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Pixabay.comDogs are wonderful creatures. They are playful, mischievous, and loyal. Owning and taking care of a dog might seem fun from a distance but itโs not all sunshine and rainbows. There are certain things that you have to be aware of and certain things that you have to be responsible for. You have a whole living creature under your care and you have to be able to take care of that creature. The key is to be prepared. Remember that while inviting a new dog into your house can be an exciting time, it can also be a grueling and nerve-racking experience. Here are some tips that you could use to help you along your way to becoming a great pet parent.
- Make sure that the responsibility of pet ownership is not too big for you.There are a few questions that you should ask yourself before taking the leap and bringing a dog home.โข Do you have the time and patience required to take him to his obedience training classes?โข Do you have the time to practice everything you learnt in those classes when you get back home?โข Why do you want a dog in the first place?โข Do you have the ability to care for a dog? Will you have the time to exercise him on a daily basis? Will you be able to provide him with a fresh bowl of water and food at the right times and in the right intervals?โข Will you be able to handle drool and dog hair on your clothes and furniture? Do you have the patience to clean the dog hairs from your upholstery?โข Can you be patient enough to not yell at him when he accidentally chews your favorite book?โข Are you able to obey proper leash laws while youโre walking him?โข Will you be able to spare time to find a good veterinarian and start him on a health insurance plan so that he can be healthy?โข Is there enough space in your home for your dog to run around and play comfortably?
- Do lots of researchDonโt just pick the cutest dog you see and bring him home. Do research on dog breeds and the different breeds that are more likely to have certain medical conditions. Consider whether youโll be able to deal with and take care of the dog breed that you want. Ask about your dogโs history, daily routine, and his behavior towards other people.
- Buy all the necessary supplies to welcome him home.Here are a few items that are must-haves for new dog owners:โข Collarโข Leashโข Quality dog food (carefully selected after considering his age, activity levels, and current health.)โข Identification tagsโข Dog toysโข Water and food bowls (opt for stainless steel)โข Beddingโข Disposable waste bags
As you can see, there is some preparation that you have to go through to properly welcome a new dog into your life. Do the research and be ready when he comes home.