Are You Getting A New Dog? If So, Congratulations!
Adding a four-legged member to the family is such an exciting and wonderful time. There are just so many things to discover and delightful moments to look forward to.
However, before anything else, you need to understand it won’t be cupcakes and rainbows. There are potential problems that you may encounter when having a dog for the first time. Of course, that’s what makes dog ownership more inspiring, right?
So, to make it easier for you and your dog to adjust and immediately create happy memories, it is a must that you read the following tips. Keeping these in mind should help you become a more responsible, loving, and caring pet parent.
Before Getting A Dog
Taking care of your dog starts the moment you think about getting a dog.
That’s right; because your decision would dramatically affect how you are going to handle your dog and how it could affect your life.
Here are a few things you need to remember:
- Choose the right breed – the dog species come with so many breeds. So, you have a lot of options, but sometimes, having too many options can be overwhelming. Make sure you study each breed because it could tell you on a certain level what personality they might have. You need to match your dog’s personality to yours.
- Choose the size – dogs also come in different sizes, from the Chihuahua to the Great Dane. The size of your dog could affect how you interact with him. Thus, you also need to consider dog size when choosing a pooch.
- Where do you live? – if you are living in a small apartment, you might consider a smaller and quieter dog. If you live in a big suburban house, then having a bigger dog might be okay. Make sure that whatever dog you choose, they should live comfortably in your home.
- Consider the cost – one of the common mistakes of first-time dog owners is that they forget that having a dog means additional expense. You would need to purchase crater, toys, food, pet insurance, grooming items, medications, vaccines, and others. Make sure you know how much it would cost to raise a dog before you get one.
Raising Your Dog
Once your dog is in your house, it is time to learn the basics of raising them. Understand that dogs can initially be shy, aloof, and afraid. So, give them time to adjust. Here are some tips to remember:
- Supervise your dog – since your dog isn’t used to your home yet, make sure you always cast a loving eye on him.
- Set a specific place for your dog – add crates, bed, toys, bowl, and other essentials.
- Train your dog – this is one of the most important aspects of having a dog. Teach your dog to know where to poop if you don’t want him to leave landmines around your home. You should also train your dog to learn basic skills and follow commands. If you need extra help, consider getting a pet trainer.
Taking Care Of Your Dog’s Health
A happy dog is a healthy dog. You don’t want to neglect his health. If you want him to have a more fulfilling life and you having more fun with him, it is crucial to keep him healthy.
- Find a qualified veterinarian – your vet is your partner when it comes to taking care of your pooch. Make sure you find someone that you are comfortable working with. Check the credentials of the vets you are interested in. Ask your friends and perhaps, you will get a good referral.
- Buy pet insurance – when your dog gets sick, the least that you want to worry about is the medical bill. If you pay for these bills straight out of your pocket, you might get into trouble. Whether you like it or not, your dog may get sick in the future and when that happens, you’ll be happy that you have a pet insurance policy in place.
- Feed your dog with quality food – be wise when choosing dog food. Read the label. Don’t feed your dog with cheap and nutritionally unbalanced food. Yes, you may save a few bucks, but it will lead to bigger and costlier problems in the future.
- Groom your dog – usually, giving your dog a bath at least once a week should be enough unless your dog gets really dirty. Use shampoos and grooming tools especially intended for dogs.
- Give him exercise – like humans, your dog needs exercise. It can be in the form of play, walking in the park, running, and fetching. Make sure you help him avoid injuries and unnecessary pressure on his joints while exercising.
Take It One Day At A Time
Now that you have read some of the best tips for new dog owners like you, it is best that you don’t stress yourself too much. Take it one day at a time. Celebrate small wins and learn from your mistakes. You won’t get all the things right for the first time. It’s a learning process.
When taking care of your pet, knowledge is power. So, take the time to read more about raising a dog. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to speak to your vet.
Relax and enjoy your dog’s company. As long as you have the best interest of your pooch in mind, you’ll surely do a good job.
