I Have a Dog for the First Time. What Should I Do?
One of life’s greatest satisfactions is having a dog. The thought could be unsettling if you’ve never owned 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 guarantee 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 companion 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 fantastic place to start; however, 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, disagreements 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 alright 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 every person understands the rules.
Find a Reliable Instructor or Course
Group obedience lessons are excellent for developing a relationship with your new dog, enabling puppies to feel at ease around other dogs and humans.
This is vital for developing a secure, friendly dog. It would help if you researched to ensure that you have chosen the best course and trainer.
Choosing a Good Vet
Knowing you did your research and chose a vet clinic in advance may assure you if your dog suddenly becomes unwell soon 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. Appropriate canine vaccinations, parasite prevention, and protection are necessary for your pet dog. Read about vaccinations here.
Other than your primary care vet, 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.
- Internal Medicine Vets – are prepared to deal with the most severe conditions that impair dogs’ health beyond the scope of a regular vet. Furthermore, they are highly trained to care for animals that could have several health issues. An internist surgeon can handle various soft tissue procedures.
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 regularly 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.
