There is a reason why dogs are the most popular pet in the world. They are considered man’s best friend because they are loyal, affectionate, trainable, and are brilliant for keeping their owners company. There are also a huge variety of dog breeds, so you can find a dog that can suit your lifestyle.
However, dogs aren’t perfect and they have minds of their own. They also have needs and take some effort to train and get comfortable. So, how can you help your dog settle in and become a part of your family?
Are You Ready for a Dog?
Before you get a pet, you should really evaluate your life and whether a dog is the right fit for you. After all, a dog isn’t just an ornament that you can have in your house and do nothing with. It’s a living being, with all of the responsibilities that come with that.
Simply put, a dog will turn your life upside down. If you aren’t prepared for that to happen and you want things to stay as they are, a dog might not be a good idea. It wouldn’t be fair on the dog, because you can’t give it the time and attention it needs, and it wouldn’t be fair on you.
So, do some research and put some thought into the decision to get a dog.
Puppies Vs Adult Dogs
The next decision is whether to get a puppy or an adult dog. Puppies are, let’s face it, adorable. But you can’t deny that they’re a massive amount of work. Dogs can’t be left for too long during the day, and puppies need even more attention. They can also nip and be destructive when they’re young.
Adult dogs are often calmer and, in many cases, already housetrained and have received other basic training. You might not get as long with your dog, but most adult dogs are still trainable and you will still get a loyal companion.
Training Your Dog
Talking about training and your dog’s development, it’s important to train your dog at the right age. You can start house training a puppy at 6 weeks old (most puppies have to be at least 8-10 weeks old before leaving their mother), although they probably won’t be completely housetrained for a while after that.
However, young puppies only have a limited attention span, so you have to be patient when training them. Use treats and positive reinforcement when training your dog, especially if they’re young.
Meeting Your Dog’s Needs
One of your responsibilities is to meet all of your dog’s needs. This includes their physical needs, such as feeding your dog, keeping them hydrated, exercising them, grooming them, and taking them to the vet when they’re unwell.
But your dog also has social, emotional, and cognitive needs. Some dog toys exercise their minds as well as keeping them busy. You should also know when your dog needs space and when they want attention from you. This will keep them happy and healthy.
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