Getting your first puppy is an exciting time! Many dog owners won’t forget the first time they were able to bring home their bundle of joy.
However, as exhilarating as this may be, it’s important to note that taking care of a dog can be a huge responsibility as well. If you’re planning to get a furry friend, read on as we discuss how you can get prepared.
Getting Approval
Before we discuss the essentials of dog ownership, the first thing that you should take care of is getting approval. And no, this doesn’t only apply to kids asking their parents if they can get a puppy.
If you’re an adult living with other people, it’s basic courtesy to let other people in the house know that you’re planning to get a dog. You’ll never know, one of your housemates may have an allergy to dog fur.
If you’re renting, you should also ask your landlord if pets are allowed to avoid any breach in rental agreements or homeowner insurance policies.
Gaining approval is the first important step when bringing home a dog, as you wouldn’t want to get all excited only to find out that you can’t keep it for whatever reason.
Prepare Your Pup’s Living Environment
If you want to give your new family member a pleasant and comfortable experience, make sure to prepare your home to accommodate it.
Just as you would child-proof your home when you’re expecting a baby, you should also puppy-proof your home and yard. Keep in mind that dogs are ever curious about the world around it.
Anticipate that it would gnaw on electrical cords, shoes, remote controls, furniture, or anything that gets within its reach. So if you want to spare yourself from the stress and hassle of having to take your new dog to the vet because it accidentally chewed on something bad, or having to buy new household items because your pet destroyed what you have, you definitely need to prepare your home.
You might want to consider adding gates or doggy doors for easy access for your pet. If you have a yard, you need to double or triple check your fence to make sure that there are no potential escape areas that can get your dog lost.
Also, be mindful of the plants that you have in your garden. Do you have something that is potentially poisonous to your dog?
Prepare the Basic Pet Supplies
Below are some of the essential pet supplies that you should get in preparation for having a dog in your home:
- Food, including treats
- Bowls for food and water
- Leash
- Collar
- Bed
- Crates
- Harness
- ID tags
- Brush
- Stuffed toys and chew toys
- Potty pads
- Play pen
Find the Best Veterinarian and Dog Groomer
When you get a new dog, it will need vaccinations, booster shots, deworming, and check-ups to ensure it’s at optimal health. So before taking it home with you, make sure that you’ve done your homework and have already found a reliable veterinarian that you can trust.
Aside from finding the best vet, you should also find the best dog groomer in your area for safe routine grooming sessions, flea and tick medication, and clipping of nails.
Dog Training Classes
One of the most common mistakes of first-time dog owners is that they don’t start training immediately. However, if you want to have a pleasant relationship with your dog and establish mutual trust, it’s important to get your dog to socialize and take obedience training as soon as possible.
The younger the pup, the easier it is to teach proper behaviors, important skills, basic commands, and cool tricks. If you opt for home training your pup to strengthen your bond or save money, that’s fine. However, it’s important that you’re prepared to dedicate your time, effort, and patience as it is not as easy as it seems.
What smart dog owners usually do is enroll their pup to dog training classes and then work with their pets at home to keep practicing the skills and commands. Keep in mind that only with constant practice will your dog be able to absorb and perfect the obedience commands.
If you’re looking for expert dog trainers that only use humane and effective training methods that center around positive reinforcement, you might want to check out Delaware K9 Academy. From two-week bootcamps to more focused private lessons and puppy training, they can offer something that best suits your needs and preferences.
Final Thoughts
Being a first-time dog owner poses a whole new challenge. However, despite the extra preparation and additional costs involved, it definitely is a rewarding experience.
Taking care of a dog is no easy (or cheap) feat. Things like high-quality dog food and treats, vet visits, and even pet toys come with hefty price tags. Prepare to shell out some big bucks for your pup’s well-being.
So if you’re planning to get a dog, make sure to follow the tips shared in this article, as they will make the process much more simpler.
