When it comes to pets, it doesn’t get much better than a new puppy or a dog. They’re great, they’re loyal, and they make for a great company. That’s why it’s so important that you’re creating a good home for them, that they can have a nice life with you. A good home means a happy puppy, and that’s what every owner should aim to achieve.
To be a good owner, you have to understand what your dog wants and needs, and how you can provide it for them without giving them something that’s bad for them.
Finding your new friend
If you’re yet to bring home your new dog, then you should know about all of the ways that you might find one! There are a lot of options, but it will depend on your local area, and how far you’re willing to travel to pick them up. You have the options of a breeder, which you can learn more about online, or you could consider a rescue. Either way, there are plenty of dogs looking for a good home, it’s more about what you’re capable of as an owner. Some people aren’t ready to look after a fully-grown dog, and it can be easier to learn from step one.
Health concerns
You should make sure you have a few things readily available in case your dog faces any unexpected health problems early on. There are a lot of ways you can be prepared to help your new dog, and things like painkillers should be among the items you keep just in case. Natural painkillers can be bought anywhere, but you should check in with your vet to make sure they’re safe before you buy them or use them for your dog.
If you are concerned about any strange behaviour your dog is exhibiting, then you should check in with your vet as soon as possible if it seems like they’re in pain. Leaving health issues untreated can lead them to get worse as time goes on, causing them to experience more pain than necessary.
Feeding them properly
It can be hard to resist your dog when they’re giving you the puppy eyes as you eat for food, but it’s important to understand that there’s a diet they should be sticking to. Giving them the wrong foods can lead to several consequences, and it will teach them poor habits. You don’t want them to expect food from you any time they look at you, and you don’t want them to get sick from eating the foods you’re used to eating.
There are a lot of foods that dogs aren’t able to eat that people eat on a regular basis, and it’s for this reason that it’s best not to share your food with your dog. Things like chocolate can be dangerous, and no matter how much your dog seems like they want it – it’s just not good for them.
Buying necessary equipment
If you want your dog to be comfortable in your home, you should make sure you’ve prepared for them to get there! You’ll need a dog bed unless you’re comfortable with the idea of them sleeping on your bed every night. Consider that they’re going to grow, and it will be hard to get them out of that habit when they’re bigger. You’ll also want to get them a blanket, a bowl for food, and a bowl for water. They need their own things to help make sure they can get what they need when they need it. Just because they don’t drink when they’re initially offered water doesn’t mean they won’t want it soon.
You’ll also need to make sure you have some toys ready for them. If they’re still teething, you’ll want toys designed to help ease their soreness. Then there are the toys that help you bond with your pet and keep them fit.
How often you should walk them
The number of times your dog needs to be walked will depend on how far you walk them, and what kind of dog you have! Bigger dogs often require multiple walks per day, while smaller dogs might become tired out from one long walk. It’s a lot of time to commit, but you shouldn’t bring your dog home if you aren’t able to take them out for walks when they need them.
It’s not only essential for their health, but they haven’t got much else to do. It will keep them healthy and happy, which is great! With this, you’ll want to make sure you’ve got a good harness and a leash to keep them with you at all times, especially when in areas that are dangerous for them.
Make time for your dog
Your dog needs your attention, especially if they’re spending a lot of time at home. A lot of people when they’re too busy to give their dogs enough attention, tend to have multiple pets. Your dog needs company, and if you can’t provide it, it can be great for your dog to have a sibling or a friend!
You should try to set aside a certain amount of time each day to play with them, or at least spend time with them. It could be as simple as sitting with them on the couch when you’re watching TV, or when you’re working from home. Lonely dogs can experience depression, which can have multiple consequences.
Training them early
It’s much easier to train a dog that’s young, and it will save you a lot of stress. Teaching your dog how to properly behave is important, and the sooner you do it the better. A puppy is much easier to handle than a bigger dog, but what if a bigger dog behaved like a puppy? You should train them before they’re too much for you to handle. Bigger dogs that are untrained tend to be more destructive and will misbehave when you’re not watching them. You can train them without being too strict, so every owner should do this.
