You are more than just a master to your dog. You are his best friend, too! You are also tasked with his care, so you must make the most of your position of responsibility. This article is a great start in educating yourself on his wants, needs and requirements.

Look into subsidized health care for your dog if money is tight. Many local communities, in cooperation with groups like the SPCA offer discounted services that have proven invaluable to dog owners. Look into getting your dog spayed or neutered and vaccinated for a fraction of veterinary costs at a sponsored event probably close-by to you. Just contact the SPCA or an animal shelter in your town.

adorable welsh corgi pembroke on green lawn at home

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.

Since dogs cannot talk, you’ll need to learn about your dog’s way of communication. If your dog is fearful or shy, do not insist that they interact. This may cause a human or the other canine to get bit. Look for your dog’s non verbal cues and react accordingly.

If your dog gets lost, it is very unlikely that you will see him again unless he has proper identification. Tags can come off, so the best option is a microchip. It is quick to put in your dog, and it causes minimal discomfort. Simply register the chip ID after it is put in, and your pet will always have his identification with him.

Rather than merely using verbal commands, it is wise to utilize hand signals when training your dog. Using signals such as these, your dog may learn things more easily. Experiment with each way and determine what works.

Keep your dog at a healthy weight. Plenty of dogs are overweight, and just like humans, this can lead to health issues. People tend to overfeed their dogs, and many also feed them table scraps. A dog doesn’t need as many calories as most people think; talk to your vet about how much you should feed him each day, and what food is most suitable. A vet will advise you based on his size, age and lifestyle.

Make sure you have the correct dog supplies. Before bringing your dog home for the first time, be sure that you are equipped with the right supplies. Every dog needs a good sized food and water bowl, a collar and leash, toys, and a comfy place to sleep. Also, remember to purchase an identification tag immediately.

Now that you understand dogs so deeply and have all this advice at the ready, you must use it to better the life of your dog. Take the time to make the changes necessary, and use the tips as often as you can. When your dog is totally happy, you will be, too.