Is there anything about looking after your dog that is troubling you? Some people feel overwhelmed by all the things a dog owner has to do. Others may feel as though their dog will never behave. You should go over the following article if you need help with becoming a better dog owner.

It's good to give hugs, but avoid giving kisses. Dog kisses are very unsanitary. Dogs love to dig in garbage, get into the toilet, and then they lick their butts, yuck! Keep in mind that an animal's mouth is full of germs. This is completely wrong!

An annual checkup at the vet is a great idea for your dog. Since your dog can't speak, it may be difficult to know when he is having health issues. Check-ups can reveal that and more.

Dogs don't talk so you should learn his non-verbal language. If it seems as though your dog holds back when around other dogs or people, don't insist that they interact. If you do, someone may get hurt. Look for your dog's non verbal cues and react accordingly.

Talk to your vet about appropriate nutrition for your canine. The amounts on the label might not apply in your dog's situation. Check with you vet to find out about the feeding guidelines for your particular dog.

As soon as you notice your dog engaging in bad behaviors, immediately try to correct them. Ignoring it for any length of time will only make it that much more difficult to contain later and you never know what could happen as a result of it now. You don't want to be the owner of a dog who hurts someone, so get a handle on it now.

Should you visit a shelter to adopt a dog, take the animal to the vet as soon as possible. Dogs in shelters could be sick or may have already been exposed to some viruses. Make sure the new puppy gets their required shots before going home.

Help your dog to stay active mentally and help him to exercise enough. Train him to fetch the newspaper and help with other household chore. They'll feel like a useful family member and the constant reinforced t