New Dog Owner Guide: Here’s How to Prepare for Your New Pup

Did you know that 38.4 percent of US households own a dog? If you want to join that statistic, you should read a new dog owner guide to help prepare.

Having a dog can be an excellent thing for many people. However, it’s not as easy as it looks, so you need to prepare.

Keep reading for a few things to do before bringing home a dog.

Buy the Right Supplies

One of the first things you’ll need to do before you bring your new dog home is to buy some supplies. If this is your first dog, you’ll need to buy a lot of starter supplies, such as food and water bowls, a bed, and a kennel.

You should also buy a leash and perhaps a harness as well as plenty of dog food. Once you get the basics, you’ll just have to worry about the monthly cost of having a pet.

That can involve paying for more food, toys, puppy training classes, and even pet insurance. And while you may only go once a year, you should consider the cost of going to the vet.

Find a Vet

If you’ve had dogs before, you may not need to worry about this. However, new dog owners will need to find a vet as soon as possible so that they can take their dog in for a visit.

You can ask friends and family what vets they recommend in your area. Another option is to ask your neighbors or even the shelter or pet store where you got the dog.

Be sure to look for a vet who is caring and who isn’t too far from your home. If you’re getting a purebred dog, consider if the vet has experience treating that breed and any common conditions that your dog may get.

Adjust Your Living Space

Another essential part of dog ownership is designing your home accordingly. Before you bring your new dog home, hide electrical cords, close toilet lids, and put small items out of the dog’s reach.

Puppy-proofing your living space can help keep you and your new dog safe. Your dog won’t have as many potential distractions to chew on, which can ease your worries about them getting into something bad.

If you live somewhere with a yard, make sure it has a secure fence. Make sure to avoid toxic plants and fertilizers that could make your dog sick.

Prepare Mentally

Dog ownership can take it out of you, especially if this is your first dog. You should take some time to mentally prepare yourself for bringing a new animal into the home.

Make sure you have enough free time for puppy training and dog grooming. Consider if you will need to put some activities on hold to help train your new pup.

That way, you can give your dog the best life possible.

New Dog Owner Guide: Pet Parenthood at Last

Whether you’re getting your first dog as an adult or your first dog ever, you should consider a good new dog owner guide. There are a lot of things to think about before getting a dog.

You have to understand common pet expenses as well as how much time the dog will need. Then, you can make sure you’re ready for a pet.

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