Are you a current dog owner or did you have one previously? If so, you are already aware of the many blessings that come from dog ownership. The proper education can help you become the best owner possible. Read on to find some new advice.

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!

While hugging your dog will make both of you feel great, refrain from kissing him. While getting kisses from your dog may seem cute, your dog's mouth is extremely dirty. They eat garbage or poop and even sniff other dog's butts. It is an old wives' tale that dogs have cleaner months than humans. This is completely wrong!

A dog is a man's best friend, but how do you know that you are properly taking care of your dog if your dog doesn't speak the same language? Learning how to take care of your pet is very important. You need to consider the following helpful advice for taking care of your dog.

If your dog spends a lot of time outdoors, he or puppies - topic she may eventually come in contact with a skunk. If he gets sprayed, mix together one teaspoon of dish-washing detergent, a fourth a cup of baking soda and a quart of hydrogen peroxide solution (but make sure it is no more than three percent). Apply the mixture to your dog's coat and allow it to sit for five minutes. Wash your dog off well afterward.

When you begin training your pup, start in your yard or home. You do not want to train your dog around a bunch of people. Distractions occur, making it difficult to get your dog to focus on basic commands.

Never leave your dog home alone for more than a few hours each day. For example, if you are planning on being away from home for a few days, you should find a place to house them where they can get regular care. Dogs can become anxious when left alone for extended times, so consider their feelings and provide them with the care that they need.

Your daily lifestyle should help guide your choice of dog breed. If you are very active, think about getting a dog that will run with you. If you much prefer to be at home, a small dog that enjoys a lot of inside time is an ideal choice. By selecting the right dog breed, both you and your dog will be more content.

Don't give in to the urge to feed your dog food meant for humans. If you do, he will hang around you constantly wanting more every time you eat. Your dog may also stop eating his own food as much. Feeding table scraps to your dog could lead to digestive problems or obesity. Make your dog stay out of the room when the family is eating.

Your dog needs healthy teeth and you should brush them regularly. This helps to prevent dental problems and gum disease, but also prevents other illnesses. Infections in the mouth can spread to other areas of the dog's body, like the kidneys and the heart. Pet stores sell special toothpaste for dogs.

Accept the aging process in your dog and know how to meet his changing needs. Your older dog may require dietary changes, more rest and not be as playful as he once was. This doesn't mean he should be left to grow old in a corner. Adapt to his needs and make his golden years enjoyable!

Sometimes our dogs can get a little fat. This usually happens do to dietary reasons and due to a lack of exercise. The excess weight isn't doing much for your dog's physical appearance or it's health. You can help your dog lose that weight by using the tips included below.

Do not make training your dog seem like a chore. Dogs pick up on this negative energy and will have a difficult time learning if you are not in the right mind frame. Make it fun and try to look at it as a bonding experience with your pet. When your dog is having fun, they will learn their training quicker.

Always be prepared to pick up after your dog with a scoop and bag. Although most people think that this is simply a polite thing to do so that others don't step in it, your dog's excrement is actually hazardous! It contains a bacterium that can contaminate local supplies when it washes through to ground water.

Brush your dog's teeth every week. Use a child's toothbrush that is soft, some nylon pantyhose over your finger, or a gauze pad. Don't use regular toothpaste. Instead, puppies - topic try using a baking soda and water paste or toothpaste made for dogs. Clean their teeth one to two times a week.

Remember that dogs are creatures of habit and anything you start with him will be expected in the future. If you're not keen on him sleeping with you, don't let him do it only on occasion. Likewise, if you don't want him begging at the table, never offer him a bite of people food. He will learn and accept things if you are consistent.

Use your lifestyle to pick the dog breed you need to get. Joggers should get a high energy dog, Puppies Topic #2 for example. When you prefer to stay home, choose a small dog who doesn't need much outdoor time. Don't get a dog that you don't fit in with if you can avoid that.