There’s no denying that having a dog in your life can be exceptionally positive and rewarding. After all, who doesn’t love the idea of spending some time with a loveable pooch? We sure do. However, it’s important to remember that having a positive dog-owning experience is not guaranteed. It’s only probable. In order to ensure it happens, you’ll take steps to make sure that the experience is positive for both you and the dog.
If you’re wondering how to do that, then read on. In this blog, we’re going to run through some tried and tested tips that’ll ensure your dog and you are nothing other than delighted with the arrangement!
Get the Right Breed
All dogs can be lovely. But not all types of dogs will be right for you. Some only need a little bit of exercise, which may not be ideal if you’re looking for a companion for your long hikes in the outdoors. Some will grow to be big, which won’t be suitable if you only have a small property. Some are better with children; some are more suited to warm climates. Before agreeing to get one particular breed of dog, be sure to do your research and gather as much information as you can.
Part of the Family
You’ll find things much easier if you accept your new pet as part of the family from the first moment that you bring them home. It’ll be nicer for them, nicer for you. It’ll still take your dog a while to warm up and feel at home, but this process can’t begin unless they’re made to feel welcome! If you view them as integral members of the family from day one, then you’ll find that they give you all their love. And isn’t that what we want from our family members?
Regular Walks
We know that life can be busy from time to time. But it’s important that you’re committed to taking your dog on at least a couple of walks each day. Some dog owners just take their dog for a walk when it fits with their schedule, but that’s a mistake. Instead, you should treat walking your dog like showering or having breakfast; that is to say, something that you do virtually every day.
Well Trained Pooch
You’ll love your dog to the moon and back. But it’s always important to remember that they are an animal and not a human. And while good behavior might be obvious to you, it won’t be as obvious to them. If you’re going to have a smooth and enjoyable dog-owning experience, then you’ll need to invest in training. Even dogs that are broadly well-behaved could use a little guidance from time to time, but it’ll be outright imperative if your dog is constantly disobeying commands or creating problems. If you’re in that position, then don’t delay; invest in dog training now. You’ll find that it’s much less stressful to have a dog in your life if they’re following your commands!
Easy to Find
You never know what will happen. Everything could be going smoothly, but then you accidentally leave your front door open, and just like that, your dog is gone. The good news is that it’s highly likely that you’ll get them back, providing you’ve put your name, address, and phone number on the collar. You may also consider inserting a microchip. Without those things, you’ll be making it much less likely that your dog will be found and returned. So make it happen!
Find a Vet You Trust
It doesn’t matter how broadly healthy your dog is: they’ll end up having to go to the vet from time to time. They’ll eat something they shouldn’t, or get stung by a bee, or something else. To ensure these moments don’t become more problematic than they need to, it’s important that you have the number of a local vet — and not just any vet, but one that you can trust. It makes a big difference knowing that you’re taking your canine to see a vet that you never have to second guess. Plus, your dog will prefer it too!
Build a Tribe For Your Dog
Looking after a dog is not the same as raising a child. But it is a challenge; there’s no doubt about it. From time to time, it’s normal to want or need a break. For instance, if you have to travel, and can’t take your dog with you, then you’ll have to come up with an alternative plan. While you can put your dog in a temporary kennel, this won’t also be a viable option, in part because it’s expensive. It’s a good idea to look at building a network of people who love your pet. If your friends and family love dogs, then this won’t be too difficult. When you need some help or just want a free afternoon, you’ll be able to hand the leash over to your loved one, secure in the knowledge that your pet is being well looked after.
Go With the Flow
Finally, remember to have a relaxed, go with the flow kind of attitude. While there are many positive elements to having a dog, it’s not as if it’ll always be positive and enjoyable. There’ll be moments when they chew your shoes or otherwise get in trouble. You probably won’t help the situation by getting annoyed when these things happen. It’s best to just accept that this is part of having a dog in your life! On balance, you’ll find that the positive points far outweigh the negative aspects.
Conclusion
You can think of getting a dog as a little seed of hope. If you nurture that seed in the right way, then you’ll find that the seed develops into something truly magical. They don’t call dogs man’s best friend for nothing. If you pump them full of love and create an environment that allows them to flourish, then they’ll give it back to you ten times over.