Every dog is unique, like a fingerprint. They even have their own likes and dislikes, aptitude for patience or impatience, and some are loving while others are distance. How you care for them depends as much on who they are as your own situation, but the advice you will find below applies in every household which has a dog in it.

Start training your dog as soon as you bring them home. Create a vocabulary list that all your family members will use to command the dog and stick to it. Dogs can become confused if the same words are not used to give them directions. The dog will see "get over here" and "come" as two different commands.

Your pet needs vaccinations, much in the same way that your baby does. Some common vaccinations that dogs require include rabies, hepatitis and distemper. Each pet is different, and each will have a different immunization schedule. Your veterinarian is a great resource when it comes to which vaccinations are right for the age and breed of your pet.

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.

Always have your dog on a leash when he's off your property. Anything can happen, causing your dog to run away or get in a fight with other dogs or even people. Your dog is your responsibility, so treat him right.

Never give your dog a real bone to chew on. Giving them actual bones may cause them to fall apart and become lodged in the digestive tract or oral cavity of your dog. Studies have shown that rawhide bones are good for your dog's health and their teeth. Don't give in and let your dog gnaw on real bones. Stick to rawhide.

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.

No matter what kind of dog you may have, hang up a few "Beware of Dog" signs on your property. They are known deterrents to would-be burglars and can help protect you and your family. Just the sign alone indicates probable failure of any robbery attempt and a single bark will have them running away!

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.

Really show your dog some love. As is often the case, dog owners frequently focus on bad behavior instead of good. If you focus on the negatives, they will not maximize their potential. Praise your dog at least 5x more than you discipline him. He'll behave better more often this way.

To ensure that your dog is safe, you should try to make your home as dog-proof as possibly. This includes making sure that only safe play toys are within your dogs reach. If you have a problem with your dog getting into your kitchen trash or the things on your counter, you could consider getting a baby gate to prevent your pup from entering the kitchen.

If your dog poops or pees in the house, you need to clean it up. Use a cleaner that's professional strength and follow that up with a good odor remover. If your dog can still smell the spot he has marked, he will be likely to mark it again.

Think about how your life is lived, including vacations and events that you go to, before considering a dog. You may want to get a dog, but there are lots of hard responsibilities that are involved in being a great dog owner.

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

While my dog and your dog may be polar opposites, they both need the same basic care to stay healthy and happy. This article has given you the foundation of knowledge you need to be a great owner, so make use if it when you can. Here's to wishing you and your pup many happy years to come!