As a first-time dog owner, things can be a bit intimidating. It can feel like you’re the only person in the world who doesn’t have answers to basic problems and situations. But that’s simply not true. There are plenty of people in the same situation. By approaching your new status as a dog owner like a badge of honor – rather than an embarrassing strike against you – you can learn quickly and become the best possible friend to your furry friend that you can possibly be.
5 Tips for New Dog Owners
Owning a dog is a big responsibility. And while they’re fairly resilient creatures, there are a few things you should know in order to keep them safe, happy, and healthy. Let’s take a look:
Start Training Right Away
Don’t wait to begin training your puppy. Their high energy and mischievous behavior might be cute right now, but it won’t be something you’re fond of as they get bigger. The best time to train a puppy to make smart decisions is now, when they’re still impressionable and haven’t become set in their ways.
When training, begin with the basics. This means training them to sit, stay, and walk properly (not pulling you or lagging behind – walking directly alongside you). Housetraining is obviously another urgent matter. If you’re looking for more specifics on this topic, here’s a good guide.
Get the Proper Dog Food
Before you go reaching for the cheapest or most convenient bag of dog food on the supermarket shelves, take some time to research your dog’s breed, size, and nutritional needs. Here are Superfood Complete reviews this will help you choose the right food for your dog. While your dog will probably eat anything – leading you to believe any food is fine – there are some different factors to consider.
When your dog is still a puppy, feed it a special puppy blend. These are specially formulated with the appropriate levels of protein, calcium, and calories to nurture healthy growth. After they cross the one-year mark, you can transition them to a more carb-heavy diet. (Adult dogs usually need at least 18 percent of their daily calories to be protein, 5.5 percent to come from fat, and up to 50 percent as carbohydrates.)
Senior dogs (six to 10 years old), may benefit from a lower calorie food option that includes more nutrients that support gastrointestinal and joint health. A blend rich in omega-3 fatty acids and glucosamine is good.
By the Right Collar and Leash
Much like food, you shouldn’t reach for the trendiest or cutest dog collar and leash you find at the pet store. You need to make sure it’s the right kind.
For starters, think about the dog’s size and build. When walking, you need a sturdy leash that allows you to control your dog at a distance of four to six feet. As for the collar, there are a multitude of options to consider. This includes whether you want a hardness or standard collar, lights and reflection, and the proper material (leather, nylon, neoprene, etc.).
Get Daily Exercise
Armed with the right collar and leash, it’s time to think about exercise. Regular exercise is important for every dog, but is especially necessary for puppies who are full of energy and excitement.
As Hill’s Pet explains, “Exercise is not just essential to your dog’s mental and physical well-being, it also helps you form a strong bond that continues throughout their life. Just as regular exercise is important for your health and happiness, the same is true for your puppy.”
Regular exercise – which means two to three walks per day for puppies – prevents obesity, strengthens cardiovascular health, promotes housetraining, reduces behavioral problems, enhances their agility, and increases socialization with other people and dogs.
Establish Routines
Just like people, dogs thrive on routines. And while you want your pup to be somewhat flexible, getting them used to when they wake up, go outside, eat, play, and go for a walk can lead to a more relaxed and stable dog.
The only way to establish a routine is by, well, making it a routine. It can take a couple of weeks, but repetition eventually leads to the formation of a predictable routine in your dog’s mind. This makes life much easier for you.
Putting it All Together
You’re going to be a great dog owner. While there’s definitely a learning curve, that’s true for every dog owner anytime they get a new pup. Like people, each dog is unique and has its own quirks, personality, strengths, and weaknesses.
It’s up to you to learn who your dog is and to work with them to ensure they’re happy and healthy in their own fur. Good luck!
