Are you a new dog owner? What exciting news! Adopting a dog for the first time can be both an exciting and overwhelming experience. Not only are you making a big decision, but you are also changing the fate of your chosen pooch. How can you make their stay a comfortable one, and what does it take to be a good dog owner?
These are often the challenges many new dog owners need to face. The good news is that you now have lots of references to rely on when it comes to your new responsibility. To help you navigate your brand-new role, here are some dos and don’ts to keep in mind:
Take your new dog to the vet early
You may be excited to go shopping for your new dog’s essentials, but one trip that you should not delay is their first trip to the vet. Make sure to shop for vets to find a reliable one who also meets your budget. This way, you can save hundreds of dollars and still provide your dog with the kind of vet care and vaccinations they need. You can even gain useful tips from your vet when it comes to pet’s temperament and more.
Don’t delay dog training
Some new dog owners feel like it is too early to train their new pets, especially if they are still puppies. But pups learn from birth. And the best time to start training a puppy is as soon as it learns how to walk or at the age of seven to eight weeks. You may be able to house-train your pooch and teach them a trick or two. But if they start developing certain behavior such as play biting, chewing, digging, growling and biting, and even separation anxiety, then a professional dog trainer in Jacksonville, Florida can help.
Recognize your dog’s good behavior
Dogs crave your attention and will attempt to catch your attention no matter what. So make sure that you pacify their needs by rewarding their good behavior. This way, they won’t resort to bad habits. You can do this by petting them and telling them they are being a good boy. Giving them treats every once in a while will also help them remember how to catch your attention positively.
Never leave your dog unattended for long
It is okay to leave your dog alone every once in a while for a couple of hours. Of course, the number of hours you can leave your pooch will depend on their age. But leaving them for longer than 12 hours is a no-no. Take your dog with you if you plan on going on a trip for a couple of days or months. If this is not possible, ask someone responsible enough to watch over your pooch, or check them in for dog boarding.
Bringing in a dog in your home for the first time can be nerve-wracking. You may feel happy and refreshed but also anxious and unsure. Remember that your dog can also feel your anxiety. If you want their stay to be a good one, then try to ease your nerves and focus on becoming a good owner. You may have lots of things to learn, but you will soon realize that your four-legged adventure will be a life-changing one.
