Adopting a dog? Lucky you! Whether you choose a loving rescue dog or a curious kitten, your dog is bound to enhance your life in endless ways. For example, research shows that dogs help us manage stress and maintain our physical health. But dog ownership can also be a lot of work. If you have any questions about getting prepared, this guide is for you.
1. What is the Right Type of Dog for Me?
It’s important to put a lot of thought into choosing your dog. First, you’ll need to consider how much time you have to interact with your animal. Dogs need a lot of attention, so you may be better off with a slightly more independent dog if you work long hours.
Another factor to include in your decision is the size of your home. Some dog breeds require a lot of room to run around and long, daily walks to meet their physical activity needs. If you’re more of a couch potato, consider adopting a low-energy dog breed or a cat. These options are better for apartment dwellers as well.
2. How Am I Going to Keep My House Clean?
It’s no secret that dogs can be dirty. Be prepared to clean up after your animal so you can keep dog hair, dander, and dirt from building up in your home. Invest in some solid tools to assist your cleaning efforts, like a quality vacuum cleaner designed specifically to eliminate dog hair and trap dander. Try to find a vacuum that has special dog-friendly features, like filters that block allergens and attachments for sucking up stubborn dog hair. Cleaning tools that are efficient and easily maneuverable will make your life a lot easier.
3. How Can I Keep My Dog Healthy?
When you adopt an animal, you become responsible for its health. Modern Wellness Guide recommends several things dog owners need to do to maintain their dog’s health:
- Give your dog plenty of physical activity
- Maintain their dental health
- Feed them the correct quantity of high-quality dog food
- Remove toxic plants from the home
- Use only green cleaners
- Ensure your dog has identification, in case they get lost
Before you adopt your dog, find a veterinarian that you like. Dogs and cats that are in good health should be examined twice a year to ensure they remain healthy. It’s also a good idea to learn about the signs of illness so you can get your dog treated for medical conditions as soon as possible.
4. How Can I Make My New Dog Feel at Home?
Dogs can be nervous for a few days in a new home, especially if they are rescues. Before you bring home your dog, introduce him to each of your family members. One of the biggest reasons for failed adoptions is conflict between children and new dogs. Talk to your children about dog safety, and ensure they know how to respect the animal.
Provide a warm welcome to your dog by giving them plenty of space. It’s best not to introduce your dog to any other strangers for the first few days as you give them a chance to acclimate. Dogs and cats can benefit from a crate or box where they can hide if they get overwhelmed—this will also help you with housetraining, if you’re adopting a puppy.
5. How Can I Bond with My Dog?
Bonding with your dog will occur naturally through your daily interactions. It’s important to be patient with dogs and keep your training consistent so they learn what you want from them. This means remaining calm when your dog has an accident or gets into trouble. According to The Bark, communicating clearly is a crucial part of developing a bond of trust and respect between you and your dog. Also, learn how to identify signs of stress in your dog so you can keep them comfortable.
One of the most important things to remember is that adopting a dog is a long-term commitment. This can make some people hesitant to bring home a dog, but after a few days with your new animal, you’ll quickly realize why dog ownership is not a burden, but a gift!
The above article is by Jessica Brody (ourbestfriends.pet)
Photo by Berkay Gumustekin on Unsplash
I am a dog lover and creator of this site. I am also the author of ‘Keep Sleeping Keep Missing- if only you knew’ (available on Amazon, Flipkart, Kobo, Google Store, etc.).
