It can be quite exciting to welcome a new puppy into the family. Read on to consider six areas that you will need to consider & prepare for before you bring your puppy into your home.
When you bring home any pet you are actually bringing a new family member into the house. You will need to first notify and come to an agreement with all the members, especially your parents, whether they approve of having a dog in the first place. In addition, you may want to discuss with other members of the family regarding sharing different responsibilities in caring for the dog. Appoint a leader to designate which member will have which responsibility to prevent any disagreements or arguments.
During the family meeting, it would be wise to also set some rules together for the new puppy. Some rules might include: Which rooms are off limits for the puppy? Is the puppy allowed on the bed or the couch? Where will the puppy be sleeping? Where will the dog be eating his meals? Make sure to allow every family member to offer some suggestions and then come to an agreeable conclusion. In this way, you can promote the peace in the family and avoid potential conflicts between family members regarding who's responsibility it is to do what for the dog.
Prior to bringing your new dog home, it's good to have a clear understanding of what is involved in having a dog. One way is by making a list of items that your dog will need. In fact, make sure to buy your dog supplies in advance. Some items that you may need are:
- Food Bowl
- Water Bowl
- Leash & Collar
- Treats (Training)
- Dog Bed
- Odor/Stain Remover Cleaning Supplies
- Dog Toys
- Dog Gates
- First Aid Supplies for Dogs
Puppies are well known to enjoy having a chew of your personal items. Especially during their teething period, they will chew on anything they can get a hold of, such as your shoes. So make sure to store any items that you don't wish to smell like dog saliva or have teeth mark on them into a safe space hard to reach. This is also where dog gates come handy. You can separate certain parts of the house to keep your puppy out of places you don't want them in to keep them or your personal items safe. However, make sure that the area you've gated for your dog is also lively and & busy, otherwise your dog may feel lonely or isolated. Having dog toys prepared will also help keep your pup entertained when other family members are busy and cannot play with them.
This is where the "fun" part of owning a dog is. Potty training! Haha just kidding. However, this is one important step that you will have to go through when bringing home a new puppy. You must house train them not to use the bathroom anywhere in the house or else you might one day find a special smelly surprise in your laundry basket or elsewhere. You must also start training your dog immediately so that they can quickly learn. Make sure to purchase a high-quality potty pad that is super absorbent so that it doesn't leak and one that is easy to clean.
Having a dog also means you will need to walk you dog, and sometimes they may need to relieve themself during your walks, so having a poop bags ready is a must. One way to potty train your dog is to reward them whenever they poop in the correct spot, such as outdoors, and verbally praise them. Feeding your dog on a strict schedule can also make potty training for your a lot easier.
It may be a requirement in your country to have a dog license if you want to own a dog. Make sure to check with your local authorities to see what requirements you need to fulfill to attain the license. In addition, if you are renting, check with your landlord whether you are allowed to own a dog, as some do not allow any pets on their property. You may also consider getting your dog microchipped, in case your furry friend gets lost.
Spring is finally here, and as a dog owner, it's important to make sure your furry friend is ready for the season. With a little bit of effort, you can help your furry friend transition smoothly into the spring season.
Here are seven dog care tips to keep in mind:
