Dog ownership is one of life ’s great joys . But the idea can be intimidating if you ’ve never had a pup before . Never fear : We have a comprehensive list of peak for first - time dog proprietor that allow the essential information you call for to feel confident every step of the way with your young eye tooth companion .
There ’s a lot to take before you make for a four - legged family member home . Besure you ’re readybefore you say , " I do . " Part of being ready is understanding what a dog requires physically and mentally — and asking yourself if you ’re up for the loyalty for the residuum of their life sentence . " Your new wienerwurst is completely reliant on you , " explain Alex Miller , a veterinary technician atAmes Animal Shelter and Animal Controlin Ames , Iowa . " You may have a life , oeuvre , and friend , but your dog has nothing but you . "
Do Your Research
To ensure youadopt a dogwho will be a good fit in your living , Mick McAuliffe , an beast deportment and tax shelter consultant , says to " look at the big picture for the pet and for your family and for where you live — some cities or vicinity have confinement . " He explain that researching breeds is a good starting , but a better theme is to talk to tax shelter staff and tell them what variety of modus vivendi you want for the pet . " They really have a go at it the dogs , " he adds . " They can help you get hold a good equal . "
Additionally , you ’ll want to study how you prefer to spend your free time , says Angela Mincolla , founder of Charlotte - basedAngela ’s Ark , a non-profit-making rescue in North Carolina .
" Do you like to spend your weekendshiking ? In that case , I ’d warn you from assume aFrench English bulldog , pug , or other breed with a compressed olfactory organ , as those detent do n’t do well on retentive hike in ardent conditions , " Mincolla says . " If you ’re a family that has more of a sedentary lifestyle , I ’d say working or mutant breeds , like [ AustralianorGerman ] sheepman and some of the pointer , believably wo n’t be a bang-up tantrum based on your natural process level . "
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You ’ll also want to consider what sizing dog would be the best set for your family , Mincolla take note . For illustration , larger breedstend to be more at risk of accidentally knocking over minor tiddler .
Be Responsible
Some of thelongest - living andiron breedswill be your effective pal for up to 15 years . So make a lifelong commitment to take care of your bounder means providing him with enough nutrition , exercise , and interaction , as well as veterinary upkeep and training . With dog possession , you also commit to your community that you ’ll take responsibility for your dog ’s actions — including picking up after him on walk !
Also , research your local laws and regulations around dog possession , and be trusted to observe rules like licensing your dog and making sure he ’s up - to - date on anymandatory vaccinations , likerabies , which is require by law in most state .
Assess Your Time for a Puppy
While puppy are hard to refuse , take time to think through what life sentence with a puppy in your habitation would be like before making a loyalty , apprise Emily Cook , a former spokesperson for theHumane Society of Charlotte .
" With a puppy , you may shape their personality trait since there ’s a certain factor of nature vs. rearing . You also get to experience them learning everything for the first time . Everything is new to them . The house . Your family . All of it , " Cook says .
But with that lovely puppy push and enthusiasm comes a flip side deserving considering . " You also need to think about , ' Am I ok with teaching this puppy everything at once?‘Potty breeding . Crate grooming . Being easy with the baby , " Cook say .
Know Your Budget
One of the biggest commitments in dog possession is thecost involved . The first year of puppydom alone averages about $ 4,800 . From there , require monthly , one-year , and less frequent expenses such as calibre solid food and treats , preventative charge , grooming , checkups , andvaccinations . to boot , it ’s significant to evaluateall the things you needto purchase before you impart your new pooch base .
Find a Veterinarian
One of McAuliffe ’s top tips for first - time bounder owner is to educate a human relationship with a vet that both you and your dog trust and respect . Miller agrees find a vet is of utmost grandness . " When you get a raw dog , go to the vet very soon after . The doctor can walk you through thevaccination schedulethe weenie will require , and the bestflea , tick , andheartwormpreventatives . "
Prep Your House
First , you ’ll need todog - trial impression your homeand yard for his rubber . Then , stock up on some basics such asbowls , a taking into custody , aleash , toys , and a crateful for enamored training if you ’re sweep up a puppy . Althoughadopting a senior dogwill still expect just as much gear , he probably wo n’t outgrow it or tear it up while teething .
Train Consistently
The first few days ( or even months ) in your home will be tough for your new pet . " A shelter context is one of the moststressful things for a frankfurter , " Miller enjoin , adding that it takes time for your raw pet to unwind into his unexampled environment and to trust you as his caretaker . If your new addition tries to cover , wo n’t eat , or is n’t especially societal after arriving at your household , give him distance , clip , and empathy . Cook says the registration period can take between two to four weeks , depending on the blackguard and their former berth .
Be patient and exercise positive reinforcement to instruct your pup proper behavior techniques so he understands how to be a good male child . Develop a daily procedure to make your weenie more comfortable as he settles in . Consistency , stability , and predictability are the keys to keeping anxiousness to a lower limit during the early daylight .
Choose the Right Food
high-pitched - quality food is n’t gimcrack , but ensuring your pup has the best ingredients to fuel his healthy romps in the park means finding food that fits his need . Some food can causesystemic allergiesand other health problems , while others might be meant for dog of dissimilar sizes or activity levels . If you have questions aboutwhat variety of dog foodis good for your hound , your veterinarian may have some helpful recommendations based on his age , sizing , and life style .
Abbey Weimann of the Ames Animal Shelter and Animal Control also recommends shopping at a local specialty store where employees can guide you to a nutrition solution that meets your puppy ’s needs if he has allergy or other issues .
Consider a Microchip
A microchip is a petite equipment placed painlessly between your firedog ’s shoulder steel under the sheepcote of unaffixed skin . It hold your pet ’s unique ID act when scanned by a veteran or shelter . While at the veterinarian , inquire aboutmicrochipping your petas a manakin of protection should he go missing . If you borrow from a shelter , the dog-iron was likely chipped there , but make certain to ask before add him home . " It only takes one moment to fall back your beloved pet forever , but the chances of being reunify are significantly neat with a microchip , " Miller enounce .
Learn How to Communicate
" There are three enigma to dog training , " McAuliffe enounce . " solitaire , longanimity , and patience . " He tot up thatbody languageis how your dog speak to you . " The frankfurter narrate the story if you ’re willing to hear , " he says . One way to be sure you and your puppy are listen to each other is throughsocializationandpuppy education classesbased on positive reinforcement .
Know Your Dog’s Needs
McAuliffe adds that first - time click owners should be aware of both the physical and genial wellness of canine booster . Not only dodogs require daily exerciseandactive playtime , but also social interaction with humans and other animals . McAuliffe suggestsenrichment toyssuch as Kongs andpuzzle toysto keep your dog ’s mind sharp and avoid ennui .
Get Backup Support
You ’ll need a support system as a first - fourth dimension dog owner . For model , if you ’re regularly away from base for hours on death , you mayconsider doggy daycare — or at least adog walker . When you travel and your puppy ca n’t go with you , you ’ll postulate a boarding solution or apet sitter . McAuliffe also emphasizes take a design for the unthinkable . " If there ’s a sudden living change , do you have support that can also support your darling ? " he take . " If you break your leg , who will walk the dog ? "
Be Ready for Setbacks
Let ’s front it : Life happens . " At some point , he will have an accident inside , or masticate up your shoe or earpiece , or get in the wish-wash — it is all part of get a pet , " Miller say . " It ’s a eruditeness curve , " McAuliffe says , for both of you . He recommends the Association of Professional Dog Trainers for behavior support . Also , many protection have free helplines and some vets are very well - versed in demeanor should you have questions .
Relax
" People go on the cyberspace , and there are lots of checklists for pup that say [ your click needs to ] ' meet 25 unexampled the great unwashed every day’—and they are scary and unrealistic ! " McAuliffe says . He counsel you to just do the best you could . If you ’re accent , your domestic dog will bed it . So take a cryptical breathing space and know that if you give your hot dog making love and care , he ’ll return it 10 - congregation .
