So you’ve got a new puppy. We know that you already plan on spending hour after hour snuggling and petting them. But how do you make sure you’re prepared to be the best pet owner possible? As well as giving him or her a loving home, can you be considerate of their upbringing and health? If you want to make sure you have all of your bases covered, this is the guide for you. Just follow this advice and be prepared to take care of the new love of your life.
Picture from Wikimedia
Have all you need for their new home
There’s so much stuff that a new dog actually needs that it’s easy to forget. We consider every item on this list essential to keeping a happy, healthy dog. Though depending on your home, you might disagree. There are twenty-one of them in the link, but some might have neglected include crates to help them train or toothbrushes. Have everything you need in the list ready before he gets home, so you’re not running to the store every ten seconds.
Picture from Flickr
Keep your home pest free
You may not have any health issues with your home but that doesn’t mean that will be the case for the new member of the family. Fleas, ticks and midges can be a major annoyance for a dog, not to mention come with the possibility with disease. We have a guide already prepared for keeping the welfare of your pooch in mind, particularly good when it comes to rural home.
Picture from Flickr
Train them to be social and happy
Some people think that training is a harsh step for raising a creature we all just want to cuddle. The truth is that your dog will get a lot more out of interacting with humans and dogs alike if you’re prepared to have them trained. Dog trainers are experts in dealing with animals, so don’t be afraid that it will be much like your own worst schooling nightmares. Get your puppy socialized and you’ll both be reaping the rewards of happy relationships with all the other dogs and their owners.
Picture from Pixabay
Help them get into a schedule
A proper schedule is as important for a dog as it is for us. It helps them put their day in order, which stops them from getting restless. It also stops them from developing their own schedules. You won’t be too happy if they think feeding time is 5 in the morning, after all. You should learn all about developing the ideal structure for your dog.
Picture from Flickr
Avoiding separation anxiety
The idea that your pup misses you so much is the source of a thousand melting hearts. However, separation anxiety is a very real problem for dogs and causes a lot of distress. Teaching them to feel comfortable alone and in a crate will be much better for their overall health. Though you may be just as excited to see them again, try keep greetings and goodbyes low-key. This is so they don’t get used to hyper hellos and heart-breaking goodbyes.