for you or a family member, be certain your dog cannot reach it. Even if the dog were to eat a couple of pills, it could have very life threatening effects. If your dog eats your medication, see a vet right away.

Be careful when selecting canine flea treatments. A large number of them contain high doses of carcinogens and other hazardous ingredients. Talk with your vet concerning alternative treatments, and do not let small children come near while treating your dog.

When training your puppy or dog, keep the sessions short! Experts say that a dog has the attention span of a small child, sometimes less, and that longer sessions will actually cause him to forget everything youve learned together. Use positive reinforcement and limit your training sessions to no more than 15 minutes.

Exercise

Keep your dog in good shape. He can suffer with the same weight-related issues that you can, so make sure he gets plenty of healthy exercise and eats a well-balanced diet. Remember that walking will benefit you as well, so make it a part of your daily routine together to be happier and healthier.

Take your dog outside so that he can get fresh air and exercise. Your dog has to be worked out to stay happy and healthy. Throw a ball around the park with your dog and play fetch. Not only will you both get adequate exercise, these activities help you develop a long lasting bond with your dog.

If you are considering owning a dog, keep in mind the size of your home when selecting the breed. Large dogs do not mix well with small apartments unless you have the ability to walk them frequently. They need exercise and room to roam. In this situation, a smaller barred might be the better choice.

Nutrition

Feed your dog dry, premium-quality dog food. This kind of dog food helps to make sure your dog gets all of their vital nutrients. Making sure that they get proper nutrition helps them live a longer life and reduces their chances of obesity, malnutrition, skeletal problems, muscular problems, and many more conditions.

When it comes to feeding your dog, make sure that you are using a reputable brand that contains enough nutrition. This is important because there are dog foods that contain an undesirable amount of filler in the food. You want to be sure that your dog is getting the amount of nutrients that it needs in order for it to be healthy.

It is hard to dispute the critical role dogs play in the lives of countless individuals. From providing companionship to offering legitimate service for the disabled, dogs can do amazing things to improve the daily experiences of humans. The piece above has hopefully offered some useful insights as to how any dog owner can facilitate this type of beautiful relationship.