Getting ready for your new dog? What are the steps you should take?
Now that you have decided to bring a doggie into your life, you may be wondering what your next step should be. Well, most of the requirements are pretty much just common sense-based tasks. But if this is your first pet, you want to be sure everything goes swimmingly well.
If you’re feeling a bit anxious about your decision, these suggestions just might take the edge off and give you some sound advice to help you and your dog have a great start.
Are you ready for a dog?
What’s heartbreaking is that many people like to own PUPPIES and NOT DOGS. Once the puppy grows up, it’s easy to take them for granted and not to care for them. Are you even ready for a dog? Here are questions you need to ask before getting or adopting one:
Who’s responsible for taking care of the dog?
If you want a dog, you take care of him. You can have joint responsibilities of taking care of your pup with family members. Do take note who’s going to watch your pupper when you’re away at work or summer vacation.
Can you afford a dog?
We’re not talking about HOW MUCH is the dog. Whether you got your canine friend from an authorized breeder, pet shop, or adoption center, you need to think of the annual dog care rates that come with it. if you’re getting ready for your new dog, think about vet visits, dog food, toys, accessories, and grooming products.
Do you have time to care for the dog?
Dogs need attention too! Do you have time to play, groom, exercise, or train your dog? When you get a dog, make sure to commit time and effort for your furry friend. EVERY. SINGLE. DAY.
Can the new dog establish well with family members or other dogs in your house?
Do you have family members who are allergic to dogs or simply don’t like dogs? Are there other dogs in your home? Would they readily accept a new dog in the house? See if the new dog can fit well in his new home.
Have you considered your dog to be spayed or neutered?
If you want to pair up your dog with a mate in the future, that’s alright. But getting your pooch neutered or spayed is vital because it prevents infections, diseases, aggressiveness, and cancer from happening.
A lot of dogs end up in shelters because their owners couldn’t care for them. When you take a dog in, he’s a part of your family pack now.
What you need for your new dog
If you’re getting ready for your new dog, the first thing most first-time canine owners want to know is what they should do to make the coming transition smooth and safe for everyone concerned. And the best place to start is with a shopping list.
Collar and leash
The first piece of equipment to buy is a leash and a collar or halter. The sooner you get your puppy used to having this strange foreign object around his neck or shoulders and tummy, the better it will be for all concerned. Also, because the collar or halter will be the item upon which your pet’s identification and licensing information will be placed, getting him adapted to wearing one of these two accessories is a must. The collar/halter is also of utmost importance because it is imperative for walking your new pet.
When fitting your faithful companion for his collar, be sure the fit is secure, but not too tight. Also, be cognizant of the fact that his new halter is just the first of many he will need as he grows larger. It goes without saying that a puppy’s first leash will be much shorter than his grown-up “training” leash.
Dog crates
Next, your puppy or dog will need a crate or some other containment equipment. Sometimes new fur parents feel sad about putting their little one in a dog crate. They feel that the confinement makes the dog sense he is being left out or feel anxious. But experts are quick to explain that dogs like the idea of having a small shelter and feel safe in their crates.
Well-known dog trainer, Cesar Millan, says crates are good for potty training, teaching your pet rules, and transporting your dog. Puppies are especially adaptable to crates if the crates are introduced as soon as they arrive at their new homes. Millan does add, however, that time in the crate should be kept short in length.
A pen is also a handy tool for puppies. Because your eyes cannot be on a young dog 24/7, a pen or baby gate can keep the little cutie in one place when you have to be in another.
Beddings, dog home, or roomy cages
Of course, your new doggie is going to need a bed, home, or cage, not only for sleeping, but also for a place to call his own, relax, and just chill out. If you opt for crate training, his bed will be in the crate while he is being house trained. The variety of types, styles, and designs of dog beds is huge, making purchasing a bed a fun, but time-consuming activity.
Food and drink
The same is true when choosing food and a water bowl for your pup. The choices are endless, but it is a good idea to choose bowls that are heavy enough not to tip over and are the correct size for the size of your dog.
Puppies grow so quickly and use such large amounts of energy, for the first year, that they need a diet that delivers fuel for development. Your vet, or employees at the big box pet stores, can give you the information you need to make an educated decision on the right food and treats for your “best friend.”
Grooming and hygiene kits
Also needed are grooming supplies such as comb, brush, nail clippers, shampoo, soap, and flea powder. You need to keep your dog clean and healthy also! Brushing your dog’s fur not only untangles his hair, but it’s also a means of relaxation for them. And if you have a very active dog, keeping them clean and tick-free is the secret for long-life.
Toys
Buy your dog some chew toys and activity-encouraging items. Be sure to purchase toys that are durable, well-made, strong, and the correct size for your pet. Toys can keep your dog happy and active. They can entertain themselves with it if you’re away for a short time. You’ll find Frisbees, balls, tugs, and rings perfect for your pooch.
Safety and training for your furry friend
Once you walk in the front door of your house with your new puppy or dog, the training and familiarity should begin. The first stop needs to be the area you have prepared for him and includes his crate, pen, dog bowls, and nearby puppy pads. The house itself also needs to be dog-proofed.
Anyone who has had a baby and has owned a puppy will tell you that making a safe environment for the two is very similar. If you do not want to walk through trash and garbage in your home, it is a particularly good idea to put trashcans up high or in a closet with a door.
Electrical cords can be dangerous for a puppy since much of its day is spent chewing on anything into which he can get his teeth. Naturally, puppies will be quite curious about any containers left on the floor. Be vigilant where household cleaning solutions, medications, or other poisonous solutions are concerned because a puppy might chew into and swallow such elements.
Also, ensure that furniture is securely in place and level to avoid tip-overs and watch for tools, hardware, insect repellents, herbicides, and small objects that could be swallowed. When outside make sure your dog is on a leash and there are no sections of the backyard fence that your pupper could use as an exit.
Yes, dogs need care, attention, and plenty of toys, medications, and equipment. It’s not a job for which every family will be clamoring. But for those who do allow a dog into their hearts, the rewards are tremendous. Now, are you getting ready for your new dog?
