If you have never had a dog before, be prepared for the learning curve.
Taking care of your new dog is much more than you think, especially if it is a high-maintenance breed of dog haircut.
Fortunately, there is some general information that applies to all dog breeds. Here is all the information you need to know as a new dog owner to help your pet live a long and happy life.
Choose a variety
Choosing the right breed as the new owner is more difficult than you think. Instead of choosing your favorite variety, consider choosing a variety that is known to be low maintenance and easy to care for.
Generally, this includes:
- Jack Russell
- Golden retriever
- Border Terrier
- Most spaniels
- Greyhound
Breeds like French bulldogs and pugs are very popular, but they are not the best choice for new dog owners. They have many health problems, and if you don’t have much experience, these problems can be expensive and difficult to manage.
No matter what variety you choose, be sure to conduct a lot of research first in order to be as prepared as possible. Remember, long-haired dogs may look good, but you must groom them regularly at home to keep them looking good.
Breeder or rescue shelter?
This is an old problem when raising a new dog. For first-time owners, adopting from a shelter is actually a better idea.
Although a puppy may be attractive, it will be much easier to adopt an adult dog in the long run. The important thing is that you will have a better understanding of their personality and maintenance needs, which you don’t have with puppies.
However, if you know the ethical breeders in your area, be sure to go with them. Just check the shelter first, because you may find the dog of your dreams.
Prepare your home
Is your home ready to raise a dog? Probably not. Think of it as a new baby to prepare your home, because it is almost the same.
you need to:
- Food and water bowl
- Dog bed
- toy
- Collar and belt
- Dog food
Regardless of the breed, you may need to groom your dog at home. If it is a long-haired breed, be prepared to cut the dog’s hair, which may become messy.
To do this, you need:
- Shampoo for dogs
- Puppy hairbrush
- scissors
- Nail clippers
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
If all of this sounds a little too much (it may be), consider searching the Internet for “dog grooming near me” or contacting a mobile pet grooming service.
Committed to training and exercise
Training is essential to ensure that your new dog behaves normally. Basic training is not too difficult, you can do it yourself at home.
However, taking an obedience course is also a great way to socialize with your dog, so it’s worth the money.
In terms of sports, each breed is different. Working dogs such as sheepdogs, huskies, and spaniels require more exercise than pugs or French bulldogs.
You should be prepared to walk at least once a day for a maximum of one hour. Energetic breeds may need to walk 2 to 3 times a day. Again, this is why it is important to conduct research before choosing the correct breed.
See a veterinarian and implant a microchip
It is best to see a veterinarian before your dog gets sick. More importantly, if you want to raise a puppy, it needs injections. Ask around in your area, find a good veterinarian, and establish a good relationship with them as early as possible.
The veterinarian will also implant microchips in your dog. Although this is not a law, it is definitely a good idea. The microchip contains your information, and if your dog is lost, it can be found more easily.
The microchip also helps prevent dogs from being stolen because the information cannot be changed. It is about the size of a grain of rice and can be injected into the loose skin around the dog’s neck.
Don’t underestimate beauty
Regardless of the breed, the grooming of a dog is very important. If you don’t bathe or brush your teeth, you won’t live your life, and this is also true for your dog.
Before making a beauty plan, it helps to understand the specific needs of the breed. A low-maintenance breed can be groomed at home.
But long-haired breeds will benefit from mobile pet grooming services because they are more difficult to handle.
Every dog ​​should brush his teeth regularly, but this also depends on the breed. Short-haired breeds need to be brushed about once a month, and more during the moulting season.
Some long-haired breeds (such as Shih Tzu) may need to brush their teeth every day to keep their fur free from knots.
Here are some of the most important tips for keeping a dog at home.
Should you cut their hair?
Long-haired or double-haired breeds (such as huskies) benefit from pruning during the warmer months. Is this something you should do at home?
Not possible. Cutting a dog’s hair requires training, just like cutting a person’s hair. It is best to search the Internet for “dog grooming near me” and find a reputable local service to serve you.
If you need to trim the knots on their fur occasionally, please continue. Be sure to use sharp scissors and never cut off excess scissors.
Brush your teeth
New owners often ignore the dental hygiene of their dogs. Although the dog’s diet is not as high in sugar as ours, they still need to brush their teeth.
This is something you can do when grooming your dog at home. Be sure to use the right dog toothpaste because it does not contain fluoride.
But it is also helpful to take your dog to the vet for a deep clean every few months.
in conclusion
If you are ready, taking care of a new dog is not difficult. In terms of training, exercise, and feeding, some exercises are very helpful.
One thing you may encounter is dog grooming at home. If so, please consider looking for mobile pet grooming services to help you complete more difficult tasks. Remember, don’t try to solve the dog’s haircut problem yourself!
