Essential Tips for a First-Time Dog Owner
One of life’s greatest comforts is having a dog. Nevertheless, the thought could be unsettling if you’ve never had a pet dog. You’ll need to get ready for your new puppy before they step inside your home. Don’t worry: following these guidelines will ensure that your puppy has the most pleasing start in life imaginable. Here is time-tested crucial first-time dog advice to feel secure with your new canine partner at every turn.
Conduct Research
Consider a few things before bringing a four-legged family member home. Before making commitments, make sure you are ready. This includes being aware of a dog’s physical and psychological requirements before bringing him home. Researching breeds is a great place to start, but meeting with shelter personnel is best and discussing the lifestyle you desire for the dog.
Meet With the Family
Before deciding to get a puppy, ensure everyone in the family agrees about wanting this new member. After that, establish who will be the primary caregiver; or else, arguments will surge while your new puppy stares at their empty dish.
To avoid confusing the dog, decide on the house rules in advance. Is it okay for the dog to sleep on the bed? Are there any rooms in the house that are never permitted to be entered? Include your family in the process so everyone understands the rules.
Find a Reliable Trainer or Course
Group obedience lessons are great for building a relationship with your new dog, enabling puppies to feel comfortable around other dogs and humans.
This is essential for producing a secure, friendly dog. It would help if you researched to ensure that you have chosen the best program and trainer.
Choosing a Good Vet
Knowing you did your homework and chose a veterinarian clinic beforehand may give you comfort if your dog suddenly becomes unwell not long after receiving them. If you got your dog or puppy from a rescue group without knowing their vaccination history, you should take them to the vet a few weeks after bringing them home. The appropriate dog vaccination, as well as parasite prevention and protection, are essential for your pet dog.
Other than your primary care veterinarian, it would help if you also have the contact numbers of the following veterinary specialists:
- Emergency Vet – in case urgent care for your dog arises, it pays to have a 24 hours animal hospital; you can rush your dog for quick medical intervention. Click to read more about emergency vets.
- Internal Medicine Vets – are prepared to handle the most severe conditions that impair dogs’ health beyond the scope of a regular vet. Additionally, they are highly trained to care for animals that could have several health issues, including internal operations.
Final Advice
Your dog can fit into your contemporary lifestyle if you prepare for it and train it to feel comfortable when left for brief periods. If you intend to take time off of work to welcome your new puppy or dog home and help them settle in, take advantage of that opportunity to start working on establishing a routine for them.
They will be disturbed and may develop separation anxiety if you suddenly go from being with them all the time one week to leaving them alone for many hours nonstop the next. Finding a family member, pet sitter, or dog walker who will routinely visit your dog while you’re away from home during the day is highly recommended if you work full-time and can not bring your dog to work with you.
