What To Do After Getting A New Pet
Bringing a new dog can bring about plenty of positive changes in a household.
The presence of a dog is sure to introduce much happiness and energy to the home environment since dogs love to play and spend time with their family. And of course, the dog’s cute appearance and funny antics deliver plenty of joy.
Having a pet also offers several positive effects on a child’s social, physical, cognitive, and emotional development.
For one, when a child interacts and plays with his pet dog, his socialization and motor skills can improve. Also, he may learn skills that can be helpful for his performance at school since pet ownership fosters an appreciation of science and research (as the child observes the dog and strives to learn what he can to provide quality care). Furthermore, his pet can become a great source of unconditional love, companionship, and support without judgment.
However, as fun and rewarding as having a pet can be, adopting a dog must not be taken lightly – it also requires planning and involves a huge commitment.
For instance, people adopting a pet must prepare the basic necessities, such as the right pet food, food and water bowls, a cozy pet bed , a collar and leash, and some dog toys. Also, they need to book an initial visit to the vet to make sure that the dog is healthy, and to pay regular visits to ensure that proper health and development are maintained.
Here is a helpful guide to the things that must be done when getting a new pet.
Step 1: Prepare the home
A house should be made dog-friendly before the new furry friend is brought home. This means getting the right dog supplies in advance.
● One of the first steps is to buy the right kind of dog food. It’s a big help if the new owners can get the same brand of food that the dog is used to eating so that adjusting to the new surroundings can become easier for the dog. In case it is discovered later that the dog needs a different type of food (perhaps after visiting the vet), the new owners can then gradually change the dog’s diet. And in addition to food, the new pet also needs clean drinking water at all times.
● Second, new pet owners must get their dog the right bed or shelter. Every shelter is constructed differently, so pet owners must determine which is best for their pet’s particular needs.
For large dogs, an elevated bed that is ideal for both outdoors and indoors can be a great option. The best thing about this shelter is that it is durable and portable. Another good option is a plastic pet home with a detachable base for easy cleaning, well-ventilated floor and walls, and elevated floor to protect him from the wet or cold ground.
● Lastly, new pet owners must shop for the right dog accessories. Pet parents must not be tempted to simply opt for cute, useless little things. Instead, they should prioritize their pet’s comfort and safety. Beneficial accessories they must purchase should include harnesses, collars, leashes, food and water dispensers, dog carrier for travels, and toys.
Step 2: Make proper introductions
New pet parents must deal introduce the dog to the home gradually, so it’s best to skip throwing a party where lots of people can welcome the new dog. The canine may get too overwhelmed, especially if he was adopted from a shelter and may not have regularly been in contact with several different people for a long time. Instead, the dog can quietly meet the household first and explore the house at his own pace.
New pet dogs may need a more careful introduction to kids compared to adult family members. When introducing the dog to a baby or small child, for example, the dog should smell and hear the little one around the house first. After several days, adults can introduce the child by letting the dog take a quick sniff. Then, gradually, the child and the dog can spend more time together.
Step 3: Set boundaries
Often, bad pet behavior is a result of pet parents’ failure to set limitations right from the start. As such, new pet owners must set boundaries the moment the new dog arrives.
For instance, the pet owners should not let the canine roam around the house immediately. Instead, they must stay in a single room together first so the dog can be watched. After several days, they can introduce the dog to one room after another until they have toured the entire house.
When it comes to male dogs, say “NO” when he begins to lift his leg while sniffing furniture. Preventing the dog from lifting his leg every time he moves to do so will teach him not to mark the house. After that, proceed to the next furniture or room and perform the same exercise.
New pet parents must not let the new dog roam around the house until he has stopped trying to mark any of the furniture.
Step 4: Keep expectations realistic
New pet parents must understand that everything won’t go perfectly all the time. It can take time for the whole household and the dog to get along. The dog might still be overwhelmed with his new home, and he may even hide for several days. Also, accidents can happen indoors.
New pet owners should expect that their new dog won’t immediately understand and follow the boundaries they have set. It is important that they give their canine enough time to cope with the situation. But by providing him good-quality food and clean water, a comfortable shelter, and unconditional love, their dog can adapt to the new environment quickly.
Have you introduced a new pet to your household before? What was the experience like? If you haven’t done this yet, what are your biggest concerns? Tell us about these in the comments!
AUTHOR BIO
Andrew Kevan has been the Account Manager at Sandleford Holdings since 2016. He studied at Monash University and completed his Bachelor of Science degree, majoring in Zoology. Andrew is the owner of a beautiful Rottweiler named Lady who is constantly spoiled and loves her Fido & Fletch Large Pet Home.