Owning a dog is one of life's greatest joys. But fear not. We have a detailed list of tips for new dog parents that will give you the knowledge you need to feel comfortable with your new canine companion.
Advice for new dog parents
There are many things to think about before bringing home a four-legged. Understanding your dog's physical and mental needs and determining whether you can make the commitment required to keep your pup healthy and happy is an important part of preparation. If you are not sure if you will be able to commit to a pet for life, it is best to consider other options such as adoption first.
Do some research
Consider the bigger picture first. Does the dog fit into your family and lifestyle? Some cities or localities have rules and regulations regarding certain dog breeds. Researching different breeds is a good place to start, but talking with rescuers and animal shelter workers and explaining the type of pet you're looking for is an even better option. Rescuers can point you towards a good match because they are familiar with the personalities and temperaments of the dogs they adopt. This is especially important for first time dog owners. Adopting a familiar dog is always better than bringing home a surprise.
You should also take into consideration what size dogs are appropriate for your home. Larger breeds, for example, are more likely to knock things over unintentionally (including young children sometimes).
Budgeting.
The cost of owning dogs is an important factor to consider. On average, a puppy costs $4,800 in its first year of life. You'll need to budget for regular expenses such as food, treats, preventive pet care, grooming, checkups, and vaccinations, as well as monthly, annual, and less-recurring expenses. It's also essential to think about everything you need to buy before you bring your new dog home, such as his bed, food and water bowls, blanket, toys, collar and leash, along with pet-safe cleaning supplies and some basic grooming items.
Act responsibly.
Some of the longest-lived dog breeds can be your best friend for up to fifteen years. Therefore, the commitment to caring for your dog for the rest of his life entails giving him proper nutrition, exercise, mental stimulation, and companionship, in addition to pet care and training.
Research local dog ownership laws and regulations and stick to them. Register or license your dog and make sure you complete all required vaccinations. You will also need to have your dog spayed or neutered once he reaches adulthood to prevent unwanted breeding.
Prepare your house. You must first protect your home and yard, to ensure your pup's safety. Next, if you're adopting a puppy, stock up on some essentials like bowls, puppy training treats, a collar and tag with your details, a no-pull leash, teething chew toys, a crate and training pads for potty training. .
Rate your time.
Puppies are impossible to resist, but before you commit, consider what life in your home with one would be like.
You can shape a puppy's behavioral traits with proper training because an adult dog's personality is a combination of nature and nurture. However, there is a downside to all that excitement and cute puppy energy. You need to consider whether you have enough time to train a puppy from scratch. Puppies need to be taught everything like basic commands, toilet training, crate training, walking properly on a leash, being nice to young children, and so on. This is not an easy task and requires a lot of time and patience. Poor training can damage an adult puppy's personality, so only bring one into your home if you are sure you can provide everything he needs.
Practice regularly.
For your new pet, the first few days (or even months) in your home will be difficult. A shelter is one of the most stressful environments for a dog. So if you are adopting a dog, it may take some time for your new pet to settle down and start to trust you. Your new family member may need time, space, and empathy if they try to hide, refuse to eat, or aren't sociable after moving. Depending on the dog and his previous circumstances, the transition period can last anywhere from two to four weeks minimum.
Be patient and use positive reinforcement to teach the dog the appropriate behavior until he learns to behave well. Create a daily schedule to help your dog feel at home while he is settled. The best ways to reduce anxiety in the beginning are consistency, stability, and predictability.
Comfort!
There are some unrealistic checklists on the internet like "your dog needs to meet 25 new people everyday"! Just do your best and be confident in what you're doing. If you are not sure your dog is there, the pup will pick it up. Dogs need lots of love and attention but they also need someone to guide them and will only listen when they feel confident. Your dog can sense your stress level. Take a deep breath and remember that your dog will give you 10 times more love and care than you give him, even if you think you're not doing a good job.
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