Dogs make fantastic pets. They are extremely loyal and lovable. To be a great dog owner, make an effort to educate yourself on all of the dos and don’ts of dog ownership. This article is loaded with a number of great tips guaranteed to help your properly care for your pooch.

You should never give table scraps to your dog. This can make your dog not want to eat his dog food, and it will promote begging. Table scraps are also not nutritionally sound for a dog, and this might mean digestive problems, obesity, and other ailments. Make sure your dog does not sit near the table and beg, so you aren’t tempted.

Research a particular breed of dog you may be interested in before bringing him home. Lots of people make the mistake of falling in love with a type of dog, then find out later that the animal isn’t really for them. Chihuahuas, for example, are a trendy type, but very difficult to fully potty train, especially in colder climates!

Schedule regular veterinary visits. Regular veterinary exams are extremely important for your dog’s overall health – as with humans, it is important to catch any health problems early on. The vet will make sure that your dog is up to date on his vaccinations, and check for any other issues such as weight and dental problems or parasites.

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Your dog has teeth just like you, so it makes sense that he needs proper dental care. Invest in a dog toothbrush and brush his teeth often. Simply allowing the vet to do it at his regular checkups is not enough. You can also purchase treats that are specifically meant to help with your pet’s teeth.

To protect your dog in the event he is lost or stolen, have a microchip surgically implanted by your vet. These handy chips store data that can be retrieved by a shelter or animal officer and used to contact you. They are painless to put in and offer peace of mind for the pet lover!

If your dog makes messes in the house or chews when you are away, consider crate training. Crate training involves providing your pet with an appropriate sized crate to,stay in while you’re out of the house. It can keep your pet and belongings safe. Just make sure to never leave him in the crate for a very lengthly period of time.

A great way to have some company on your car rides is to take your dog with you. Most dogs enjoy riding in the car. Riding in the car is also a good place to practice some training exercises with your pet as well. You can practice “stay” when the dog enters and exits the vehicle. Always remember to leave windows down because heat from a closed car can kill the dog.

As was mentioned in the opening of this article, dogs make amazing pets. They are loving, loyal and protective. To be a responsible dog owner you must educate yourself on the best dog-care tips and advice. Apply the knowledge you’ve learned from this article to properly care for your pooch.