Dogs contribute joy, laughter, and comfort to people close to them. They can be an indispensable partner, a fitness friend, and a loyal buddy. Your responsibility to ensure a happy furry friend starts when you want to be a parent to one. Here are seven tips that can help you develop into a dependable, responsible, and caring dog owner.
1. Start Training Early
Getting started is rather simple. Introduce one or two basic commands like “sit,” “stay,” “come,” and “no.” These commands are very useful in our everyday lives, they can be the saving grace of your pet in case of danger. The most effective way for a pet to learn is by rewarding them with yummy food or interesting toys. The concept is known as positive reinforcement.
If your dog fails to perform well, do not shout, scream or hit. These behaviors most likely scare them. Instead, award a good act with a treat and give it time to master the task. Dog training from a professional is also a great way for your dog to learn faster. This is good if you are dealing with a fearful or anxious dog. You also need to know the meaning of their body language to better understand your dog.
2. Find a Good Veterinarian
An immediate visit to the vet is mandatory. A thorough inspection will prevent the growth of worms, help your dog be healthy, and ensure that the vaccines are given on time. The vet may also brush for any parasites, abnormalities in the skin, or other hidden issues.
Don’t forget to bring any health history provided by the shelter or breeder so that you can continue all health care. If your new family member has not been spayed or neutered, be prepared to discuss it with your provider, as this is a critical conversation benefiting health and behavior. You can even ask questions about diet, exercise, and any other concerns about the breed.
3. Socialize Your Dog Early
Socializing lets your dog feel comfortable amidst people, animals, and new places. If your dog is fearful or anxious, engage a little at a time. Use treats and praise to create a fun atmosphere for new encounters.
4. Feed Them a Healthy and Balanced Diet
Proper nutrition makes the dog strong, physically active, and healthy. Go for the kibbles that are made for your pet. Puppies need different nutrients than adults or older dogs, so they should be given the specific type of food appropriate for their age.
Try to give your dog a diet that is as natural as possible. If in doubt about an item that could be harmful, get verification from a vet. Make sure your dog always has access to clean and fresh water throughout the day.
5. Be Patient and Consistent
Bringing up a dog requires time, love, and discipline. There will likely be challenging days. A dog could have accidents in the house, chew your shoes, or fail to follow commands, but these things are a natural part of the learning process.
Ensure you follow a routine. Dogs feel safer when they know what to expect. Feed, walk, and train at the same time every day. This will help them know when to expect activities and make them feel more relaxed.
6. Groom Your Dog Regularly
Routine grooming makes the dog clean and feel relaxed. It depends on the dog species and its coat type as to how often the dog should be groomed. Grooming, as a result of brushing, can aid in removing hair that has shed, preventing tangling, and making your dog’s skin tone. Bathing needs to be done if your dog becomes dirty or if they smell.
Make sure to use dog shampoo and not yours. Dry your dog thoroughly after a bath to avoid skin-related problems. Toenail clipping, ear cleaning, and tooth brushing should also be done regularly. Long and sharp nails can hinder a dog’s walking or cause pain.
7. Learn About Your Dog’s Body Language
Observing is a good way to tell their mood and needs. Understanding a dog’s body language is even more meaningful for newly introduced pet owners since it helps create trust and appropriate cheerful responses towards your dog.
In learning these signs, recognize when your dog is stressed, scared, alert, or relaxed. For example, comfort your dog if it looks shaken in certain situations, such as meeting new people or facing loud noises. By doing so, you can secure your dog and acknowledge the support you know. Over time, you will have a great ability to understand your dog’s feelings and grow the bond on even stronger grounds.
Endnote
Getting a dog is a big milestone for you and your family and marks the beginning of a new chapter with your furry friend. Dogs bring joy, laughter, and even a sense of purpose to daily routines. Whether it’s cheerful walking exercise, quiet cuddling moments, or teaching new tricks, there is no doubt that being a dog owner is one of the best life-changing and most satisfying experiences.