Are you getting a new dog soon? Whether it be a puppy or an adult rescue dog, it is best to be prepared and know what to expect. Getting a new dog is very exciting but can be a little overwhelming if you are not prepared properly. Here are some helpful tips as you welcome your new family member home that can get you ahead of the curve and ease into your new lifestyle.
Pet Proof Your Home
This is the first step and is considered more of a preventative approach when getting ready for a new dog. We want to prevent bad behavior from even beginning in the first place so that we don’t have to fix it later on. Dogs are very curious animals so it is most important to remove any potential hazards such as cleaning supplies, wires, and fragile objects out of the reach of your dog. Be conscious of what you leave on low tables and counter tops as well.
Dog Training
All dogs benefit from some form of basic or advanced dog training. This increases the relationship and bond you have with your dog as well as teaches them to be more engaged with you. Dog training ultimately teaches your dog the value of listening to you which will increase the likelihood of them doing desired behaviors and decrease the likelihood of your dog engaging in undesired behaviors. Dog training is no simple task however, so make sure to seek professional help for the more important training needs
Health and Exercise
Dogs require more stimulation and exercise than most pets, and some dogs require more exercise and stimulation than other dogs. Make sure you take your dog on plenty of walks and engage in activities or play on a daily basis to make sure they do not develop bad behavior due to boredom or anxiety which stems from under stimulation. Diet also plays a big role in the well being of your dog so make sure they are getting their nutritional needs and talk to your vet about a recommended diet and feeding schedule
Equipment
Owning a dog requires a fair amount of equipment to make sure you are ready for any situation. The most obvious things are a collar and various leashes. Don’t forget to get them a bed, plenty of toys with a variety of chewing options (firm, plush, hard, etc.), and a crate or kennel. When beginning training it is very important to have some type of food or treat holder so that you can reinforce and reward your dog for good behavior right from the start.
If you are a new dog owner and want to get off on the right paw with your new family member, enroll your dog at Seek K-9 Dog Training Academy and let the expert training staff bring the best out of your dog. Give us a call at 913-214-2659 to learn more about our programs and services.