If you have recently decided to bring home a new furry friend, congratulations! Life is going to be a lot better with a dog. Your pooch will change your life in ways you cannot even imagine. But along with a lot of unconditional love, fun, and good times, there are some things that will be harder. Here are 5 things every new dog parent should be prepared for.
After you get a dog, you’ll soon realize just how many places don’t allow dogs. You might end up being disappointed to know that your new best friend cannot join in you in many activities. However, as you grow in experience as a dog parent, you’ll discover the best dog-friendly places in your community. This includes dog-friendly parks, dining and shopping options, hotels, and more. The best way to find out where dogs are welcome? Other dog parents. So, go ahead and schedule that canine playdate as soon as your puppy is old enough to socialize.
Keeping a home clean can be a challenge at the best of times. A dog can make it even harder. In addition to fur balls and muddy footprints, you might have to contend with ripped objects and random toys scattered around your home. Unfortunately, dogs cannot clean up after themselves. So, you need to be prepared for some extra chores. Early training classes can help to ensure your puppy grows up into a well-behaved adult with minimal bad behaviors like chewing, ripping, digging, and jumping.
If you’re a family of humans, you can simply lock your home and leave for vacation without a second thought. But when you have a four-legged member in the family, it takes a little more planning. If your dog is not accompanying you on vacation, you’ll need to find a dog sitter while you’re away. This can be harder than you imagine. You might find yourself constantly worrying about your pooch and how they’re doing. Over time, you’ll get more used to being away from your pup. But you’ll never really stop missing your dog when you go on vacation.
When the cold weather comes around, it can be tempting to stay warm and cozy in your heated home. But unfortunately, dog parents don’t have the luxury of staying indoors all day. In most cases, dogs need to be taken outside for a bathroom break, even in freezing weather. Incidentally, some dog breeds are more adaptable to cold weather. The good thing is that the fresh air will be good for you. The walk will stop you from being lazy and boost your mood as you spend quality time with your dog. Plus, you’ll get some exercise while you’re out and about. Once you’re back inside your warm home, you can be lazy again and snuggle up with your furry friend on the couch.
Before your adorable little puppy came into your life, odds are that you only thought of yourself when out shopping. Once you have a dog in the family, it becomes hard not to think of your pooch when you’re in the mall. Whether it’s a new toy or a tasty snack, you’ll find yourself constantly thinking of what you can bring home for your pup. Indeed, having the financial means to provide for your dog is a big part of being a responsible dog owner. Experts estimate that it costs approximately $1,000 a year to own a dog in the US. This can vary greatly depending on the breed, size of your dog, health problems, and other factors.
So, these were just some of the things that new dog parents should know. As you become more experienced in caring for your dog, you’ll start to get used to many of the “inconveniences.” Any changes you make to your lifestyle will be more than compensated for by the unconditional love you receive from your dog.
19 August, 2022