For those who have never had a pet before but are interested in becoming the owners of a cuddly canine, there is much to know and do prior to bringing home your new companion. Owning a pet can be one of the best things you will ever do, but there are definitely times when it can be tough. Here are some tips for the beginner.
Take a look around your yard and look for hazardous areas, holes in fencing, poisonous plants and other areas of concern. Decide where in your yard is the best place for your dog to go to the bathroom. Housebreaking is easier if you already have a designated outdoor spot for your pet. Keep in mind that even a rescue dog will need some housebreaking, as these dogs are often a bit nervous and unsure about their new home and must learn the rules of the house. So even if the rescue organization says the dog is house-trained, your pet probably will need a few days or weeks to truly adjust.
It is also wise to consider a special place for your pet in the house. Often, you can purchase a dog crate and keep this crate in the laundry room or another convenient space. This can be where you keep the dog when you are potty training and crate training and also where your dog can stay while you are not at home. You will need a crate that is big enough for the dog to turn around in, but not much bigger than that. Place a soft crate mat at the bottom of the crate for comfort.
You baby proof for a baby and you need to doggy proof for your new animal companion. While this is especially true for a puppy, older dogs also might need a little dog proofing as well. Keep the kids' toys and other belongings put away because dogs, especially puppies, tend to chew on items, especially at the beginning when they are still nervous and unsure. Keep closets closed and close the doors of rooms where you don't want the dog to go. Take stock of your houseplants, as well, as some plants are quite poisonous to animals, and your new dog might be tempted to enjoy a little snack.
While the pet store is filled with adorable toys and fun doggie gear, during the first few weeks, you don't need to go wild buying cute stuff. You just need dishes for the food and water, a proper collar with identification tags and a good quality leash. The crate is another good purchase to consider, and it's not a bad idea to get a doggie bag holder to use when you go on walks. If you wish to have your dog sleep in a specific spot at night other than the crate, you might consider purchasing a dog bed, although a blanket also can work at first.
Another item that is a great purchase is a dog training program, such as dog training DVDs. You need to begin obedience training very quickly after your dog arrives at your home. Your dog not only will be more comfortable when he knows what to expect, you will all be happier with your new pet. Irksome problems such as scratching, chewing, barking and obedience issues are a huge reason why dogs end up in shelters. With just a few weeks of patient training using a dog training program such as The Dog's Way, you will have a wonderful, obedient dog that is a pleasure to own. An obedient dog is an excellent companion that you will enjoy for many years.
Take a look around your yard and look for hazardous areas, holes in fencing, poisonous plants and other areas of concern. Decide where in your yard is the best place for your dog to go to the bathroom. Housebreaking is easier if you already have a designated outdoor spot for your pet. Keep in mind that even a rescue dog will need some housebreaking, as these dogs are often a bit nervous and unsure about their new home and must learn the rules of the house. So even if the rescue organization says the dog is house-trained, your pet probably will need a few days or weeks to truly adjust.
It is also wise to consider a special place for your pet in the house. Often, you can purchase a dog crate and keep this crate in the laundry room or another convenient space. This can be where you keep the dog when you are potty training and crate training and also where your dog can stay while you are not at home. You will need a crate that is big enough for the dog to turn around in, but not much bigger than that. Place a soft crate mat at the bottom of the crate for comfort.
You baby proof for a baby and you need to doggy proof for your new animal companion. While this is especially true for a puppy, older dogs also might need a little dog proofing as well. Keep the kids' toys and other belongings put away because dogs, especially puppies, tend to chew on items, especially at the beginning when they are still nervous and unsure. Keep closets closed and close the doors of rooms where you don't want the dog to go. Take stock of your houseplants, as well, as some plants are quite poisonous to animals, and your new dog might be tempted to enjoy a little snack.
While the pet store is filled with adorable toys and fun doggie gear, during the first few weeks, you don't need to go wild buying cute stuff. You just need dishes for the food and water, a proper collar with identification tags and a good quality leash. The crate is another good purchase to consider, and it's not a bad idea to get a doggie bag holder to use when you go on walks. If you wish to have your dog sleep in a specific spot at night other than the crate, you might consider purchasing a dog bed, although a blanket also can work at first.
Another item that is a great purchase is a dog training program, such as dog training DVDs. You need to begin obedience training very quickly after your dog arrives at your home. Your dog not only will be more comfortable when he knows what to expect, you will all be happier with your new pet. Irksome problems such as scratching, chewing, barking and obedience issues are a huge reason why dogs end up in shelters. With just a few weeks of patient training using a dog training program such as The Dog's Way, you will have a wonderful, obedient dog that is a pleasure to own. An obedient dog is an excellent companion that you will enjoy for many years.
About the Author:
Garrett McMahan likes watching dog show. For more information about how to train a dog on a leash, or to find dog training DVD online, please check out the TheDogsWay.com website now.
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