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.
When you first get a dog, they don't need very much. You will need water and food dishes, a collar or harness and a leash. It is also a good idea to buy a doggie bag holder for your leash so that you can clean messes up easily while you are out enjoying a walk. The crate and crate mat are another great purchase to consider and you might consider buying a dog bed, as well. Just make sure that the crate and bed are suitable for the size of dog you will be bringing home.
Another item that is a great purchase is a dog training program, such as dog training DVDs. You need to begin obedience training very quickly after your dog arrives at your home. Your dog not only will be more comfortable when he knows what to expect, you will all be happier with your new pet. Irksome problems such as scratching, chewing, barking and obedience issues are a huge reason why dogs end up in shelters. With just a few weeks of patient training using a dog training program such as The Dog's Way, you will have a wonderful, obedient dog that is a pleasure to own. An obedient dog is an excellent companion that you will enjoy for many years.
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.
When you first get a dog, they don't need very much. You will need water and food dishes, a collar or harness and a leash. It is also a good idea to buy a doggie bag holder for your leash so that you can clean messes up easily while you are out enjoying a walk. The crate and crate mat are another great purchase to consider and you might consider buying a dog bed, as well. Just make sure that the crate and bed are suitable for the size of dog you will be bringing home.
Another item that is a great purchase is a dog training program, such as dog training DVDs. You need to begin obedience training very quickly after your dog arrives at your home. Your dog not only will be more comfortable when he knows what to expect, you will all be happier with your new pet. Irksome problems such as scratching, chewing, barking and obedience issues are a huge reason why dogs end up in shelters. With just a few weeks of patient training using a dog training program such as The Dog's Way, you will have a wonderful, obedient dog that is a pleasure to own. An obedient dog is an excellent companion that you will enjoy for many years.
About the Author:
Garrett McMahan likes watching dog show. For more details about how to train a dog on a leash, or to find dog training DVD online, please go to the The Dogs Way website today.
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