Top Tips for New Dog Owners

Owning a dog is one of life’s greatest joy. It is such an exciting moment when welcoming a new pup into our house. At the same time it can also stressing and intimidating for first time dog parents. If you are either thinking of buying a new puppy or have recently adopted one, there are many tips and tricks that you should know in order to raise a dog. 

FetchStop is here to share some essential first time dog tips that will make you feel confident every step of the way with your buddy. Here’s what you need to know about caring for your new dog. 

1. Find a Great Veterinarian 

Every dog needs a great vet. The first thing to do when you buy a new pup or adopt one is to take them see a vet. The veterinarian will have a look at the dogs health, body, and bone structure etc. The doctor will walk you through the vaccination schedule and the flea and tick preventions that your dog will need. They will then educate you about your dog and will guide you how to best take care of them. They will also inform you if your dog has any allergies or health problems you should be aware of. You can even ask your friends and family who already own a dog about their veterinarian. This could be helpful also as they could give some suggestions and share their experiences. A veterinarian will be there for your and your dog whenever you need them so its beneficial to develop a relationship with them that both you and your dog trust and respect. 

2. Make sure you have the Right Dog Food

The second important thing that your dog will need is Dog food. If you adopted a dog, its better to find out from their caretakers about what dog food were they on. You can then continue to give the same one or start transitioning them to a new one. If you bought a new puppy then its best to ask your veterinarian what dog food to give them as the vet can guide you which dog food will be best for your puppy based on their nutrition needs. Different ages or stages can benefit from specific nutrients that help your dog thrive. High and good quality dog food isn’t cheap, but making sure that your dog gets the best ingredients to fuel his health and strength is necessary. Many foods have systemic allergies and other health problems, while some dog foods are specially for some specific breeds so its always recommended to ask the vet which dog food to get for your dog based on their age, size and lifestyle. 

3. Stock up on Dog Supplies

Your new dog is going need to all kinds of stuff to keep them occupied and distracted from damaging household stuff. Your dog is going to need dog toys, bowls, beds, collars and leashes, doggie cameras, training crates, training pads and much more. Setting up a designated spot for your dog will help home settle in quickly. It takes time for the new pet to relax into their new environment and trust their new parent, so its important for you to get all the supplies that your puppy will need.

4. Constant Dog Training is Essential 

The first few months for a new puppy are the hardest. Dog training requires patience and positive reinforcement to teach the dog the basic house rules and how you expect them to behave. Developing a daily training routine will help them settle in more comfortably and they will learn the basic house rules like potty training and others much more easily and quickly. Dog training helps you controls your dog and gives your dog a sense of structure. Behaviour issues like excessive barking and destructive chewing can also be dealt with constant training of the dog. Many dogs encounter separation anxiety and aggression issues. Constant training and exercise can improve many issues as well as the health of the dog. 

5. Prepare a Designated spot for your Dog 

Preparing and setting up a designated spot in a confined space like a dog Kennel or Crate is generally the best way to start your dog. This provides them a space of their own and they feel safe and secured in that area. They can retreat back to that spot when they feel scared or threatened by people or noises like thunderstorms and fireworks etc. Being comfortable in a crate is a valuable skill for dogs of all ages. That spot will be a place for your dog to relax and decompress. 

6. What if your Dog won’t eat 

Majority dogs stop eating when they move into a new environment. Setting and establishing meal times and picking up food after 30 minutes can help increase the dogs sense of urgency about eating. Using food puzzles to feed your pup instead of using a dog bowl works better in many cases. Also adding food toppers on the dog’s meals makes it more tempting and attractive for the dog. 

7. What if there is a Major Problem 

If your dog is experiencing major problems like behaviour issues and house training issues, it’s better to hire an expert dog trainer. The earlier you hire an expert the better, cuz the longer you wait the more harder those problems become to deal with. Taking your dog to a professional training class is a great way to build your relationship in a safe and structured environment. Taking time of work to spend time with the new puppy or dog helps them settle in. It is recommended that if the owner works full time and aren’t able to take their dog with them to work, they should find a family member, dog sitter or dog walker to spend regular time with the dog. 

According to FetchStop these are some of the top tips all dog owners should know before they buy a puppy or adopt a dog. These tips will help the dog owners raise their pet perfectly without having to deal with any troubles and issues.