What you need to know if you decide to get a dog

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

Do you want to get a dog? Great idea - if you are willing to take responsibility for a living being, of course. What should you remember if you decide to find a four-legged friend, and how to make your coexistence comfortable? We will talk about this and not only in this article.

One of the users asked an important question: what should a person who decided to have a dog know about. Considering that only because of human irresponsibility there are so many homeless and unhappy dogs on the streets of cities, we decided to share the answers of users with you.

If you decide to have a dog, especially a puppy, then get ready for the following:

You will often have to clean up small annoyances behind your dog.
You won't get enough sleep.
Big changes are coming in your life.

If you can handle this, you will find a real, devoted friend.

What your pet needs

Name collar or name tag (very useful thing in case your pet gets lost; in addition to the pet's name, do not forget to add your phone to the tag).
Dog food and medicine.
A food bowl (preferably stainless steel).
Toys (it's better to buy more of them right away, about ten).
Leash.
Nippers for claws.
A lounger or house for your pet.
Time (yours).

Of course, from the very beginning, you must choose a name for your pet. Choose carefully. It's good if the name is not too long (ideally, the name should have two syllables) and does not rhyme with “no”, “lie”, “voice” and so on. You don't want your pet to get confused while teaching commands, do you?

Make sure that the dog has its own corner in the house, where it will feel comfortable and safe.

Start training your pet with simple commands: "sit", "stand", "no", and the like. The sooner you teach your pet to be disciplined, the easier it will be for you to get along with him. He will not only become trained, but will also become attached to you, he will see the master in you.

Do not forget that socialization is necessary not only for humans, but also for dogs. Let your pet play with other dogs. Also, never forget to praise your pet for the progress it is making.

Do not forget about the regime, try to take the dog for a walk at the same time. This will help the dog get used to and adapt, and you will have far fewer "unexpected accidents" at home.

Remember how important it is to find a good veterinarian who you can contact when needed. Be sure to make sure your puppy has all the vaccinations he needs. Also, make sure your pet does not have worms, fleas, or ticks.

Fleas are a real torment for dogs. Constant itching can drive your pet crazy. And since dogs are often outside and play with other dogs, catching fleas is not that difficult.

Ticks also attack, which can happen to your dog. Examine your pet every time you walk.

Take care of your dog. It is important for dogs to regularly brush and get rid of matted hair.

Although dogs, unlike cats, love to swim, there are still exceptions. So teach your pet to swim from an early age. Be sure to buy dog shampoo, and if you bathe your dog in the bathroom, be sure to get a rubber mat to prevent your pet from slipping. The dog does not need to be bathed too often, unless, of course, he is a born filthy dog.

Remember how important it is to trim your dog's nails. Your carpets will be free of snags, and your hardwood floors and your hands will not be scratched.

And of course, do not forget about the essentials: the dog should always have a bowl of water and food. Don't skimp on pet food - choose the best you can afford.

Remember that puppies should be fed more often than adult dogs, but the portions should be smaller.

Check with your veterinarian as a lot depends on the breed of the dog. But remember: overeating is dangerous for absolutely all dogs.

Also, be sure to check which foods are toxic to your pet's breed. These products can be, for example, chocolate, flour products, raisins, grapes, xylitol (sugar substitute). If your dog loves one of the prohibited foods, then never leave it in an accessible place for the pet.

Make sure your puppy has toys, including chewing bone. So the risk that your pet wants to chew on your favorite sneakers will be slightly reduced.

Notes for the young

I would like to add something for young people. Not for couples, but specifically for young and single people who decide to get a dog. A dog is a HUGE responsibility. To some extent, it will limit your freedom.

There will be no more spontaneous trips out of town with friends for several days. Before that, you will need to prepare, find people who will agree to look after your pet. You will have to say no to funny get-togethers with colleagues after work, or at least you will need to come home first to feed your pet and take a walk with him.

You won't be able to soak up the crib until 11 o'clock on weekends because your dog will be asking to go outside.

If you have not yet had a commitment to anyone, then a dog will help you get this invaluable experience.

You will learn to be responsible for a living being. You will learn how to plan your time and your affairs.

So if you are a young and lonely person looking to get a dog, I would advise you to think twice. And if you are really confident that you can handle this responsibility, then go for it.

Dog is expensive

Remember that a dog is expensive: you cannot save on food, you must often show your dog to a veterinarian, and the older your pet gets, the more often visits to the clinic will be and the more expensive medications it will need.

A four-legged friend is a great joy, but rest assured that you can take proper care of your pet.

The dog must fit you

You and your pet must match each other. For example, if you have an active lifestyle and go jogging every day, choose a dog breed that will happily keep you company.

It should also be borne in mind that some dog breeds are inherently domineering and can even "build" a person. If you do not have experience of life with a dog, then you are unlikely to be able to curb the temper of such a pet.

By bringing a dog into the house, you will bring in a new family member who cannot be locked up all day alone. The dog wants to spend time with his family, needs love and affection.

She can't just be brushed aside - she needs to be given time.

If you have children, then it is worth choosing a breed of dog that easily gets along with children, loves to play with them and even, perhaps, is able to become a guard for them.

Patience, only patience

The most important thing is patience. Your puppy may not be able to tolerate the outdoors and do his business at home. He can misbehave, scatter and gnaw your things. You will have to clean your home more often.

The puppy can pick up some kind of infection and require additional care.