The Dos and Don'ts When it Comes to Owning a Dog

 




The Dos and Don'ts When it Comes to Owning a Dog

                                                       Dog Photo Credit: Morgan Gunning

Congratulations on bringing home your new fur baby, or finally deciding to make the leap to adopt! As someone who has owned dogs her whole life, I can confidently say that having a fur baby will be the most rewarding adventure. Now, as a new owner the Dos and Don'ts can become very overwhelming, but I am here to simplify it for you and remind you that you are going to do great! 


The Dos:

Regular exercise is an absolute must. There are several benefits from ensuring your furry friend gets their daily exercise: from preventing certain health complications to maintaining their mental wellbeing. Another benefit would be ensuring they take out all of their energy. I own two very energetic Dobermans, and if they do not have an outlet to release their energy, they will take it out on something I own---like the couch pillows, for example.

Next on the do list is creating a dog-safe living environment. If you are someone who is used to leaving things lying around that could be potentially harmful to animals, you will need to make sure that you home is free and clear of these hazards before bringing home your fur baby. Dogs get into absolutely EVERYTHING, even if it is not good for them. For example, one day I was preparing about seven pieces of chicken for dinner. I momentarily left the raw chicken on the counter to retrieve my wife from the backyard and when I came back in to finish preparing dinner, all seven pieces of raw chicken was GONE!

Last, but certainly not least, ensure you are spending meaningful quality time with your fur baby. Dogs only have about 10 to 13 years of life, and in those years, we become the most important thing to our dogs. So, make sure that you are giving them the best years of their lives!

The Don'ts:

The don'ts are not intended to scare you, they are there to ensure the quality of life for your fur baby and to provide proper guidance. With that being said, the first on the don't list is: do not skip out on training! All breeds of dogs benefit from some level of training, with obedience training being the most important. Obedience straining includes commands like sit, down, stay and leave it, and they are for you to keep constant control over unwanted or bad behaviors.

Up next is: do not leave your dog alone for long periods of time. Dogs are very susceptible to separation anxiety, which can have a lasting effect on your dog's mental well-being. If you know that you will be gone for a long period of time, plan ahead and book a pet sitter so that your fur baby will have company.

Last but not least, don't skip grooming! Dog grooming is not limited to just having a good smelling dog, it also maintains healthy skin, prevents the contraction of parasites, and minimizes shedding. Whether it is in your own home or at a groomer, make sure you are washing your dog at least every three months!

Welcoming a dog into your home for the very first time is a very rewarding experience that is filled with love and companionship. By implementing these dos and don'ts into your daily routine, you can guarantee a long, healthy, happy life for your forever friend! I know that you will have an amazing adventure, so don't forever to cherish it!

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