Owning a dog is a truly rewarding experience as these special canine friends provide us with much love and companionship. For those planning to adopt a dog, whether it is a puppy or a rescued animal, you are sure to enjoy your new pet. However, if you have never owned a dog before, it's wise to learn a little about dog ownership before bringing Fido home.
Before you bring your new pet home, take stock of your home and yard. Walk around the perimeter and make sure that are no holes in fencing or dangerous areas. It is wise to select a specific portion of your yard or a cement area for your dog to go to the bathroom. It is easier to train if you provide a spot where it is ok for your dog to go to the bathroom and you train your animal to use this spot. Even if you are buying an older rescued animal, you will still need to housetrain the dog. Rescue animals generally are listed as housebroken, but do tend to be nervous in new settings so they might forget their training, and you just need to set up a good routine and show them where they are allowed to go.
Crate training is advisable for both puppies and older dogs that are learning housebreaking, and this crate is also a great place to keep your new dog when you are out running errands or away from the house for awhile. This is a safe, secure spot and you can place your crate almost anywhere, such as your laundry room or mud room or perhaps in a spare room. A soft mat will make this a cozy spot for your dog. Be sure to get a crate that is large enough to be comfortable, but it shouldn't be huge. You want them to be able to turn around but not have the crate be so large that your dog might consider going to the bathroom in a corner of the crate.
You baby proof for a baby and you need to doggy proof for your new animal companion. While this is especially true for a puppy, older dogs also might need a little dog proofing as well. Keep the kids' toys and other belongings put away because dogs, especially puppies, tend to chew on items, especially at the beginning when they are still nervous and unsure. Keep closets closed and close the doors of rooms where you don't want the dog to go. Take stock of your houseplants, as well, as some plants are quite poisonous to animals, and your new dog might be tempted to enjoy a little snack.
You might be tempted to go wild at the pet store and purchase every imaginable doggie item, from sweaters to a leash for each holiday or season. However, your new dog truly only needs basic equipment. A crate, crate mat, dog dishes and a collar and leash are just about all you will need. It is wise to continue feeding your dog the same food they ate at their previous home, unless your veterinarian recommends otherwise. One additional purchase that can be helpful is a doggie bag dispenser that attaches to the leash for easy clean up on walks.
One of the first things you need to do when you bring your dog home is to begin dog training. The quicker you train, the happier the entire family will be. Dog obedience training not only makes life easier for pet owners, it also keeps your dog safe from harm. You can complete training easily and at home by purchasing dog training DVDs. The Dogs Way, for instance, includes 12 lessons on five DVDs, as well as a handy workbook and reminder cards that you can use when you head out for a walk. In just a few weeks, you will have a dog that walks properly on a leash as well as a dog that sits, stays and comes whenever you call. Your dog will be able to obey boundaries and not go rushing off after people or other animals.
Before you bring your new pet home, take stock of your home and yard. Walk around the perimeter and make sure that are no holes in fencing or dangerous areas. It is wise to select a specific portion of your yard or a cement area for your dog to go to the bathroom. It is easier to train if you provide a spot where it is ok for your dog to go to the bathroom and you train your animal to use this spot. Even if you are buying an older rescued animal, you will still need to housetrain the dog. Rescue animals generally are listed as housebroken, but do tend to be nervous in new settings so they might forget their training, and you just need to set up a good routine and show them where they are allowed to go.
Crate training is advisable for both puppies and older dogs that are learning housebreaking, and this crate is also a great place to keep your new dog when you are out running errands or away from the house for awhile. This is a safe, secure spot and you can place your crate almost anywhere, such as your laundry room or mud room or perhaps in a spare room. A soft mat will make this a cozy spot for your dog. Be sure to get a crate that is large enough to be comfortable, but it shouldn't be huge. You want them to be able to turn around but not have the crate be so large that your dog might consider going to the bathroom in a corner of the crate.
You baby proof for a baby and you need to doggy proof for your new animal companion. While this is especially true for a puppy, older dogs also might need a little dog proofing as well. Keep the kids' toys and other belongings put away because dogs, especially puppies, tend to chew on items, especially at the beginning when they are still nervous and unsure. Keep closets closed and close the doors of rooms where you don't want the dog to go. Take stock of your houseplants, as well, as some plants are quite poisonous to animals, and your new dog might be tempted to enjoy a little snack.
You might be tempted to go wild at the pet store and purchase every imaginable doggie item, from sweaters to a leash for each holiday or season. However, your new dog truly only needs basic equipment. A crate, crate mat, dog dishes and a collar and leash are just about all you will need. It is wise to continue feeding your dog the same food they ate at their previous home, unless your veterinarian recommends otherwise. One additional purchase that can be helpful is a doggie bag dispenser that attaches to the leash for easy clean up on walks.
One of the first things you need to do when you bring your dog home is to begin dog training. The quicker you train, the happier the entire family will be. Dog obedience training not only makes life easier for pet owners, it also keeps your dog safe from harm. You can complete training easily and at home by purchasing dog training DVDs. The Dogs Way, for instance, includes 12 lessons on five DVDs, as well as a handy workbook and reminder cards that you can use when you head out for a walk. In just a few weeks, you will have a dog that walks properly on a leash as well as a dog that sits, stays and comes whenever you call. Your dog will be able to obey boundaries and not go rushing off after people or other animals.
About the Author:
Garrett McMahan likes watching dog show. To get more information about how to train a dog on a leash, or to discover dog training DVD online, please go to the TheDogsWay.com site today.
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