Bringing a new dog into your home can bring joy to the entire family. You of course want the best for your furry friend, and that includes ensuring it lives a long and happy life. If you've never owned a dog before though, you might be looking for tips or ideas for how to better take care of it. For best results, keep the following tips in mind.
Be Patient at First
When you first bring a new puppy or even an older dog home, your new friend will likely be excited about the new environment it is experiencing for the first time. You'll want to put up roadblocks to keep the dog out of certain areas and be mindful of getting your dog to go outside when nature calls, but otherwise, give your dog some time to get adjusted to the new surroundings. They will not want to settle into a daily routine right away while they are still getting used to the situation.
Set Up a Routine
Dogs that follow a set schedule are easier to manage over time. Serve your dog its meal at the same time every morning or whatever time of day you choose. If you need your dog to take a nap while you work during the day, set up an environment where the dog can do this. If you want to take the dog outside for a walk, consider doing this around the same time every day as well.
Make an Early Introduction to the Vet
To keep your pet healthy and happy, a good relationship with a local animal hospital or a professional who offers veterinary services is key. Get your dog in for an early check-up and to get your pet used to the idea of going to see the vet. Your vet may have additional tips or advice for you to keep in mind.
Consider Obedience Training
If your dog is having behavioral problems early on, consider enrolling in obedience training with a local expert. Your local vet might be a good source to put you in touch with the right people for this. Do your best to encourage obedience at home as well, and things will get better over time.
Offer Physical and Mental Stimulation
Even if you work all day, make sure your dog has a chance to run around a bit at least once a day. If the dog will be left to its own devices during part of the day, make sure there are enough toys lying around in the dog's area to keep its mind busy until its human returns from work or school.
Contact a veterinary services provider to learn more.