Getting The Basics Right: What You Need To Consider When You Get A Puppy

There is so much you need to think about when you decide and make the commitment to get a pet dog. In theory, this is an additional member of your family unit. Whether you have children or not, they are part of your family, and so you do need to ensure that they are treated this way. It is a big commitment to make. One that requires your love, devotion and attention. 

A puppy especially can be quite demanding, as everything is going to fall on your shoulders in terms of what they learn and their level of care. There are many things you need to be considering now that you are a puppy owner, here are some of the things to think about to help you get started on this new journey.

 

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Think about the level of activity they are going to get

When you first bring your puppy home, the last thing you are probably thinking about is the level of activity they are going to get when it comes to dog walks and such. However, it is only a matter of weeks before your puppy will be allowed out of your home, so it is definitely worth thinking about.

You may want to think about booking puppy training to help you with the basics and start off on the right foot. In terms of walking, they may likely won’t be up to long walks in the fields or hills, so working out a route close to home to build up the stamina will be a good place to start. 

Are they left alone for too long?

The next thing to think about would be how often and for how long they are or are going to be left alone for. Puppy's need love and attention, and will not thrive being left alone for too long. Before you make the commitment you may have already given some thought to this. It could be that you change your routines with working, or call on friends and family to help you by visiting your puppy often. It might be worth taking the time to consider this carefully before making the commitment. It isn’t fair on you or the puppy if it is something that you can’t commit to.

Do they have everything they need?

The next thing you will want to think about is whether or not they have everything they need. A puppy won’t be toilet trained at first, this is something that you are going to need to do yourself. So it may be time to start thinking about toilet pads that can be laid on the floor. You might also want to think about a bed, a designated area for your puppy if you don’t want them sleeping on your bed or with you. It is also going to be a good idea to think about other things such as vet appointments for vaccinations, grooming products, blankets and dog leads.

Are you sure this is right for you?

Finally, the last big question to ask yourself is whether or not this lifestyle change and commitment is right for you and your life right now. It a big decision to make, and one that shouldn't be taken lightly.

Let’s hope reminding you of the basics and what is needed when taking care of a puppy helps you make the right decision for you.

Raising A Shelter Dog With A Troubled Past

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It can break your heart to see an animal which has experienced trauma in their past. Some owners are simply unfit to keep pets, and in some cases, that’s putting it very politely. Shelters exist all around the country, run by incredible people who significantly care about rehabilitating animals with a troubled history. In your search for a new pet, you may have felt inclined to take on a shelter dog. This is wonderful, and will signify a time of love and care for that pet.

However, it’s wrong to assume this animal can be treated in the exact same way one from a loving household or breeder will be. These dogs often have baggage, and quite rightly. Despite the efforts of the shelter keeper, these animals may be very untrusting of humans, and find it difficult to connect. Sometimes, they can be outright aggressive.

Here are some tips you can employ to raise a dog with difficulty in its personality and history:

Peace & Quiet

It’s good to give these animals some of their own space. Loud noises and constant drones can often make them feel vulnerable, so it’s important to try and limit those. If this means setting up their bedspread somewhere under the stairs, or in a corner of a room, this could be a good option. However, this doesn’t mean you should give them too much space. In a new environment, shelter dogs can feel overwhelmed. It’s important to stay present, continually praise, pet and treat the dog. Reinforce good behaviour such as successful garden ‘bathroom’ trips, or eating all of their food.

It’s also important to plan for anything that could set the dog off. This should be done before you even bring the dog home. A shelter will often want to know anything of interest in your property which could be unsuitable for the dog. For example, are you the parent of many young children? Do you live in an industrial or busy city centre environment? How often are you home? These things can all contribute to the ease or difficulty of the animal. Observe your animal. For example, if you’re picking up your shoes and you note your pet flinches, he may have been mistreated with one before. Plan accordingly.

Prepare For Hostility

While pets are rarely overly aggressive, and this behaviour would have been noticed in the shelter anyway, it’s important to plan for it  You can never be sure what will trigger your pet, and what in its past will resurface or has left its imprint. It’s important to stock up medicinal equipment, thick gloves and a large, spacious dog cage for if they become aggressive. Make sure you have plenty of dog bite treatment on hand, because that risk will always be there.

Social

A pet should be socialized in phases. Some dogs will have experienced difficulties in the past, and may never be able to reintegrate with other dogs. Some will, but this must be implemented in stages. Meet up at a local dog trainers, a dog therapists, or allow it to once again greet the shelter dogs it resided with. It’s important to try and help the animal become familiar with things outside of the family setting. This will help it move outside of its comfort zone, which is important for the health of your animal.

Show your dog kindness, and calibrate your behaviour with the reported history of the dog, usually given by the shelter. If you manage to help a dog reintegrate to a loving family life, you will have performed a great deed.