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Jan 19, 2021 | Posted by admin | no comments |
Before falling in love with the dog of your dreams and bringing your newest family member home, there are some essential things you need to consider such as preparing your home for your new addition. Here are a few of our expert tips to consider before getting a dog and what to expect when becoming a new pet owner!
Getting a new puppy is always an exciting and significant moment in any pet owners life; however, we may overlook some of the struggles of having a new fur friend. Most puppies are high energy and need a lot of care and time to be properly trained to be the best pup on the block.
Choosing the Breed for You
Before you set your mind on the dog you want, research the breed and how much time and effort you will need to put into your dog, and whether or not it will fit in with your family’s current lifestyle. Do you want a small dog to fit in an apartment or do you have a lot of property to support a large dog that needs more active time during the day? Once you have figured out which dog will be perfect for you, it’s time to look into the financials to ensure this is the right decision for you at this time.
Financial Burden
One of the more common mistakes a new pet owner makes is overlooking all other costs of their new pet besides, the initial cost. These costs add up quickly and include food, grooming, toys, vet visits, vaccinations, heartworm medication, and accessories for your growing pup. The average cost of a dog per year is about $500, which could be slightly more or less depending on the size and breed of your dog.
But before we can take our new fur friend home, some essential items need to be bought. Our first recommendation is to purchase a crate that is large enough for your pup! This will ensure your pup’s comfort, and it will ensure that you won’t have to keep purchasing a new crate every time your pup grows! Along with a crate, you will need a collar, leash, food, a food bowl, and a bed as primary essentials for your new puppy. Don’t forget about all the toys and treats to spoil your new best friend!
Bringing Your Fur Friend Home
Once you have all the essentials, it’s time to bring your pup home! The first few days will be so exciting, but it is not uncommon to also feel some stress. Let’s talk about some things to expect! At first, your new puppy will be nervous and curious being in a new environment and will want to explore and see their new home. This is normal, and it will take time for them to fully get adjusted to their environment. Now, it’s time to teach them the basics like where to go to the bathroom and where to sleep. This is essential, as you want your puppy to get into a routine early on so they don’t start bad habits…like going to the bathroom in the house or chewing on shoes or furniture. After your pup is up to date with its shots, it’s time to explore the neighborhood. This is crucial to ensure your new puppy is friendly with other dogs/people at a young age so no behavioral issues begin. It’s also never too early to train your dog the basic commands like sit, lie down, stay, and no. This is the best time for your dog to learn and retain these commands.
Socializing
You should be prioritizing socializing your new pup as much as possible. The most important socialization cues for a puppy are rides in the car, interacting with children, loud trains or buses, rain, and thunder. These are all common things puppies have issues with if not acclimated to at a young age.
But most importantly, have fun! This is such an exciting time and milestone in your life! Enjoy making memories with your newest family member. Have fun playing with your dog, whether it be playing in the yard, bringing them to the park, or going on long walks to meet some fur friends around the neighborhood. Cherish time spent with your new puppy, and don’t take it for granted, as your little fur friend grows every day!
