Bringing home a new dog is exciting. You’ve picked out the perfect pet and now you’re ready to give it a beautiful life. The issue is that you’re not quite sure where to start or what to do with them. It’s an obstacle many new pet owners run into when they first bring their animal home.
Believe that you can do it and you will. Do whatever it takes to give them a great place to live. Ask around your friends and relatives and get their pointers for how they’ve managed over the years. Take your time and be patient with yourself. See tips for caring for your new pet.
Provide a Comfortable Home
Once you agree to own a pet, your home becomes a shared space. It’s very important you provide a warm and cozy home for your dog to roam and lay its head. Block off a separate area that’s made for the dog. Place their food and water and bedding in locations around the home that are easy to access. Show the dog where their personal space is so they know where they can go when they want to be alone. Understand you’re going to be sharing your space now. It’s up to you to train your dog about where they can and can’t go in and around the home.
Learn about Them
Go online and learn about your pet. For example, research the best dog food for boxers if this is the type of dog you own. According to American Kennel Club, boxers are among the top ten most popular dog breeds in America. Since boxers are a comparatively active breed of dog, choosing food that fits their physical needs can be tricky. That’s why it’s important to learn about your type of dog and what their particular needs are, such as the kind of food they eat. Equipping yourself with knowledge will help guide you in making a lot of your decisions going forward. You don’t know until you find out, and there are plenty of resources online to help you.
Supplies
Get your supplies ready for your dog’s arrival. Bring home items such as a kennel, leash, dishes and more. Prepare your home for their first few days and you should be just fine. There will be other items you’ll want to grab along the way, but start with the essentials. Having the right supplies will make carrying for your pet a lot easier on you. Make a list and have the pet supplies on hand for when your new pet comes home. Remember that you can always go find what you’re missing at a later date.
See a Vet
It’s a good idea for your pet to see a veterinarian when they first get home. Establish a relationship so you’re prepared should you have an emergency situation down the road. The vet will be able to tell you what kind of shape your dog is in and what shots they’ll need in the near future. You’ll feel much more comfortable knowing you have a good vet you can turn to in a time of need or for regular checkups.
Exercise & Play
Getting a dog means that you better be ready to run and pay. Your pet needs exercise and benefits greatly from being able to walk or run around. Just like us, dogs need to burn calories, stimulate their minds and stay healthy. Research the exercise needs for your breed, because it varies depending on the type of dog. Another major reason dogs need exercise is to avoid boredom, which leads to destructive behaviors. Take them out the in backyard and play chase or fetch if you don’t want to leave your house. On other days when you have more time, take them on a hike or go for a long walk. Have lots of toys around the house so they can play whenever their heart desires.
Grooming
Groom your pet by taking them to a professional shop or doing it yourself at home. Your dog needs baths and to be brushed on a regular basis. Doing this will keep your dog clean and reduce the amount of shedding. It’s also important to use flea and tick preventatives and check their fur for them daily during the warm weather months. Also, having a pet will require more maintenance by you around the place. Clean the house and vacuum often to keep fur and dirt at a minimum.
Reward Them
It’s a smart idea to reward your dog for good behavior. This is how you get them to listen to you and be on their best behavior. Do it early so they learn in the early stages of their life before they’re adults. Use treats as a reward when you’re training them and bring home a new toy once in a while when they’re obedient. Give them hugs and snuggles when they’re acting appropriately and continuously enforce positive actions. You’ll be pleasantly surprised how well they react to your encouraging voice tones and commands.
Love Them
Owning a pet is a big responsibility, but most pet owners find it enjoyable. While it can be stressful at times, don’t let it overwhelm you. Remember why you got your dog in the first place. Love and care for them and show them affection. Animals are great companions and are always there for you. Let them know who’s boss, but make sure you show them how much you love them on a daily basis. You’ll create a bond between you and your new pet and produce a level of trust which will help when you’re training them.
Conclusion
Understand what you’re getting into before you agree to take on the responsibility of owning a new pet. Once you’re sure, follow through with your end of the bargain and build a nice home where they can live and play. It’s okay to make mistakes and learn along the way. These are tips for caring for your new pet.
