Bringing a puppy home is always exciting because puppies are adorable and fun to have around. However, parenting a pet is a big responsibility. If you’ve had dogs before, you may already be aware of the drill, but if you are new to this, you should research as much information as possible before getting a puppy. Here are a few great tips for first-time dog owners.
- Do Your Research:
When you have no experience owning a dog, you have to consider many things. Firstly, you must choose a dog breed from an elite protection dogs for sale. A few dog breeds are easier to handle for first-time dog owners compared to others. You should consider aspects like breed size, energy, and temperament. For example, are you looking for a guard dog or a family dog? Also, a medium or small-breed dog, like cavapoo puppies, is easier to handle as compared to large-sized breeds. You can find cavapoo puppies for sale here.
- Find the Right Food:
As a first-time dog owner, it may get confusing what to feed your dog as many options are available in the market. Also, there are debates about keeping your dog on a raw diet, which is also an option you can consider. Talk to your vet to understand the best possible option. Also, do not get anxious, as your dog will also help you figure out what suits it with its poop quality.
- It is Not All Rosy:
Being around a growing puppy is not as easy as it sounds like. It is a commitment of at least 4 months till your dog adjusts well to the house. You have to give dedicated time to the dog for months till it gets disciplined and you get used to it. Many new dog owners get really anxious the first month and end up giving away the puppy. Do not jump to any conclusions. It is just a few months of hardship. The work does not end ever, but at least the bond gets stronger, and your dog understands acceptable behavior in the house.
- Prepare a Special Spot for the Dog:
The dog is a new member of your family that needs a spot of its own. While dogs love to be around the owner most of the day, they like to have a place that they can call their own. Set up the dog bed in a cozy corner. If your dog does not like it, it will automatically spend more time elsewhere. You can shift its spot accordingly.
- Define Rules for the Dog:
This is one of the gravest mistakes new dog owners make. As they are not aware of pet parenting, they let the puppy do all mischievous activities as they look cute, and suddenly one day, they decide this is not acceptable. This confuses the dog now as it was allowed till yesterday. It becomes hard to discipline the dog now and becomes frustrating for you. This is why, before you get the puppy home, decide a few house rules, like the dog will not be allowed inside the kitchen. Start by restricting the off-limit areas so that the dog understands what is expected of it.
- Define a Feeding Corner:
You need to decide on an area of the home where the dog is fed every day. This is where you will keep the dog bowl, too; hence, it should be accessible to the dog the entire day. Choose an area with less movement or disturbance so that the dog can peacefully eat its meals.
- Keep a Budget Aside for the Dog:
As a new member is added to the family, your expenses towards it are something you should plan for beforehand. This is also a factor you need to consider while choosing a dog breed. Large dog breeds tend to be more expensive to maintain and some breeds are prone to specific health issues. Purchasing coverage from a reliable pet insurance company can help you mitigate some of the routine expenses and protect you and your pet in case of an accident or illness. Additionally, you will have to choose your dog’s food based on a nutrition plan and what you can afford. Hence you must ensure you are prepared for the well-being of your pet so it lives a healthy and happy life.
- Clear a Wardrobe for the Dog:
Well, dogs have their own stuff too. Initially, it may just seem like a bag of kibble and a few dog bowls, but this will increase as you get toys, medicine, and other things for the dog. You at least need to clear a rack for your dog’s things.
- Puppy-Proof the House:
Like babies, puppies’ have teething issues and are prone to chew on furniture. Protect your expensive furniture by covering it so that the dog does not damage it until you discipline it. Also, your puppy is unaware of dangers in the house, such as the electrical socket; hence, you have to ensure the puppy is playing in a safe area. If you cannot keep an eye on the dog when away, get a playpen where the dog can play in confinement and hence be safe from any hazards in the house.
- Practice Leaving the Dog Alone:
You may not feel like leaving the dog alone at all, but you will have to run errands and cannot carry your dog with you everywhere. Hence, teaching your puppy to stay alone for some time from the start is a great way to make the puppy understand that it is normal. If you suddenly leave a 7-month-old puppy alone in the home, it may panic. Hence, teach them to be alone when they are young. This will help them get over separation anxiety faster.
The Bottom Line:
You can learn many things about adopting a dog for the first time, but only experience will;l help you understand everything. Do not get anxious, as it is not always going to be this difficult. Patience, persistence, and the will to learn more information to help give your dog a great home are what you need to get over the anxiety of being a first-time pet owner.
