You might think that you will find your dream dog at the local animal shelter or pet store. The dog you get may be far from this ideal vision. Still, you have to take care of your dog in the best way that you can, and the tips that follow will help you do that.

Make sure your home is dog-proof. Before you bring a dog into your home, you should be sure that the area you’re bringing it to is safe. Make sure chemicals, medications and any garbage is out of reach of the dog. Some plants can be lethal, so move them out of your dog’s reach.

Hugs are great, but avoid kisses. A dog has a very filthy mouth. Dogs go through garbage cans, toilet bowls, and love smelling and licking specific body parts of some other dogs. It’s just a myth that your dog’s mouth is just as, or cleaner, than yours. This couldn’t be farther from the truth.

Take a photo of your dog when you plan to take him on vacation. If they’re separated from you, then you’ll have a current photo that you can easily access and show others or to download for “lost” flyers.

Train your dog in your backyard or home, as these are safe, convenient areas. Avoid training your dog where many people are present. They may get distracted and it will be more difficult to teach them even the most basic commands.

Avoid letting your dog walk without a leash outside of your property, regardless of how well he behaves. Anything can happen, causing your dog to run away or get in a fight with other dogs or even people. It is your job to keep your dog safe, and to keep him from harming anyone else or causing anyone problems.

Talk to your vet about what you feed your dog. Keep in mind that a young puppy’s stomach is not ready for certain foods. Use care when feeding your dog.

Provide your dog with rawhide to chew on rather than actual meat bones. Giving them actual bones may cause them to fall apart and become lodged in the digestive tract or oral cavity of your dog. Studies have shown that rawhide bones are good for your dog’s health and their teeth. Don’t give in and let your dog gnaw on real bones. Stick to rawhide.

Properly teach your dog how to walk with a leash. Your dog should know how to heel and not behind you or ahead of you. This will ensure that your pet is not too far ahead or behind you. The heel command is crucial for your dog, even if a loose leash walk is being used.

Make sure that your dog is not left alone outdoors all day. Lots of folks do this, but it’s bad because dogs need constant attention. If you have a single dog, it may feel lonely outside on its own. Also, they could be bitten by ticks, hurt by other animals or even abducted.

Certain breeds of dog are prone to certain health problems, and you should be aware of what’s typical for your type of dog. You should do some research on the dog breeds you are interested in to learn more about the health issues they are likely to develop. Also, seek advice from your vet.

Let your dog know that you care. As is often the case, dog owners frequently focus on bad behavior instead of good. You might have a hard time later on. Instead, scold your dog less and praise him more. Your dog is much more likely to showcase the proper behavior if you do so.

If you have one dog that seems lonely or is by himself often, consider another dog. Dogs are naturally pack animals, and they like to be around other dogs. Find another dog that has the same energy levels and temperament and you’ll be sure to find something your dog will love!

Take your dog to the vet regularly. Your pet will need to go to the vet so it can get tested for heart worms, get a general check up, and to see if the shots are still up to date. You will need to see a vet more often if the dog is a puppy. Never hesitate to take your dog to the vet if something seems off; remember that your dog can not tell you something is wrong.

Prior to getting a dog, take into consideration your lifestyle and the amount of time you are away from home. It’s easy to get a dog and think everything will go fine, but you have to be prepared to be a responsible pet owner.

Just because a dog is outside doesn’t mean they need less attention than indoor dogs. He will develop very bad habits, like barking, digging or chewing if left alone too often. Dogs that feel isolated often become aggressive. Be sure to play with your dog and show him friendship and affection so he will feel happy.

Always keep an eye on your dog’s diet. You can give a puppy a high calorie diet because this will help him grow. On the other hand, adult dogs need less food and foods that are lower in calories to keep their weight in check.

If your dog is going to be left alone often, crate training may be a great option for you. Doing this can prevent your items from being damaged and keep the dog from using the bathroom inside the home.

Now that you have gone over this fantastic advice, you should make sure you don’t ignore any of it. Use whatever you’ve learned and apply it and you should have the dog that you’ve always dreamed of owning. Happy dogs give unconditional love, and that is what you should strive to achieve.