Adding a new dog or puppy to the household can be an exciting experience. Most dog owners love their pets. Dogs can help guard the homes of their owners, and they can help the blind navigate the world.
Many dogs serve as companions that can help those who suffer from loneliness, anxiety, and depression. A loyal dog will love its owner unconditionally, providing them with a sense of camaraderie that can be hard to match. Dogs can also provide owners with a sense of purpose. A dog that loves its owner may motivate them to get up every morning in order to feed and take care of their pet.
However, dogs do involve upkeep. If you are planning on becoming a new dog owner, then there are a few things that you should know before you visit your local pet store or buying a new dog house kennel.
Benefits of Having a Pet Dog
Dogs can help you stay active. When your dog goes on walks, you will also tag along, which may help you get a workout in the process. You may also experience blissful joy by playing with your dog everyday.
Many dog owners report feeling love, affection, and respect from their dogs after they have fed them. Some people simply enjoy looking at their cute and adorable puppies, as doing so helps release endorphins like oxytocin.
In fact, some studies have found that dog owners have lower triglyceride (serum cholesterol) and cholesterol levels when compared to people who do not own pets. Having a dog may, therefore, reduce your risk of developing heart disease in the future.
Many dog owners also feel more confident after having purchased a dog. For instance, dogs can protect their owners and their most valuable assets, which may provide dog owners with a sense of comfort and security.
Things Every New Dog Owner Should Know
At the very least, you should meet the basic needs of your dog in order to keep it alive. Its basic needs include social interaction, physical care, and adequate shelter to keep it warm and dry.
Your dog will also require proper nutrition in order to grow and thrive in a normal manner. A balanced and nutritious diet and plenty of exercise and fresh air will ensure that your dog is healthy and happy.
You must learn how to handle your new dog before it arrives home. Ensure that it is properly trained so that it does not urinate or defecate in the home. Your dog must be taught obedience and discipline so that it does not tear the house apart.
You will also need to find a veterinarian. Your dog should be seen by a local vet on a regular basis to ensure that it is in optimal physical and mental health. While regular checkups are important, the dog care veterinary that you choose must be superb. Check online reviews and/or ask for referrals from trusted friends and family to ensure that your dog receives the best care possible.
You will need to get dog supplies. Your dog requires all sorts of interesting and important things once it has arrived at your door. Examples include crates, leashes, beds, pet utensils, collars, dog toys, and more. You can find plenty of online resources like online dog store that will suggest specific supplies depending on your dog’s age and breed.
You will also need to choose the right dog food. First, you must learn the basics of canine nutrition. Once you have the fundamentals down, you need to prepare a diet that best suits the unique needs of your growing dog. As a new fur parent, you should know that a canine’s digestive system is unlike yours. Most human foods contain too much fat and sodium that are difficult for your furry baby to digest. Worse, it can lead to severe conditions like pancreatitis and kidney disease. One way to protect your pooch against these life-threatening illnesses is by feeding them vet-approved, freshly-made dog food.
Dog training is essential for your puppy at a young age. As your dog must be adequately trained so that it does not learn and hang onto bad or maladaptive habits and behaviours.
You should pay attention to health issues as well. Some common health issues that dogs face include heartworm, ear infections, diarrhea, fleas, and ticks. Taking tick medication helps treat ticks, which will greatly relieve the suffering of your dog. Ticks and fleas can also jump onto you, so you can kill two birds with one stone by giving your dog tick medication.
Does it take too long for a dog to attach to its new owner?
In order for your dog to form a bond with you, it must first learn to trust you. Puppies will also bond quicker than their older counterparts. If you want your new dog to quickly bond with you, then you will need to provide a happy and safe environment for it.
Once a dog feels safe and loved by its owner, it will form a strong attachment with them. Essentially, give and you shall receive.
Closing Thoughts
As can be seen, there is a lot of work and planning that is involved in bringing home a dog. Some people buy dogs because they think that they are cute, but they do not realize that taking care of one involves a lot of work.
Many dogs are abused by owners who are unable or unwilling to take care of them. Older dogs in particular may have had bad experiences in the past that may make it hard for them to trust humans.
The age and breed of your dog may also have an impact on how quickly they bond with you. It is important to learn about different pit bull breeds and crossbreeds in order to find a dog that caters to your unique needs and budget.
Many dog owners crash under the pressure of taking care of another living and breathing creature. They may become frustrated, and may give up their new pet for adoption after just a few months.
If you don’t want to become a frustrated and overwhelmed pet owner, then it is recommended that you perform the necessary due diligence in order to determine if you are mentally, physically, and financially ready to own a new dog or any other pet for that matter.
Athour Bio:
Devon Graham is a blogger in Toronto. He graduated with honours from the University of British Columbia with a dual degree in Business Administration and Creative Writing. Devon Graham is a community manager for small businesses across Canada. He also likes to research various topics related to pets, food, storage solutions and business solutions.
