Getting a new dog can be extremely exciting, but it can also be a challenging time for both the pup and the owners.
Your dog is in a brand-new environment with people that they do not know. There are new smells, new sounds, and a new routine to contend with, and there is a lot of adjusting to do.
This piece is going to look at some helpful tips for new dog owners, so you can prepare for your new pooch.
Read on to find out more.
Research Dog Breeds
When you think of a dog, not one size fits all. Many different breeds have many varied genetic components, and you must understand this before you choose which breed will be best for you and your lifestyle.
For example, some dogs need much more exercise than others. Certain breeds will be less safe to be around other animals, such as rodents, and may be more difficult to train. Some are well known for their loyalty and calmness, whereas others are notorious for their stubborn misbehaviour. While how a dog is treated and trained will have an impact on your dog’s behaviour, but in the long run, there are still these biological factors that should be considered when making a choice.
If you have adopted a dog and are learning about its temperament after, do your best to work with it and give the dog what they need to thrive.
Understand What It Takes
Some say raising a dog is harder than raising a child because at least a human is more likely to start understanding and being able to communicate with you effectively. You need to prepare for potential long nights, interrupted sleep, lots of toilet training gone wrong, and other issues, such as yelping, crying, and being unsettled.
All dogs are different, and how they behave when they are adjusting to growing up will vary, but understanding that this is a commitment and responsibility that will most likely not be plain sailing is important for your expectations. If you can put in consistent hard work and affection, you should be rewarded with the same.
Put Together an Essentials Kit
Whether you have already brought your dog home, or you are waiting to collect them, having an essentials kit on hand will never not be useful for you.
Pack your essentials kit with items such as:
- Pee pads
- Food
- Treats
- Toys
- A bed
- A blanket
- Shampoo for dogs
Out of Sight, Out of Mind
If you do not want something chewed, then make sure that it is out of the way. Your new pup is most likely going to want to use everything as a chew toy, and they have no idea which pair of shoes is your favourite, or why you don’t want them to take socks out of the washing basket and carry them around in their mouths.
Keeping things tidy means keeping things safe. It’s better to be safe than sorry with your possessions.