For those who have never had a pet before but are interested in becoming the owners of a cuddly canine, there is much to know and do prior to bringing home your new companion. Owning a pet can be one of the best things you will ever do, but there are definitely times when it can be tough. Here are some tips for the beginner.
Give your yard an onceover before brining a dog home. This means you need to check that your fencing is solid and you don't have any hazards in your yard. If possible, designate a portion of your yard for your dog's convenience and be sure to train the dog to use the bathroom in this part of the yard. Obviously a puppy will need housebreaking, but don't be surprised if the handsome rescue dog you just adopted also needs a refresher course on where it is acceptable to do business. Despite often being labeled as "housebroken," your rescue animal will need some time to adjust to the new home and probably will be somewhat nervous in general. This nervousness often translates to accidents on your carpeting and flooring.
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.
Before we bring a baby home, new parents typically baby proof everywhere, and you should do the same for your new dog. Be sure to put away items that are within your dog's reach, such as toys, plants and shoes. A puppy definitely can get into trouble chewing on many household items, including electrical cords and poisonous plants. Older dogs might be less likely to chew on your belongings, but you never really know how they are going to behave, so don't take any chances. Usually, it is best not to give a dog free rein of the house at first, so keep bedroom and bathroom doors shut. For puppies, it can be wise to place a baby gate at the top or bottom of your staircase.
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.
Obedience training should begin as quickly as possible. A dog wants to please and if they quickly learn how to please their owner, they will be happier and calmer. It's easy to train your dog at home using a set of dog training DVDs such as The Dog's Way. This is a set of 12 easy-to-follow lessons that include teaching dog leash training and essential skills such as how to sit, stay and come when called. You also will learn dog training skills such as how to keep a dog from jumping on people, how to keep a dog from running away and much more. An obedient pet is a happy and safe pet and with proper dog training, your pet quickly will become a beloved member of the family.
Give your yard an onceover before brining a dog home. This means you need to check that your fencing is solid and you don't have any hazards in your yard. If possible, designate a portion of your yard for your dog's convenience and be sure to train the dog to use the bathroom in this part of the yard. Obviously a puppy will need housebreaking, but don't be surprised if the handsome rescue dog you just adopted also needs a refresher course on where it is acceptable to do business. Despite often being labeled as "housebroken," your rescue animal will need some time to adjust to the new home and probably will be somewhat nervous in general. This nervousness often translates to accidents on your carpeting and flooring.
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.
Before we bring a baby home, new parents typically baby proof everywhere, and you should do the same for your new dog. Be sure to put away items that are within your dog's reach, such as toys, plants and shoes. A puppy definitely can get into trouble chewing on many household items, including electrical cords and poisonous plants. Older dogs might be less likely to chew on your belongings, but you never really know how they are going to behave, so don't take any chances. Usually, it is best not to give a dog free rein of the house at first, so keep bedroom and bathroom doors shut. For puppies, it can be wise to place a baby gate at the top or bottom of your staircase.
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.
Obedience training should begin as quickly as possible. A dog wants to please and if they quickly learn how to please their owner, they will be happier and calmer. It's easy to train your dog at home using a set of dog training DVDs such as The Dog's Way. This is a set of 12 easy-to-follow lessons that include teaching dog leash training and essential skills such as how to sit, stay and come when called. You also will learn dog training skills such as how to keep a dog from jumping on people, how to keep a dog from running away and much more. An obedient pet is a happy and safe pet and with proper dog training, your pet quickly will become a beloved member of the family.
About the Author:
Garrett McMahan enjoys watching dog show. To get more information about how to train a dog on a leash, or to discover dog training DVD online, please check out the TheDogsWay.com website today.
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