If you are thinking about getting a new family member, and not the type that resides in your tummy for nine months, then you need to be prepared for the roller-coaster a dog is going to take you on. Dogs cause destruction to the home, but in a good way! They can turn your life upside down, but you will fall in love with your little pup and all of the fun, chaos and love they bring. With that in mind, read on to discover things that every first-time dog owner should know.
Physical health is just as crucial as internal health
First and foremost, you need to make sure that your pet gets plenty of exercise. The amount of exercise that is required will depend on the breed of your dog. After all, huskies are going to require much more exercise than bulldogs. Nevertheless, all dogs should have regular walks, as their physical health as just as important as their internal health.
Dogs are not born aggressive
A lot of people assume that some breeds of dogs are simply aggressive. However, if you look into dog aggression science, it all comes down to training. If you start to notice bad habits developing in your dog, you need to act sooner rather than later so that you can iron those out. After all, bad habits are very easy to start, but they are incredibly difficult to break.
Socialization is important for dogs
Imagine what life would be like if you never interacted with another human. It would be pretty depressing, right? Well, dogs are the same. They need socialization too. Allow your dog to interact with other pets and humans so that he or she feels less afraid of new situations and new people going forward.
Use visual cues and voice commands when training your dog
It is important to start training early with your dog. Don’t wait until she or he is six-months-old before you start training. Moreover, make sure you use both visual cues and voice commands. Never resort to hitting your pet in an attempt to teach him or her to obey. If you do this, your dog will only become harder to train because he or she will become defensive.
Pet-proof your home
Last but not least, if you do not pet proof your home before you get your new arrival, you are going to be in a nasty surprise, as your dog will turn it upside down. Not only this, but wires and such like can be a hazard to your dog, which is why it is vital to ensure they are moved out of the way.
So there you have it: some of the important things that all new dog owners should know. If you take note of the advice that has been provided, you can ensure that you are prepared for the new addition to your household.
