Your Pooch Deserves the Best

The idea of purchasing a puppy is incredibly exciting. You think about those lovely snuggles with your new little friend on the couch. However, it’s important think beyond the puppy stage of their life. Your pooch deserves the best for it’s entire lifetime. Depending on the breed, that life can be more than 15 years.

“Happiness is a warm puppy.” – Charles Shultz

It should go without saying that a dog or a cat improves your life tenfold. But here are a few things that you can do to ensure that both you and your new best friend are well suited to each other.

Understanding Each Other

There are going to be times where you don’t quite understand what your puppy is doing. There might be times that your pup displays behaviour that concerns you.

It is important for you to understand your dog’s behavior, and to that end, there are lots of different online resources and courses that you can take. Doing some research into dog behavior can help solve many problems before they become serious.

You may wish to discuss these concerning behaviors with your vet.

As a human being, you have the luxury of telling somebody when something is wrong and what they might do to fix it. Unfortunately, your dog can’t tell you what is wrong.

If you have adopted a dog, they are likely a little bit older. Please keep in mind it will take time for him to learn about you, your routine, and your home. They need to learn where they fit into your household, what they can expect from you, and to understand what you expect of them.

Dog Breed & Your Lifestyle

Just like people, there are lots of different types of dogs too. It is crucial that you choose a dog breed that fits your lifestyle. If your heart really desires a large dog, but you only have room for a Pomeranian, you should only stick to smaller breeds. You are doing yourself and your dog a massive disservice by choosing a giant breed without the room to accommodate it.

The same goes for having a very active breed. If you are not an active person, or you are away most of the day it is not wise to have an active dog. Different breeds of dogs are well known for specific personalities and traits.  One of the best ways to have an incredible relationship with your dog is to do your research and choose a dog breed that fits your lifestyle.

If you don’t own a dog, at least one, there is not necessarily anything wrong with you, but there may be something wrong with your life.” – Roger A. Caras

Care

At the very least, your dog is going to need a vet. In addition to a Vet, there are some other specialities you might consider. Dog dental care is very important, for example, It also might be a good idea to take your dog to a groomer. Visits to a groomer will keep their coat shiny and clean. An added bonus is that a groomer will also keep a watch on your pet’s skin and alert you to any potential problems that might crop up.

It is best to choose businesses with great reputations, with a kind & caring staff. This will make care visits less stressful and keep your pup happier.

Walking

Depending on the breed, you are going to have to walk your dog every day, If you have chosen an active breed, you will be walking then two or three times a day. No matter how active, there should be a couple of times a week that you take a slightly longer walk. Preferably to somewhere that your dog can run freely for a short while.

Some dog breeds are very lazy, but they still should have some space to work off what a little energy they do decide to spend. Not only is this excellent for your dog, but this is incredible for you too. Those daily walks can keep both of you quite healthy.

Space

As mentioned above, when it comes to space, it is vital to choose a dog that fits in your physical space. It’s also essential that the dog has somewhere they can go that is just for them. Although most dogs want to be as close to their owners as possible, they still need some space of their own. Try to give the dog somewhere that they can retreat to any time they like. They must know that they have a space that is just for them. This can also help when it comes to training.

Time

It would be best if you considered how much time you will be able to spend with your dog. It is important to know that in truth, dogs don’t care what you’re doing; they just want to do it with you. This could be while you are sitting quietly, or studying; it could be while you are working. They are quite happy to sit silently by your side for hours. Please remember it is really important to your pet to have those hours to share with you.  Dogs may become destructive if they are alone for long periods of time,

Responsible dog ownership and giving your dog a great life is more than just about a quick five-minute walk and giving them clean water every day. It’s about treating your dog with respect, keeping them happy & healthy, spending time with them and loving them.  They will pay you back many times over!

The relationship between humans and animals is very rewarding for both parties. But before selecting your new family member, it’s essential for you to do some research into which pet actually suits your lifestyle.

And that you’re really looking forward to a lot of snuggles. 

“Scratch a dog and you’ll find a permanent job.” – Franklin P. Jones