10 Tips for First Time Dog Owners

10 Tips for First Time Dog Owners

Dogs are naturally friendly animals—a man’s best friend, someone might say. We usually see them in parks, playing along with children, sometimes in street, with their owners. Once in our lives, we had pet them, unable to resist the urge to squish their furry cheeks. Just look at them! They’re so cute, aren’t they? Being around with dogs is such a comforting feeling, unless one had a bad experienced with them. But dogs are really irresistible and to think of having them in our house sounds like a good idea. We are certain that you’ve been thinking about it but you are not sure yet for being a new dog owner scares you. In this article, we will tell you some tips for first time dog owners—like you!

1. Know What to Expect After Your New Dog Comes Home

When your new dog comes home, expect that there will be an adjustment period. They may be aloof or fearful, hiding whenever people get close to them. It is a natural reaction because they are not yet comfortable to their new environment. One they get relaxed, they will start being hyperactive. Some will be right at home within a day or two, while others take several months to adjust. Adult dogs need more adjustment time, especially if they lived in a shelter for a while. Meanwhile, puppies have shorter adjustment period.

To have a great start, have everything set up at home and make a plan for everything before your new dog comes home.

2. Got a Puppy? Learn All About Puppies

Puppies are cute and adorable, but don’t get fooled by their cuteness! Raising dogs were never easy. Puppies are like babies. They require a lot of attention. Also, there’s a lot to learn about raising puppies the right way. Socialization, training, and vaccinations are just of few of the thing you will need to read up on and add to your to-do list.

Caring for a puppy can sometimes feel like a full-time job, especially if the puppy is very young. Start the research before your puppy comes home so you’ll be ready for anything.

3. Meet Your Dog’s Basic Needs

Like humans, dogs have basic needs. It is important to provide their needs because ‘we’ are their parents. Every dog needs proper nutrition, adequate shelter, physical care, and social interaction. Once you can cover the basics, you’ll be on your way to giving your dog an amazing life. Learning how to provide for your dog in advance will make it much easier once your new dog comes home.

4. Find a Great Veterinarian

Dogs need health care too and as the great dog owners that we are, we will find a great veterinarian for them. Your veterinarian will look out for your dog’s health, educate you about your dog, and guide you through the world of dog ownership. Find a veterinarian you love with a great staff and team. Most of all, always keep the lines of communication open between you and your vet.

5. Stock Up on Dog Supplies

Your dog is going to need all kinds of stuff in his new home. How do you decide what your dog actually needs and what you want? Perhaps you get a bit of both. Carefully navigate your way through the world of dog toys, bowls, beds, leashes, collars, crates, and much more. There are some great pet supply websites out there where you can shop for your pooch. Plus, your town or city is bound to have some great pet supply shops.

6. Choose the Right Dog Food

To make sure that our dog’s health is good, we must make sure that they’re not just eating right but also they’re Your dog’s diet is eating the best food for them. As dog owners, we must learn about the basics of canine nutrition, then choose a diet that fits your dog’s needs. There’s no one right answer when it comes to dog food. One rule of thumb is this: if your dog is doing well on a certain type of dog food, then it’s probably just fine (as long as it is complete and balanced).

7. Dog Training is Essential

To make our lives easier and to prevent future problems with our dogs, our dog needs proper training. Dog training helps you control your dog and gives your dog a sense of structure. In the long run, proper training can make both you and your dog happier. Plus, it will enhance the special bond you two share. Take a little time each day to train your dog, working through all the essential steps of dog training, including basic commands.

8. Prepare for Behavior Problems

No dog is perfect. Most dog owners will have to deal with some kind of behavior issue at some point. It may be something as simple as excessive barking or destructive chewing. On the other hand, you may encounter a more serious issue like separation anxiety or aggression. You might even see that your new dog is urinating inappropriately (which may be a health issue and not a behavioral one). Either way, it’s always a good idea to be well-informed about canine behavior problems before they become issues for you and your dog.

9. Also Get Ready for Health Problems

At least a few health problems are bound to come up in your dog’s lifetime. If you’re lucky, you’ll only see some of the common health issues that are a bit easier to deal with. Hopefully, your dog will not encounter any serious health problems or, worse, medical emergencies. Take the necessary steps to keep your dog healthy and many health issues may be avoidable.

10. Be a Responsible Dog Owner

This is one of the most important things you need to know as a new dog owner. Being a responsible dog owner is about committing to your dog for life and accepting responsibility for your dog’s actions. It means taking proper care of your own dog while respecting your community. If you can do this, then you are surely on the right track.

Now that we’ve spilled the tips on how to be great a great dog owner, we guess that you are now confident to take home the cute dog you found in the adoption shelter. Good luck to you—dog parent! Have a wonderful life with your new furry friend!

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