Deciding to adopt a pet is a big decision and a huge commitment for many years to come. This is especially the case for dogs, as we all know these troublemakers require a lot of attention and care. There is no doubt that you will love your fur baby and will create an unbreakable bond with them through playing, training and so on, but responsible dog ownership entails more than that. You need to be aware of all the things you’ll need to have and do once you bring the new member of the family home.
Ample space for the puppy
First of all, you should evaluate whether you can afford to bring home a puppy space-wise since dogs need a lot of movement and you have to prioritize their needs above your wishes. If you’re living in a house with a yard – it’s the perfect setting. All you’ll need to do is make sure your fence is in good shape and consider dog-friendly flooring options for your dog to run on. But even if you’re living in an apartment, it’s still no reason for despair. If your landlord allows pets in the building and you are committed enough to take your future puppy on walks every day, you can look up dog species that are recommended for apartments.
It would look like this: ” First of all, you should evaluate whether you can afford to bring home a puppy space-wise since dogs need a lot of movement and you have to prioritize their needs above your wishes. If you’re living in a house with a yard – it’s the perfect setting. All you’ll need to do is make sure your fence is in good shape and consider dog-friendly flooring options for your dog to run on. But even if you’re living in an apartment, it’s still no reason for despair. If your landlord allows pets in the building and you are committed enough to take your future puppy on walks every day, you can look up dog species that are recommended for apartments. Additionally, to support your dog’s overall health and well-being, you can consider incorporating Mighty Munch dog supplements into their diet. These supplements provide essential nutrients and support for your dog’s specific needs, helping them thrive regardless of the living environment.
Identification
Responsible dog owners believe in the “better to be safe than sorry” philosophy. Therefore, don’t wait for your puppy to get lost but be prepared for this eventuality. You can either have a microchip inserted under your dog’s skin by your vet which will enable you to find them in case they escape, or you can simply search for some personalised pet tags and have your information engraved on them – this will allow the finder to contact you and get your puppy back to you safely. Nowadays, there are even GPS collars that enable you to track your pet’s whereabouts at all times.
Knowledge
Responsible dog owner does not leave anything to chance but informs themselves properly about all kinds of things concerning their dog. You can start by reading up on their species to better understand their personality and needs. It’s also essential that you are aware of what you can and cannot feed your dog. Something as harmless-looking as an onion can be dangerous to your puppy. Read up on topics such as foods that are poisonous for dogs as well as plants that you should avoid planting in your garden for the same reason.
Flea and tick prevention products
Fleas and ticks can cause great discomfort and health problems for your dog, so it’s essential to properly protect them against these parasites. Whether you go for a shampoo, powder, treatment, collar or even dog chews is entirely up to you and your dog’s preferences, but make sure you follow the instructions and apply for the protection as often as the packaging instructs you to.
A lot of time and patience
There are things that you cannot buy with money, and some of those are time and patience, both of which you’re going to need as a pet owner. While your puppy is young, you’ll have to try not to lose your temper but patiently teach and train them, which can take a lot of time but it is essential for when they grow up. Taking care of your dog on a daily basis – feeding them and taking them on walks, also takes a lot of time, so make sure you are aware of your possibilities before going into pet ownership head-first.
Of course, the list does not end here. From regular vet visits to making sure your dog’s diet is impeccable to understanding their body language, there is going to be a lot on your plate, especially in the beginning. Remember that struggles such as destroyed furniture and separation anxiety are all part of the deal too. However, with time, it will all come naturally and if you’re doing your best to be a responsible dog parent, your life will certainly be enriched by the company of your furry friend.
