Positive reinforcement is the best way to train your dog. Using praise and rewards helps your dog learn quicker than other ways, such as dominance or violence. Using humane training tactics will be healthier for the dog and will be much more effective. Always treat your dog with kindness during training so you will see a much better end result.

Timing is key when bringing your dog home. Try to introduce him to his new home over the weekend or when you have a couple of days off. Take the time to get to know one other puppies - topic this will make him feel much more comfortable when he has to spend time in the home alone. Also, if you have children, make sure that they don't overwhelm him at first. If you have other pets in the house, be extra cautious when introducing the new arrival.

Your dog needs to be secured when in a car. Not only will it make the journey safer, as it will lead to fewer distractions for the person driving the car, but in the event of an accident, it could also save your dog's life. Look for a seat belt harness, often sold at pet stores, that you can put in your car for your pet.

Keep your dog in comfortable housing. They should be able to rest off the floor and away from drafts. A training crate is a good choice or any covered shelter outside. Try placing a dog bed inside that has a warm blanket or a pillow inside. Wash the dog's bedding frequently.

You should be giving your dog clean water regularly. Even if your dog does not drink too much water, you should still change his bowl twice a day. Also, if the tap water in your area isn't great, give him or her bottled water. When it comes to drinking water, your dog should have the same quality as you have.

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 Doing Funny Things obeys simple commands. Not only for your safety, but the safety of your dog as well.

Dogs love to eat grass and other plants. When you're outside, this may not be much of a problem, but if you maintain houseplants indoors, chances are they are poisonous to dogs. Before bringing a dog into the home, make sure all your houseplants are well out of reach of a dog who may be tempted by a green tasty treat.

It takes quite a bit of money to take good care of a dog. You will have to spend between $700 and $1000 a year to cover food and medical expenses. Also, emergency care is a lot if your dog was to ever get sick; you may want to think about pet insurance.

You may know that chocolate is dangerous for dogs, but you may not know the specifics. Chocolate is dangerous because of the stimulants caffeine and theobromine. Baking chocolate is the most dangerous, with a high amount of stimulants. White chocolate contains the least amount of stimulants. Take you dog to vet if he ingests chocolate.

Your dog has teeth just like you, so it makes sense that he needs proper dental care. Invest in a dog toothbrush and puppies - topic 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!

It is a huge responsibility to own a dog. If you decide to become a dog owner, be prepared to spending a lot of time training your dog and playing with it. If you have the patience and knowledge necessary, you will be in a great position to care for your dog. Tips about dog care follow in this article.

Have your pet checked out by your vet on a regular basis. 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. With a puppy, you will need to visit your vet a little more often. This will help your vet diagnose any physical issues with your dog.

If your young dog is teething and gnawing at everything, buy him a fun chew toy and keep it in the fridge. Not only does this provide him with a good alternative to your furniture, but the cold will help to make his gums feel better. Most younger dogs gnaw out of necessity, not poor manners.

Since reading the article above, you can see that taking care of your dog is easy. It might seem tough in the beginning, but the tips here have likely given you the proper direction to take. This will help you take the best care possible of your dog.

Designate a family member or close friend to be responsible for your dog, should something happen to you. If you are in an accident and unable to get home, your dog will need someone to feed him and address other needs. Perhaps you trust a neighbor with your house keys and they could act for you in a time of need.