There are a lot of things we have discovered since we brought our first dog into our lives. Now that we have added a second dog into our home, we’ve discovered even more tips, some of which, we wish we knew before welcoming them home.
You may do your homework and learn as much as you can about dogs and the breed you’re considering, such as taking your dog out for daily walks, providing a comfortable place to sleep, and getting them a few toys to keep them entertained.
You may understand that dogs require regular vet checkups and that dental hygiene is as important for dogs as it is for us humans. But there are some issues that make any list of the top first dog owner regrets; things that catch many new pet parents by surprise.
Here are some tips most dog lovers wish they’d known before geting their first dog, which I believe would be particularly beneficial to new dog owners. But whether you own a puppy, an older dog, or a senior dog, you may find one or two of these ideas helpful to you and it is never too late to learn and make the necessary changes.
1. Doing your research before choosing a breed is more important than you think
When getting a new puppy, people often consider the breed’s size, coat, and temperament. The dog’s breed usually takes the back seat.
Some people want a spotted dog like the Dalmatian while others are more interested in an intelligent dog like the Border Collie. However, each breed has certain requirements that are vital to take into account.
You should not select a dog breed just because of its looks or because you’re familiar with a certain trait you love. The first thing you should do when looking for a new dog is to research the breed to ensure it suits your personality and lifestyle.
If you enjoy being active, you want to get a dog breed that is also active, like a Border Collie or a Cocker Spaniel. If you like relaxing more, it’s a good idea to get a low-energy breed for couch potato owners such as Great Danes, French Bulldogs, Greyhounds, Deerhound, Whippets, Basset Hounds, Saint Bernards, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Pekingese, or even pint-sized canine friends like Pugs.
A person who enjoys hiking up the mountains from time to time is not the same as one who loves to spend all his time at home. Some people may be tempted to get a breed like a French Bulldog or a Belgian Malinois because they are very popular at the moment withot considering the amount of exercise they need to thrive.
Also, every breed of dog comes with its own comon health issues and the risk of your dog developing them will depend on variables such as genetics, diet, and lifestyle. You need to familiarize yourelf with the health problems your favorite breed is prone to before getting a puppy.
2. The puppy stage is challenging
Puppyhood is one of the most dificult periods of dog ownership. And even if you get a properly trained adolescent or adult dog, chances are you will experience some difficult moments as you try to adapt to your new lifestyle together.
From the first day welcoming your puppy home to the few days together adapting to their new environment, you’ll see your new pet trying to test your patience like all young puppies do, and you may be left wondering what you have gotten yourself into.
However, this is a period like any other and it will definitely pass. Over time, they will master potty training, they will sleep throughout the night, and their extra-sharp puppy teeth will finally fall out.
3. Prepare for dog adolescence (Yes, there’s such a thing)
Dog adolescence is a long stage that starts in small breeds at around 4 months and in large dogs at about 6 months. Just as you are hoping your puppy will calm down after their training, adolescence kicks in.
Your adolescent dog will challenge you, ignore your instructions, try to show their dominant side among other canines, and obviously have a special interest in the opposite sex.
As with adolescence in humans, managing dog adolescence requires a lot of patience and it will only come to an end with time. Just remember that the adolescence stage can also be confusing for the dog as they grow and develop with changing routines and rules.
4. Prepare to spend a fortune on your new pet
Dog ownership is expensive and routine vet bills can accumulate significantly. And if you intend to have your puppy neutered or spayed, expect to spend even more (the procedure might not even be covered by pet insurance).
In addition to pet care, you have to prepare for other expenses such as pet sitting and daycare. If you spend most of your day away from home and don't want to leave your dog alone, you might have to consider a dog walker, or a daycare to keep your dog active and socialized while you’re away.
If you love adventure and traveling, make sure to consider a pet sitter or a kennel. Depending on current rates, leaving your dog with them even for a short period can put a significant dent in your wallet.
5. Your dog will require ongoing training
A common mistake first time dog owners make is neglecting ongoing training. Once their dog has mastered basic commands like sit, come, and stay, they think they are done with training. After some time as a dog owner, however, they come to realize that training should be an ongoing process. Like us humans, dogs are ever-changing depedinng on their experinces and as they cahnge in personality, their training should evolve as well.
Your dog might become shy or cautious after an encounter with another more aggressive dog and to regain control and help them feel safe and calm during such encounters, you have to reconsider your training approach.
Your dog might develop a new trait, have a life-changing injury, or face a challenge that alters their disposition. As a responsible pet parent, you have to recognise these signs and take steps to respond appropriately.
Training should extend beyond basic commands like sit, stay, and down, so learn about other commands you can teach your pup in addition to these. It's easier when you begin training at an early stage. Training commands will help your dog understand you better and keep them out of trouble outdoors.
When planning to become a new dog owner, it’s also important to learn how to potty train your dog. You also want to consider separation training to help keep your pooch comfortable and happy when you're away. Leaving your pup alone in a safe room, with their favorite treats and toys can help create a positive experience.
6. Proper Socialization Matters
Another important tip for first time dog owners is ensuring their new pet is well socialized from the time they are brought home.
Socialising your canine friend with other dogs and pets is an excellent way to enforce behavuoral rules and can help your dog behave priperly when they come across other animals. You can socialize your puppy by scheduling supervised play dates with a trusted neighbor’s dog or visiting a nearby dog park on a regular basis.
It's also vital to socialize your dog with children and strangers to help support them in developing dog behavior around kids and other people and ensure there are no unpleasant surprises when taking them out on daily walks.
7. A high-quality vacuum is esential
If you’re planning to get a dog that sheds a lot, a premier quality pet vacuum is a must-have. For many novice owners, the overall dog clean-up needs come as a surprise.
From loose pet hair spreading around the house and almost everywhere else to dirt that accumulates in seemingly hidden spaces, you may have to do more cleaning than you're used to in order to keep your house clean and smelling fresh.
To save your time (probably keep you sane), we recommend getting a nice vacuum.
8. The dog food world is vastly varied
The variety of dog food, treats and supplements keeps on increasing. Some manufacturers claim to offer natural and hypoallergenic options while others promote their products are monoproteic or low in grain. The number of dog food options in the market can be overwhelming, especially for new dog owners.
Remember, dogs are naturally carnivores, so their normal diet should contain lean proteins, but they can also benefit from consuming other foods including fruits and veggies as they are good sources of fiber, essential vitamins, and minerals.
As such, there are many different diets for dogs, including grain-free diets. The best diets for dogs contain little to no grains or cereals because many pets do not tolerate them.
9. Choose treats carefully and feed them in moderation
A good way to show love for your dog is by providing them with high quality dog food and giving them some treats. However, what many first time dog owners come to discover from raising their pets is that loving a dog does not imply giving them everything they want.
Table scraps may be unhealthy and free feeding can cause health problems such as pancreatitis and obesity. High-sugar fruits and starchy foods can exacerbate yeast infections.
You'll also find many unhealthy treats for dogs that are packed with filler ingredients, salt, cabs, coloring, flavoring, and preservatives.
To be on the safe side, pick high-quality dog treats with one or a few ingredients and manufactured in reputable facilities. See beyond the enticing product labels and read the ingredients list.
Since obesity is a growing problem among pets, always feed treats in moderation. You can give them two to three treats on a normal day or even none, especially if you're concerned about obesity.
10. It’s important to set a daily routine
Dogs are animals of habit and can benefit greatily from folowing a consistent routine. An regular routine can promote good behavor and reduce stress.
Whether you’re getting a new puppy or adopting an older dog, a shedule and rutine can help your poch get used to his new home. This can make your dog feel comfortble, saffe and secure, and reduce anxiety, which ultimately encourages the develpement of good behavor.
A regular feeding shedule is important for your dog’s behavior and health. In addition to providing adequate calories and nutrition, consistent feeding prevents them from seekin out altaenative souces of food like the garbage bin.
Eatablsing rest time and playtme can help them look foward to such times and know what to expect.
11. Mental Stimulation is extremely important
When people welcome a new puppy into a home, it is generally understood that they will want to be engaged in walks. However, many first time owners forget that a puppy needs much more than that; dogs need food, play, rest, exploration, safety, and social contact.
The best thing about taking dogs for a walk everyday is that it covers most of these areas, including exploration, play, social contact, and even searching for sources of food.
However, it’s also extremely important to have mentally stimulating activities in place, especially for young puppies and intelligent, high-energy dogs that get excited on walks. These can vary significantly and can include sniffing games and playing with interactive dog toys.
It’s important to note that mentqal stumuation is always required in puppies, adult dogs and senior dogs. Mental stumilation in puppies helps them explore and learn more about the world around them while in adult and senior dogs, it helps prevent destructive behaviors and assists in slowing down aging in dogs.
12. Your life will change forever
Get ready to experience all the feelings: joy, happiness, frustration, stress, anxiety, laughter, affection, safety, and more importantly, unconditional love. Your life will never be the same again!
Are you raising a dog? What have they taught you? Let’s know in the comments.
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