Content written by-Gram Lundgaard
Dogs have been companions to humans for thousands and thousands of years. However, if you're having problems with your dog, you might feel as though you're in uncharted territory. This article will help you harness years of wisdom and give you the knowledge you need to nurture your beloved pet.
Dog-proof your home. Before you bring a new dog home, make sure the whole area is safe. Put up all of your cleaning supplies and medications, and be sure you put away any trash cans. Some house plants are poisonous, so keep them away from your dog's reach or remove them.
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.
Hot summer days are harder for dogs to handle than humans. Always make sure your pet has enough water to drink. Provide them with a shaded area to rest if they are going to be outside for any length of time. And, if your dog begins acting in an unusual manner, call the veterinarian. Heatstroke could be fatal, so it is important to get medical care as soon as possible.
Teach your dog to be trained, even if you don't plan on devoting a lot of time to special tricks. A dog needs to understand the basic hierarchy of the home and should be prepared to listen and learn throughout his life. Practice the basics like "sit" and "down" in the beginning and introduce something new every once in a while.
If you are struggling to get your pet to behave during a grooming session, apply positive reinforcement. With your words and your tone, praise your dog for anything little thing that he or she does well during the time you are working with him. Give him a treat when you are finished, so he begins to associate grooming with something good. You should turn your dog's behavior around in no time!
If your dog has long hair, make sure to take the time to trim the fur around his feet. If you allow your dog's hair to grow too long, they can get things stuck in their fur. This could lead to injuries between the pads of the feet and around the nails.
Make your own dog biscuits to provide your beloved canine with the healthiest treats. Most commercial products are over-loaded with chemicals that aren't good for dogs, despite adding flavor and aroma. Use quality ingredients and tell your dog what you're doing in the kitchen! Get him all excited and let him taste-test as soon as they're cool.
Know the symptoms of dehydration in your dog, as it is a common ailment that can be dangerous. Particularly during hot dry summer months, your dog may pant excessively and experience a loss of the elasticity of his skin. If you see this, encourage him to drink water and add a little Pedialyte to rehydrate him.
Punish your dog carefully. You should never punish your dog for a mischief that happened more than fifteen minutes ago since your dog will probably not establish a connection between the punishment and the bad behavior. If you catch your dog misbehaving, say no in a firm voice and have your dog sit in a corner for a few minutes.
It is important to train your dog as soon as you get him or her. Behavior that might seem cute as a puppy, can develop into bad habits as your dog matures. It is essential that your dog understands and obeys simple commands. Not only for your safety, but the safety of your dog as well.
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.
If you bathe your dog often, watch out for signs of painful earaches that can be problematic for canines. They can happen when too much water gets into the ears. Use cotton balls dabbed in baby oil while giving him a bath, and that should keep water from getting in, even if he splashes around.
Consider getting your dog from a shelter. Many of the dogs that are brought there are well behaved, yet the owners could not handle the responsibility that came with raising them. For the best results, visit the shelter a few times so that you can find the dog that is right for you and your lifestyle.
When your family gets a brand new puppy, socialize him with different dogs immediately. Your dog can get together with other dogs at the doggy park, at the groomer, or through play dates.
The kind of leash you use when walking your dog is very important. A small leash that would fit a small dog, like a chihuahua, is not going to fit a Rottweiler or pit bull. Get a leash that will fit your dog comfortably but also provided them with safety.
When you first start out training the dog see what kinds of rewards work best. Try to figure out what your dog needs to do good. If food works best for your dog, reward it with tiny hot dog pieces. Dogs that are more responsive to some play time can be rewarded with a game of catch. Other dogs may respond to affectionate petting and rubbing. 
http://www.pearltrees.com/thehoundheaven  will be happier if you can keep him busy. Most bad behaviors are caused by boredom or anxiety. It can lead to mess making and other issues. Tired dogs are generally happy dogs. So keep your dog busy to ensure he behaves properly.
In the past, most people used dogs to help them hunt or herd. Now, the relationship between humans and dogs is very different. However, that doesn't mean the past no longer applies. There's  
https://patch.com/illinois/manhattan/free-pet-supplies-available-manhattan  of dog care knowledge out there, and if you use it, you'll be much better off.
