There’s no doubt that being a first-time dog owner is one of the most exciting times in your life but it can also be pretty stressful! If you want to get things off to a good start for you and your pup, be sure to prepare in advance. For inspiration, take a look at these four tips for first-time dog owners and get ready to welcome your new addition to the family:
First-Time Dog Owner Tips
1. Agree on the Ground Rules
Dogs need clear boundaries and rules, so make sure you know what they are before your dog arrives! If you live with a partner, family, or kids, it’s important to ensure that you’re all on the same page when it comes to what your dog is and isn’t allowed to do.
If different members of the family allow the dog to break the rules, your pup will get confused in no time. By enforcing the same rules throughout the household, you can encourage good behavior from the get-go.
2. Create a Quiet Place for Your Dog
Although young dogs are lively and active, they do tend to tire quickly. They need a considerable amount of sleep throughout the day. If your dog gets overexcited, it can contribute to unwanted behavior. It’s vital that they’ve got somewhere quiet and calm to relax.
Many times a first-time dog owner will choose to crate train their pets for this reason. If you’re going to use a crate, make sure your dog has access to a comfy blanket and water and leave them to rest when they go into their crate voluntarily.
3. Go to Training School
As soon as you know when your dog will be arriving, start looking for dog training classes and get yourself and your pup signed up. It can be tricky for any dog owner to understand their pet’s behavior and needs. It’s especially hard for first-time owners. With professional dog training, however, you can train your dog to behave well and prevent unwanted habits from becoming the norm.
Attending training classes also gives your dog the opportunity to socialize with other animals. This is particularly important as you don’t want your pup to be scared or aggressive when you meet other dogs in the future.
4. Introduce Them to Different Things
If you’re getting a puppy, you’ll need to wait until they’ve had their jabs before you can take them out and about. As soon as you’re able to do this, however, be sure to introduce your dog to a variety of different people, animals, situations, and surroundings. The more your dog gets used to new things, the less likely they are to show signs of anxiety or stress in the future, which will make life easier for you and them.
Getting Ready to be a First-Time Dog Owner
There’s a lot to do when you’re preparing to become a first-time dog owner. Try to plan ahead and make sure you’ve got all the essentials you’ll need. This will give you peace of mind that you’re ready to give your dog a great home and help you to enjoy the first few weeks with your new member of the family!