Dogs can bring you joy for a long, long time if you take good care of them. Learning about a dog’s needs is key to its health and happiness. Building a relationship with your dog starts by reading this article.

You must dog-proof your residence. Your entire home should be safe prior to bringing the dog inside. All cleaning supplies and medications should be moved out of reach of your dog. You should also find a way of securing your trash somewhere that your dog cannot get to, such as in a cabinet. Certain common house plants are toxic, so remove them or keep them out of reach.

Do not feed your dog “people food”. Feeding a dog from the table only reinforces begging. The dog will also be less likely to eat its normal food. You might be wrecking your dog’s health by giving him table scraps. Keep the dog away from your table when you eat to avoid any temptation on both parts.

Keep a leash on your dog at all times. Wild animals could get the dog’s attention and lead him into dangerous places, or unanticipated circumstances could provoke conflicts with others. Your dog is your responsibility, so treat him right.

Positive reinforcement is very important in training your dog. This will show your dog that the behavior he is exhibiting is just what you are looking for. It also reinforces the idea that they will receive attention if they behave as you want them to.

Never force a dog to do something. Some dogs won’t love all treats, and you shouldn’t push your dog to like something. Keep an eye on your dog’s likes and dislikes.

As soon as you notice your dog engaging in bad behaviors, immediately try to correct them. If you delay too long, the behavior will get harder and harder to correct. If you don’t get his behavior under control, your dog could end up biting someone.

Take your dog outside so that he can get fresh air and exercise. Regular play and exercise is essential to keep your dog happy, both physically and mentally. From a simple walk to a vigorous game of fetch, both of you will find the time well spent. It gives you exercise and helps develop a relationship that will last forever with your dog.

Do not buy the cheapest dog food you can find. Your dog will enjoy greater health benefits from nutritious food. You’ll have to pay more, but you can be certain your dog gets the right vitamins and minerals from good sources.

If you think you want a dog, but are not sure if you are ready for the commitment involved, consider becoming a foster home. Shelters are full of abused and homeless dogs and they are hard pressed to give them all proper care. You can give one a home for a while to help the cause and you can also keep it if you like it!

You may need to trim hair that grows near the dog’s paws to help keep it from matting. Straighten the hair with a comb slightly before you do any trimming. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this, a professional can always step in to help.

Some breeds have inherent health issues you need to watch for. Research his background and prepare for problems he might have. Talk to the vet to find out what you are able to do to assist your dog in beating the prognoses of his breed.

A dog needs both mental and physical exercise. Teach them to do things around the home to help or get a newspaper. Many dogs were originally bred to work, and will get frustrated if you do not give them a job to do.

Be certain a lost dog can be returned to you by giving him some identification. A breakaway collar that includes an ID tag will ensure the return of your dog if they should wander. The tag needs to have your name and phone number on it. The dog could also get a micro-chip implanted in it.

Remember to bring your dog in for regular veterinarian check-ups. An annual check-up should include blood tests and any needed booster shots. If your dog is younger, make sure that you go to the vet often. This will help your vet diagnose any physical issues with your dog.

You need to perform daily tick and flea inspections on your dog as spring and summer approaches. If you do find fleas, you can use a flea comb. There are also other products you may want to consider using to get rid of fleas and ticks. Speak with your vet before using anything and ask them what your options are.

Vitamins are not necessarily a good thing for your dog. Your dog doesn’t need a vitamin supplement if he is eating a well-balanced diet. You can cause damage to your dog’s joints, bones and circulatory system with excessive vitamins. You should ask your veterinarian if you are not sure what to do.

It is very important for you to monitor all of the food your dog eats. When they are small, puppies can eat a lot of calories, as it helps their growth. Eating the same sorts of food once they’re fully grown can be bad for dogs, though, making them overweight and putting them at risk for all sorts of health problems.

Dogs bring great joy to the lives of many. It’s important to have the right advice and knowledge to keep your dog energetic and happy. Hopefully this article has helped you learn more about caring for your dog.