Top 9 Tips For First Time Dog Owners

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Is this your first time owning a dog? Congratulations! You’ve made an excellent pick! Dogs are incredible creatures who have so much love and loyalty to give, we often don’t deserve them! Since you’re new to the marvelous world of dog ownership, we want to welcome you by giving you some useful tips on what first time dog owners like you need to know about caring for your new fur buddy.

Owning a dog is like a dream come true for most people. Not only did you acquire a companion for life, but you now have a partner in crime who thinks of you like the best human in the whole world. While caring for a dog may seem like a daunting task, it’s a very rewarding experience, especially for first time dog owners.

Whether you now have a pup or an adult dog to take care of, we’ve gathered some of the best tips to make the transition of first time dog owners a lot easier

Expect That Your Dog Needs To Adjust In Their New Environment

It doesn’t matter if your new of is a pup or an adult dog. Your new canine buddy may need some time adjusting to their new home – just like how to need time to adjust as a first time dog owner.

When dogs are introduced to a new environment, they can feel scared or overwhelmed, leading them to hide or making them appear aloof. Like us humans, some needs to get to know their new environment before they get used and feel comfortable in their new home. It is our responsibility as first time dog owners to make them feel at home.

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It may take some time for your new dog to adjust – especially if your new dog is already an adult, or was living in a shelter or other homes for a while. It can even take months for some dogs and their first time dog owners to adjust and settle into a new routine, so just be patient. It would be best to set everything up and plan every detail before your dog arrives at your home. This way, you can focus on making your dog feel at ease and as to not feel overwhelmed.

Learn How To Care For A Puppy

For first time dog owners who got a puppy as a pet, you’ll be amazed at the amount of information there is to learn when it comes to these fur babies. Let us warn you that caring for puppies can often feel like you’re starting a full-time job. There are vaccinations, potty training, and socialization training, to name a few, that can sometimes drain your energy even before the day ends.

When it comes to caring for your new pup, it pays to research on the things they may need before taking them back home. This way, you can be sure that you know what to expect before your new canine baby arrives.

Master Your Dog’s Basic Needs

Like us, humans, dogs need proper nutrition, a safe place to sleep, adequate exercise, pet supplies, and social needs. The amount of food you will need to feed your dog, the time they need to sleep as well as their activity can vary. Their age, breed, and other factors can affect your dog’s basic needs.

Learning what your new dog neds in advance will help you make the transition easier. Make sure you have the right food, shelter, toys, and other basic needs of your dog covered before even taking your new dog home.

Find Your Dog An Excellent Local Vet

Before taking your dog anywhere, it would be best to have them checked by a vet. It also helps if you can get your hands on your new dog’s medical history and records. This will your vet of choice an idea on how to best care for your dog.

Find a local vet that you trust. Find one that has a team of awesome staffs who looks after dogs as if they are their fur babies. You’d only want the best for your new dog, and it starts by providing them access to the best possible vet service you can find.

Stock Up On Dog Supplies

Your dog won’t only need dog food, but toys, collars, leashes, feeding bowls, beds, harnesses, and other supplies as well. First-time dog owners may feel like the list goes on, which is true. However, dogs have many needs, which is why many claim that caring for dogs seems like caring for real babies.

Stock up on the right dog food

Your dog’s diet matters, so make sure to choose a diet that fits their needs. What first-time dog owners often fail to realize is that not all dogs have the same diet. Make sure to ask the previous owner what they usually feed your dog. Also, it helps to ask your vet a good list of dog foods you can feed your dog. The rule of thumb is as long as your dog’s doing okay, then that dog food should be okay. Of course, it needs to have everything your dog needs to be healthy and satisfied.

Be Prepared For Health Problems

Like us humans, dogs can get sick no matter how healthy, active, and happy they can be. Some dogs can have health issues common to their breeds and are easy to handle while others need more intervention. This is one of the reasons why you need a good vet.

Know That Your Dog Is Not Perfect

All dogs have different attitudes and behaviors. First time dog owners need to know that sometimes, even the most well-behaved and trained dogs can have behavioral problems. This can be as simple as peeing in places they are not supposed to pee, making a mess and even barking excessively.

Other first-time dog owners often get the surprise of a lifetime after learning that their new dog has serious issues. This can be aggression, separation anxiety, and destructive chewing. Keep yourself informed on how to handle such issues, how to correct this behavior, and when to ask for help.

Be A Responsible And Proud Dog Owner

Be proud! Not everyone has what it takes to care for a dog and have the privilege to own one. So, commit to giving your dog all the love and attention they need. Dogs are a gift, so be a responsible dog owner and reap the rewards that only a dog can give.