Helpful Tips Before Bringing Your First Dog Home
One of life’s greatest satisfactions 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 instructions will guarantee that your puppy has the most pleasing start in life imaginable. Here is time-tested vital 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 great 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, disagreements 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 acceptable 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 every person knows the rules.
Find a Reliable Instructor or Course
Group obedience lessons are excellent for building a relationship with your new dog and allow puppies to feel secure around other dogs and humans.
This is important for creating a secure, friendly dog. It would help if you researched to ensure that you have chosen the best course and trainer.
Choosing a Good Vet
Knowing you did your research and chose a vet clinic ahead of time may give you comfort if your dog suddenly becomes unwell soon 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 canine vaccinations, as well as parasite protection & prevention, are crucial for your pet.
Besides your primary care veterinarian, it would help if you also have the contact numbers of the following veterinary specialists:
- Emergency Vet – in case urgent care for your dog arises, it pays to have a 24 hours animal hospital; you can rush your dog for quick medical intervention. See this to learn more about urgent care.
- Internal Medicine Vets – are prepared to handle 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 issues, including internal surgery.
Final Advice
Your dog can fit into your contemporary lifestyle if you prepare for it and train it to feel comfortable 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.
