First-Time Dog Owner? 6 Best Things You Can Do For Your Pooch

When you see someone else with a dog, you might think it's pretty easy. But when you bring home your first dog the enormity of your decision becomes very real. But as my mother always says, when you eat an elephant eat one piece at a time. Here are 6 things you can do to make your puppy's transition seamless.

Make the vet your friend. One of the best things you can do is take your dog to a veterinarian. This person should be a good fit for your pooch and you. Trying to pick a vet randomly is probably the least effective way to approach your search.

Word of mouth recommendations from friends, family, and/or co-workers are a much more reliable way to decide. Once the veterinarian knows that they have been recommended by existing clients, it's often a win-win situation for everyone involved.

Have a comfortable space ready. Once you know the exact date of arrival, create the space you want your pet to be able to call its own. If you are adopting a puppy, consider crate training. While this enclosed space may seem limiting to you, it gives a puppy a feeling of security and often helps house training happen easier, and faster.

If you are adopting an older friend, creating a small area with a special blanket, bed, and toys can make the transition to a new home easier.

Establish a schedule. Most pets like a routine. Decide when and where in the house your pet will eat. Decide whether his meals will happen before, after, or with yours. Set dates for giving heartworm medication, and flea and tick preventative. If your pooch needs medications on a regular basis be sure to stay consistent with when and where it is done. Once your pet knows what to expect, it will often remind you if you forget.

Sign up for training. If you are a newbie training will not only be good for your pooch, but for you as well. Your veterinarian and friends with dogs are excellent resources for the best places to go. Socializing your dog is vital if it is to become comfortable around people and other dogs.

Attending these classes will open up a whole new world for you and give you exposure to others who can give you lots of advice and recommendations for services and products that you will need. But best of all, understanding the leadership that your dog needs from you and being able to provide it will be the start of a deep and lasting bond. You'll be amazed.

Provide opportunities to exercise. Depending on your life style you may be able to do this with your dog. Your canine companion will cherish a daily walk, or swim, retrieving the Frisbee or ball. But if your schedule does not allow this, an outside area where your pooch can safely entertain itself by chasing birds, squirrels, or toys that you've bought is essential.

A fence and dog door will give your dog the freedom to come and go as it pleases without you having to do a thing. This also means that you don't have to get home by a certain time each day to avoid accidents (by your pet).

Give of yourself. Dogs that make great pets are social creatures. They want to be a part of your life. And once you let them in, there is no greater friend to have. So spend quality time every day interacting one-on-one with your pet. Train them to sit, or stay and reward them with love and affection. Their eyes will shine, and you will find that they will do anything for you and you for them. I have found that the really tough part about this whole relationship will be to actually become the person they think you are.

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