Owning a dog is a truly rewarding experience as these special canine friends provide us with much love and companionship. For those planning to adopt a dog, whether it is a puppy or a rescued animal, you are sure to enjoy your new pet. However, if you have never owned a dog before, it's wise to learn a little about dog ownership before bringing Fido home.
Take a look around your yard and look for hazardous areas, holes in fencing, poisonous plants and other areas of concern. Decide where in your yard is the best place for your dog to go to the bathroom. Housebreaking is easier if you already have a designated outdoor spot for your pet. Keep in mind that even a rescue dog will need some housebreaking, as these dogs are often a bit nervous and unsure about their new home and must learn the rules of the house. So even if the rescue organization says the dog is house-trained, your pet probably will need a few days or weeks to truly adjust.
One way to make housebreaking easier and also to provide a safe place to keep your pet is by purchasing a dog crate. You can place the crate in a specific area of the house such as a spare bedroom or the laundry room and use this whenever you leave the house or to help with potty training. The crate shouldn't be too big, just large enough so that the dog can turn around comfortably. Dogs tend to like these cozy little spaces, which are much like the snug dens they lived in way back before domestication. A crate mat also can be purchased and this makes the crate a bit more comfortable.
You baby proof for a baby and you need to doggy proof for your new animal companion. While this is especially true for a puppy, older dogs also might need a little dog proofing as well. Keep the kids' toys and other belongings put away because dogs, especially puppies, tend to chew on items, especially at the beginning when they are still nervous and unsure. Keep closets closed and close the doors of rooms where you don't want the dog to go. Take stock of your houseplants, as well, as some plants are quite poisonous to animals, and your new dog might be tempted to enjoy a little snack.
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.
One of the first things you need to do when you bring your dog home is to begin dog training. The quicker you train, the happier the entire family will be. Dog obedience training not only makes life easier for pet owners, it also keeps your dog safe from harm. You can complete training easily and at home by purchasing dog training DVDs. The Dogs Way, for instance, includes 12 lessons on five DVDs, as well as a handy workbook and reminder cards that you can use when you head out for a walk. In just a few weeks, you will have a dog that walks properly on a leash as well as a dog that sits, stays and comes whenever you call. Your dog will be able to obey boundaries and not go rushing off after people or other animals.
Take a look around your yard and look for hazardous areas, holes in fencing, poisonous plants and other areas of concern. Decide where in your yard is the best place for your dog to go to the bathroom. Housebreaking is easier if you already have a designated outdoor spot for your pet. Keep in mind that even a rescue dog will need some housebreaking, as these dogs are often a bit nervous and unsure about their new home and must learn the rules of the house. So even if the rescue organization says the dog is house-trained, your pet probably will need a few days or weeks to truly adjust.
One way to make housebreaking easier and also to provide a safe place to keep your pet is by purchasing a dog crate. You can place the crate in a specific area of the house such as a spare bedroom or the laundry room and use this whenever you leave the house or to help with potty training. The crate shouldn't be too big, just large enough so that the dog can turn around comfortably. Dogs tend to like these cozy little spaces, which are much like the snug dens they lived in way back before domestication. A crate mat also can be purchased and this makes the crate a bit more comfortable.
You baby proof for a baby and you need to doggy proof for your new animal companion. While this is especially true for a puppy, older dogs also might need a little dog proofing as well. Keep the kids' toys and other belongings put away because dogs, especially puppies, tend to chew on items, especially at the beginning when they are still nervous and unsure. Keep closets closed and close the doors of rooms where you don't want the dog to go. Take stock of your houseplants, as well, as some plants are quite poisonous to animals, and your new dog might be tempted to enjoy a little snack.
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.
One of the first things you need to do when you bring your dog home is to begin dog training. The quicker you train, the happier the entire family will be. Dog obedience training not only makes life easier for pet owners, it also keeps your dog safe from harm. You can complete training easily and at home by purchasing dog training DVDs. The Dogs Way, for instance, includes 12 lessons on five DVDs, as well as a handy workbook and reminder cards that you can use when you head out for a walk. In just a few weeks, you will have a dog that walks properly on a leash as well as a dog that sits, stays and comes whenever you call. Your dog will be able to obey boundaries and not go rushing off after people or other animals.
About the Author:
Garrett McMahan likes watching dog show. To get more information about how to train a dog on a leash, or to discover dog training DVD online, please go to the TheDogsWay.com site now.
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