Many parents cave under the pressure of their children to get a family pet. Family pets are great, and your life will be greatly enriched because of them – but that is not a decision to be made lightly. Pets become part of your family, and if your family isn’t ready for the responsibilities and adjustments that come with pets, you will have a hard time.
Once you’ve decided on the pet you want to complete your family unit, spend some time researching them before they arrive. More often than not, the pet of choice for most homes is a dog. Dogs make the best pets because they are so loving and loyal, but you do need to follow these seven tips below to keep you sane:
#1. Pet Proof Your Property
Puppies and dogs are wonderful pets; they show so much affection and love to be loved. The thing with our canine cuties is that they are super curious by nature, which means they will be into everything and explore everywhere.
As a responsible pet owner, one of your jobs is to pet-proof your property. That involves protecting your possessions, securing your property with a fence or wall, and removing any dangerous objects that could be a hazard to your new pup.
#2. Vet Visits
Pets come with several associated costs like food, grooming and other items, but they can also cost you in undetermined ways. Your curious canine could chew or swallow something they shouldn’t, and land up being raced to the nearest vet.
Vet visits are also about ensuring that your pet’s health and well-being are regularly monitored. Then, if anything worrisome develops, your vet will be on top of it before it becomes a massive problem.
#3. Obedience Training
Everyone wants a well-behaved angel that obeys every command – and that is not just referring to kids! Well-trained pooches don’t happen by accident – they are a product of gruelling and intense training that can take weeks or even months to achieve.
Book your new furball for obedience training as soon as possible – that way you can assert yourself as the alpha right from the beginning. These classes are an extra expense, but they are worth their weight in gold in the end.
#4. Quality Diet
The vital importance of feeding your pooch good quality dog food cannot be emphasized enough. Feeding a higher quality food will lead to a healthier and longer life for your dog and usually much lower vet bills.
Get your favorite subscription dog food delivered to you – that way you won’t have to run into problems with the food finishing at inconvenient times. Higher quality dry and wet dog foods generally contain the necessary ingredients for your dog’s particular life stage and breed. Talk to a qualified vet or vet nutritionist about the best choice for your new pup.
#5. House Training
House training is a game of patience and follow-through. The key to implementing a successful elimination routine is to establish a consistent pattern of rewards and praise from the start.
When your dog eliminates in your presence and the right place, you should reward them for good behavior. Almost all dogs are people-pleasers by nature, which means they don’t want to be bad dogs – they need a little help to become the best versions of themselves.
#6. Socializing
There are several benefits to socializing with your pet. And yet many dog owners consistently overlook this vital step in their dog’s training regime. To facilitate a long and happy life together, dog trainers and vets alike highly recommend that your dog is properly socialized from a young age.
Socializing your dog will mean less stressful visits to the vet, fun trips to the dog park, and peace of mind when going for walks with them. Well-socialized dogs are far less likely to snap unexpectedly or chase people and children.
#7. Be Patient
The most crucial tip for new dog owners is to remain patient with your pooch. Dogs communicate on a different level to humans but together, and with the correct training routines, you and your dog can live a happy and fulfilling life.
Dogs crave affection, attention, and socialization – these are the key qualities for raising a content furry friend. At times, you will likely find yourself frustrated with them – it is during these times that you need to stay calm and patient. They are trying and they will learn, it just takes time and patience from your side.
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