As a first-time dog owner, you might be raving about the thoughts and moments of owning a puppy or an adult dog for the first time as a pet.
But you need to keep in mind your long-term commitment to responsible ownership of a pet.
Before we dive in on everything a first-time dog owner needs to know, we wish to congratulate you on your thoughtful decision to own a dog.
Congratulations!!!!.
Dogs are lovely creatures that have been domesticated by humans for so many years.
They have not only been of companionship to millions of households but also protectors.
They have also protected households from threats and have also been used by security operatives to fight crimes worldwide.
Their immense value and support to mankind have made them one of the best animals to own as a pet.
However, there are so many things to know about them and it is important, especially to first-time dog owners like you.
Here is everything a first-time dog owner needs to know to be able to be a responsible pet owner while experiencing maximum companionship.
Pet Responsibility is Real:
Before you bring in that puppy or an adult dog, you need to be sure you can take care of the dog for their lifetime and about 10-15 years of your life.
Every dog regardless of breed, age, and, size requires long-time care and they are not expected to provide for themselves in any situation.
You have to decide if your finances, time, energy, lifestyle, space, etc can take good care of a dog before considering their immense benefits.
Make Your Pick:
The Fédération Cynologique Internationale officially ( FCI ) recognizes 360 breeds of dog.
Each breed has its unique characteristics, temperament, and behavior.
Before choosing a particular dog, you should know the breed and their characteristics, grooming requirements, temperament, shedding levels, and behavior.
Your pick should be compatible with your lifestyle and available resources.
Where To Get Your New Dog Friend:
There are two notable options available to every pet owner to own a new pet animal.
You will either have to source from a responsible breeder or animal shelter home.
If you are to explore the possibility of buying your pet dog from a responsible breeder, you will have the opportunity to learn about the parents, their genes, history, etc.
You can find a local breeder with an internet search or through referrals from other dog owners in your locality.
Adopting a dog from an animal shelter is a cheaper means and also helps to prevent euthanization.
According to available data from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, 6.3 million pets enter shelter homes in the United States.
Of which, 3.1 million are dogs representing close to 50%.
Adopting a dog not only helps to reduce this number but also saves a dog from being euthanized.
In animal shelters unlike local breeders, dogs are always available for adoption all year round and the process is also smooth and easy.
Read here to learn how to adopt from an animal shelter.
What To Buy/ Supplies:
Generally, all dogs regardless of breed require;
- Food and water bowls
- Dog food
- Toys
- Grooming supplies
- First aid
- Collar and leash
- Microchip
- Bed
Items such as food and water bowls, toys, collars, and leashes will be changed when damaged, old, or too small for use.
Other items such as dog food, and first aid will require regular purchases when consumed.
Transitioning To A New Home:
Your chosen companion just like other animals including humans needs some time to get used to a new environment.
You should not expect your new puppy or an adult dog to settle into a new environment like a television set.
During the early phase of introduction in a new home, you should allow them to express themselves without much hindrance.
Puppies will likely adapt faster to a new environment. They will be playful with other resident animals and members of the households.
Meanwhile, adult dogs will be more quiet, unfriendly, and non-receptive during their first few days and possibly weeks.
You should always keep their food and water bowl clean and their space should be free from other animals and unnecessary interactions with non-members of the family during their first few days and weeks.
Also, you should make sure to register a microchip in your dog if purchased from a breeder or re-register the microchip if adopted from a pet home with an existing microchip.
Microchips are very crucial in finding your pet dog when missing.
To learn more about microchips and how it is used to track missing pets, Read here.
Routine And Training For Dogs:
It is not a secret that the best time to train a child is at infancy, the same applies to dogs and other pet animals.
Feeding and feeding patterns should be regularised at appropriate hours during their early days.
Physical activities such as walks, and running, should be introduced and carried out consistently.
While teaching basic commands such as sit, stand, walk, eat, drink, come, stop it, stay, etc should be done with positive encouragement when they get it right.
Other activities such as bathing, grooming and mental stimulations should also be routine based.
Health and General Wellness:
If you bought your dog from a responsible breeder, you will have reliable information about their medical records as well as their parents.
This information comprises their vaccination history as well as other important health data that might not be available if you adopted your new dog from an animal shelter
However, you are expected to research and consult with a local veterinarian as soon as possible.
You should schedule regular physical visits with your veterinarian for checkups and you should explore the possibilities of spaying or neutering your dog.
To know more about spaying or neutering, Read here.
Legal And Other Responsibilities:
While there is a high chance it is legal to own a dog, you should check with local authorities on what breed is allowed and not allowed to own and be compliant.
Dogs, as well as other pet animals including humans, have insurance known as pet insurance that protects them and their owners during emergencies.
You should consider getting one and registering your new pet dog.