Owning a dog for the first time can be nerve-racking. Find out how to best rescue your first dog!
According to ASPCA, approximately 3.3 million dogs enter the animal shelter every year in the U.S. When you rescue a dog, not only are you saving a life but you will also experience the joy of caring for another soul – but the process isn’t easy. Before you decide to rescue a dog, there are a few things you should do first:
Do As Much Research As You Can On Taking Care Of A Dog.
There is a lot to consider before finally bringing your new family member home.
Being ready means you understand what your dog requires physically and mentally and also ask yourself if you’re ready for the commitment.
You will have less free time on your hands and you will have to abide by a strict schedule if you are to provide a happy life for your dog.
A great way to start is to research the different types of breeds, doing this can give you a basic idea of which dog might fit better with your lifestyle.
If you want to take it another step further, you can ask the shelter staff and tell them what sort of lifestyle you want for your dog.
Shelter staff really understand and know the dogs so they can be a great help in picking the right match for you.
Know Your Budget: How Much Can You Spend On Your Dog?
One of the biggest commitments in owning a dog is the financial responsibility that comes with it. Expenses such as food and treats, fleas and heartworm preventatives, grooming, vet checkups, and vaccines are a few things to consider before bringing your new dog into your house.
Preparing Your House For Your New Dog.
Almost as intense as getting ready for a new child, there are a few basic items you’ll need to prepare before your new dog enters your house.
Items such as bowls, toys, collars, and leashes are a necessity when your new family member arrives. If your new dog happens to be a puppy, you’ll also need a crate of some sort for potty training.
If you already have other animals in the house, separate them first and find a suitable time to slowly introduce them to each other.
Some dogs may get extremely territorial when encountering another dog also be sure to provide separate bowls and beds for each animal.
Choosing the Right Food for Your New Dog.
High-quality food isn’t cheap but ensuring that your dog gets the necessary amount of nutrients on a daily basis is very important. Always ask the shelter which food the dog is on and slowly introduce new food if you are planning on changing their diet. Some foods can cause allergic reactions in your dogs while others might be meant for other dogs depending on their size and age. You can even decide to cook food yourself for your dog but always talk to your local veterinarian if you are going to do so.
Find A Veterinarian That You and Your Dog Trust.
It is wise to develop a relationship with a vet that both you and your dog trust and fully respect. Vets are medical professionals who understand animals more than the internet ever can. Do not hesitate to ask your veterinarians any questions or concerns you may have for your dog.
Training Your New Dog The House Rules.
The first few days or weeks will be very difficult for your dog. It will take time for them to relax in their new home and trust you as their caretaker. Be sure to be patient and practice positive reinforcement as you teach them how to behave in your house. Yelling or hitting will never be a good option and only make matters more stressful for your dog and they will learn to fear you instead of trusting you. There are different healing crystals that can help your dog cope better with its new environment. Healing Crystals such as the Rose Quartz, Howlite, and Chevron Amethysts are all great for helping an anxious and nervous dog.
Bonding With Your New Dog.
After having settled into your new home and earning the trust of your new dog. It is time to start considering how you can strengthen that trust into a deeper and more valuable bond. Simple activities such as daily walks in the park or playdates with your friends who also have dogs can help strengthen that bond. Other activities such as hiking or going to a dog expo can expose your dog to new experiences that can strengthen the bond between you and your dog even further. Keep in mind to always bring a water bottle for your dog when going outside to keep them hydrated. Consider checking out the Merci Collective Crystal Infused Water Bottle for your outdoor adventures.
Be Responsible For Both You and Your Dog.
Make a serious commitment to your dog by providing them with adequate amounts of nutrition, exercise, medical care, and interactions. When you own a dog, not only are you making a commitment to them but also to your community. This means that you will take responsibility for what your dog does. Most states require mandatory vaccinations for dogs but also understand the importance of picking up after your dog during your daily walks!
We hope you found this article helpful, if you have any questions or concerns please contact us at www.mercicollective.com/contact/ and we will be happy to talk with you!