The Ultimate Guide to Being a First-Time Dog Owner

One of life’s best satisfaction is having a dog. However, 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 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 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 emotional requirements before bringing him home. Researching breeds is a fantastic place to start, yet meeting with shelter personnel is ideal 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. Afterward, determine who will be the primary caregiver; otherwise, arguments will rage 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 allowed 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 connection with your new dog, and they enable 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 most effective program and instructor.

Choosing a Good Vet

Knowing you did your homework and chose a veterinarian clinic beforehand may assure you 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 veterinary services like canine vaccinations, as well as parasite prevention and protection, are essential for your pet.

Apart from your primary care vet, it would help if you also have the contact numbers of the following vet specialists:

• Emergency Vet – in case urgent care for your dog occurs, it pays to have a 24 hours vet that you can rely on and 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 veterinarian. Furthermore, they are highly trained to care for animals that could have several health concerns, including internal surgical procedures.

Final Advice

Your dog can fit into your contemporary lifestyle if you prepare for it and train it to feel secure 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.