Welcoming a new dog into your home is exciting for you and everyone in your household. Making sure that everyone is on the same page about feeding, training, and playtime is important. If multiple people will be taking care of the new dog, then consistency is essential. Having important discussions in the early days of deciding to get a dog (and then physically getting the dog) will be beneficial to you.
Taking It Slowly – Don’t Rush
Even though dogs are exciting, cute, and fun to be around, it does not mean that you should be full-on, loud, and excited all of the time (especially when they are settling in). When a new dog comes into your home (of any age), it will be nervous, it will be scared, and it will be unsure. Giving your dog a chance to adjust and take in everything new is important. Trying to rush introductions and training may backfire on you, and it may also affect the bond and relationship that you form with your dog.
Find A Local Vets Practice
You will need to register at a vet’s practice as soon as you take ownership of a dog. Getting regular and annual checkups is something you will do as a dog owner, and to ensure your dog is getting the best treatment, you want to register at the best vets in your area. When you are finding the best vets in your area, you need to make sure that your search is specific. For example, if you are on the lookout for vets in Winter Garden then search for this. When you are specific with search criteria, you will get better results. To narrow down a shortlist for vet practices, you must weigh up the pros and the cons that each practice has to offer. Cost alone should not be a deciding factor. It should be one of several factors, including (but not limited to) location, reputation, reviews, fairness, openness, and honesty.
Think About Training
How much training do you want to do with your dog (if any)? Toilet training is a must, but do you want to teach them to shake hands, roll over and lie down – is this necessary for you and for them. Or, would you prefer to train them to listen to you (focusing heavily on recall)? When it comes to training, you must think about your needs and your dog’s needs too. Too much training can be boring for a dog, and too little can result in boredom and destructive behavior.
Nailing Sleeping Arrangements
Where is your new dog going to sleep (on a permanent basis)? Are they going to sleep at the bottom of your bed, perhaps on the sofa? Or are they going to have their own space and bed? When you create sleeping arrangements for your dog, you then provide them will all-important consistency. Without consistency, your dog may struggle to decompress and enjoy living with you and your family.
