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Basic Tips for First Time Dog Owners
From the moment he sets his paw on your threshold, you know that nothing is going to be the same ever again. Dogs have this special quality in them; they can light up your whole world with a ‘woof’ and a wag!
But, bringing a puppy home is a big decision. Especially, if this is your first time there will be more adjustments and lifestyle changes than you can imagine. Before you decide to get a dog, it is best to come together as a family and agree on a few things.
The first question that comes to mind is:
How to Choose a Breed?
Choosing a dog breed is not as easy as it seems. Before you pick a particular breed, ask yourself a few questions. How much space do you have? If you are an apartment dweller, get a small breed with moderate to low energy levels. If you have a house with big back yard, feel free to get a big dog. Watching him chase squirrels will surely make your day. Now, how much time do you have? Will you be gone for long hours or are you the work-from-home kind? If you are constantly on the run, it will make more sense to get a breed that requires less grooming, and is more independent. Otherwise, you will find it difficult to care for your dog and your pet will develop separation anxiety. Oh! And if you have kids in the house remember to pick a breed that works well with children.
What to Expect After You Get a Dog?
Well, once you chose the right breed and bring a dog home, the rest is all rainbow and sunshine. There is no better feeling in the world than waking up beside your furry, four-legged mess-maker. Oh! And speaking of mess, you can soon expect teeth marks on everything you own. Chewing comes naturally to dogs. That’s how they explore the world around them. Boredom, anxiety, teething and excess energy in dogs are some of the other reasons that can trigger excessive chewing in dogs. And, your puppy may be tempted to play bite you in order to get to know you.
Try to not get upset with your puppy. Train them instead, and buy good toys for your dogs. Dog toys and chews not only keep them occupied; they also provide mental stimulation in dogs, thus making them happy. Check out the best dog toys at PeaksNPaws. Our dog chews work wonders on your dog’s dental health.
Understanding Basic Dog Body Language
Dogs have excellent communication skills. As a dog parent, you will have to learn to decipher these body language cues to understand your dog better. You can easily tell a happy dog from his body language. They are playful and approachable. They wag their tail furiously and they loll out their tongue. Often, they do a play bow. But, if you see his head-cocked to one side, he is being curious. You can tell that your dog is being defensive when you can hear him growl or see him do an air snap. It is a cue for you to back off. Do not touch a dog who is feeling threatened or agitated because you may end up bitten.
Some dog gestures can mean multiple things. Take whining for example. Dogs whine when they are hungry or thirsty; they also whine when they want attention from you. As you spend more time with your dog, you will be able to read his body language better. For more information about basic dog body language, check out our blog post -Understanding Dog Gestures
Choosing the Right Dog Toys
Before you go shopping for dog toys, pay close attention to your dog’s age. A three week old puppy, with baby teeth, could use something soft and chewy with snugly fabrics. Hey, you can check out rope toys. We bet, your pup would love these.
Before you know it, this little guy will start teething. And, you will find out only after he has devastated a pair of your favorite loafers or turned your toilet paper to shreds. So, if you are out shopping for a 3-9 month old young-adolescent, it’s advisable to stock up on chew toys for your dog. .
By the time, your dog turns 5 or 7; he will be big and sturdy, with strong teeth. It’s time to shop for more durable toys for these big boys. These rugged and sturdy toys come with embedded TPR spikes for a highly stimulating playtime.
For detailed information on age-appropriate dog toys, check out this blog.
The Conclusion
If you are planning to bring a dog home, you will have to make dog healthcare your priority. Look for a good veterinarian close to your place, and decide on a puppy vet schedule. Make sure you are on time with vaccinations and regular health check-ups. That apart, have a great time with this new member of your family.