First-Time Dog Ownership: Everything You Need to Know
Acquiring a dog may seem to be a simple task, but the reality is that owning one is fraught with several difficulties. However, the responsibilities of pet ownership extend beyond the mere acquisition of food, toys, and a leash. Here is the essential information you need to ensure a joyful homecoming for your dog.
Canines need both time and space to acclimate to unfamiliar environments, hence your first responsibility is to provide your new companion with a secure and comfortable area that is exclusively theirs. The Oregon Humane Society (OHS) suggests providing a dedicated space for your puppy to acclimate by giving them access to an entire room. If you are unable to afford it, an enclosed container or enclosure in a calm area is also suitable. Exclude other animals and children from the designated area for dogs, and ensure that any objects that may seem remotely edible to an anxious dog are either removed or properly secured. This includes items such as cat litter, electrical wires, house plants, children’s toys, shoes, clothes, and any kind of food.
The journey back to one’s residence is the point at which reality sets in.
While many canines like automobile rides, others experience significant stress from them. Based on the recommendations provided by Petfinder’s guidance to the first 30 days of dog adoption and the rules for pet travel by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), the most effective method to ensure your dog’s safety throughout the journey home is to place them in a cage inside your vehicle. (Implementing measures to make an environment safe and secure for dogs is advisable.) Ensuring a sense of safety will reduce stress for all parties involved. Avoid making further stops or leaving the dog alone in the vehicle; go directly home.
After arriving home, it is time to physically present your dog with their new living space. Petfinder, HSUS, and OHS all emphasize that the first destination when exiting the vehicle should be the designated area for your dog to urinate. Prior to entering, guide your canine companion to that location, allow them to relieve themselves, and then acknowledge good behavior with food and commendation. After entering, guide them to their designated meal location, followed by their assigned room or crate area, allowing them enough time to familiarize themselves with each space before proceeding forward.
By following these suggestions and relying on certain fortuitous circumstances, you and your canine companion should successfully navigate the first 24 hours of dog ownership without experiencing excessive anxiety. Inhale deeply and prepare yourself, for the true labor is about to begin.
CREDIT: Allneeds, LIFEHACKER
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