Disclaimer:
I am by far a DOG LOVER, especially for my big dogs!
So as you read this, just keep that in mind.
My dogs are my children and I will treat them no less than a human. Yes, I know, some people will roll their eyes at me, but that’s just how I am. 🙂
Thinking About Getting A Dog?
FIRST:
- Do you spend more than 8 hours a day away from your home?
- Do you have time to train a dog…not just 5 minutes…more like 30-60 minutes a day, or more?
- Do you have extra money set aside for the vet, emergencies, extra food, etc?
- Do you have a yard? Any type of fence?
- Do you have space in your house for a furry child?
- Do you have someone that can let your dog(s) out if you are away for more than 8 hours, or someone that can stay at your house while you’re gone for long periods of time?
If you answered no to any of these questions (or yes to the first one), you may want to rethink getting a dog.
A dog is a domesticated wolf basically.
-We, humans, made them that way. – And we, humans, make them our pets. – Which means we, humans, have to give them a life that they deserve.-
Things You Need For A Dog
There is a list of things that you need to do to prepare and get before you get a dog.
- Food & water bowls
- Collar w/ tag of dog’s name & owner’s phone number
- Leash
- Bed
- Brush
- Stain & odor remover spray w/ lots of paper towels
- Dog shampoo & towel
- TOYS!
- Food -do some research on what is best for your breed & age
These are just the basics, and obviously as time goes on you’ll find what items you really need for your dog, but this is the dog starter pack and I’m sure you’d rather be safe than sorry with extra items!
You Have A Dog & Their Things, Now What?
Let it get acclimated to your home, it’s going to be scared at first and not know what’s quite going on. That’s ok!
What to expect:
Your new dog is going probably going to sniff EVERYTHING! Let them, it is their way of checking everything out and figuring out their new home. Let them explore, I would follow them around from a distance though just to make sure they don’t pee on anything, which brings me to my next point.
It also may mark (pee) on a couple things, so be prepared. Especially boys do this if they are not fixed or if they are worried about territory or dominance. Girls will still do it every once in a while but it’s more of a potty training issue then. This also depends on the age of the dog, if you get a brand new puppy they are most likely not potty trained so that will be the first big step for you! Good luck! Be prepared to get up in the middle of the night to let them out, and several times during the day! As long as you are consistent with the training and training methods, it should not take long (maybe a week or so) to potty train your pup! Use bells at the door, use treats when they go outside or ring the bells to go outside, and make sure they know it’s bad to go inside.
If you have kids (big or small) make SURE they let the dog come to them–do NOT hover over the dog, do NOT run at the dog, do NOT yell or beg for the dog–just let it walk around and explore, let it come to you and keep the space quiet. Puppies are easily scared and older dogs, especially rescues, can be as well, so be cautious when handling new dogs in your house. It will take a while for them to realize you are their new owner and this is their new home.
If you have other animals, depending on what they are, always prepare for the worst. Try to keep your other animal’s routine the same but gradually introduce them, your dog will probably be very interested in them and might not react the way you want. Especially when it’s the same gender dog, but this can vary per breed, some breeds are very docile and couldn’t care less about what you bring home, and others are very territorial and protective, so just keep that in mind. Your dog didn’t ask for a friend, so don’t force them.
