[Infographic] How To Care For Your New Dog: The Easy Way

/ Training / By

The first couple of days that your new dog spends in at your place are the most important of all its days. The dog would expect a lot from you hence the need to step up your pet game. It’s emotional and physical requirements need to be taken care of. It should also be provided with nutritious food, shelter, lots of water and safety.

As new dog owners, you will need to be conversant with these tips on how to care for your new dog to make your canine friend feel at home.

How To Care For Your New Dog

So, what are some of the ways on how to care for your new dog?

#1. Provide a cozy bed

Before your new friend gets used to the new environment, she is likely to spend a lot of time cuddled up in a corner that you set her in. Ensure therefore that she is as comfortable as possible.

Dogs are very susceptible to different weather elements such as hot summers and cold winters. These weather elements can result in the death of your new dog in extreme cases. All these misfortunes can be averted by providing an appropriate sleeping place.

Do not keep your doggy all locked up in its cage or kernel when it is cold or very hot outside. The place you choose as the sleeping place should be near family members (if any). It can also be where the dog can see you so that she can get used to her new family.

#2. Savory meals are a necessity

As you bring your new pooch home, pass by the pet store and bring along the tastiest high-quality dog food that you can find. Ensure you carefully read the feeding instructions on the back first. Following these instructions will ensure that you do not underfeed or over feed the new dog.

The food you buy should correspond to the age of the dog. If you have an adult pooch or a puppy, the food has to be rated according to their ages. Do check if there is a statement by the Association of American Feed Control Officials on the pack.

Consequently, if the previous owner fed the dog a different kind of food, you can offer this type for some time. An abrupt change in the eating habits can possibly cause diarrhea. Gradually introduce him to the new food until he is used to it.

After meals, water should be given in plenty. This makes digestion easy and prevents constipation. Choose a spot to place a clean bowl of water. This ensures that the dog knows exactly where to find water even if you are not around.

#3. A stroll in the back should be a routine.

Taking your dog for morning or evening walks is encouraged for good physical development. The frequency and duration of walks depend on the size of your dog. Small sized dogs get tired rather quickly and are therefore suited for less gruesome tasks.

More energetic dogs need longer walks for increased number of times in a week. This ensures that all that excess energy is burnt out. There is a certain breed that never tires no matter the amount of exercises and walks you give them. If you have such, then you should look for ways of ensuring appropriate exercises.

Excess energy leads to unwanted behavioral changes such as excessive barking, chewing or digging on floors. When taking the dog for walks, do not forget his leash. That would be really damn if you did so. A new dog would attempt to escape from you when left free.

If you intend to allow the dog to stroll freely on your yard, make sure that the yard is fenced. This is to confine the dog’s movements and prevent escape attempts.

#4. An obedient dog should be rewarded with treats.

Just staying in the house all day can get a new dog bored, just like human beings. The dog needs mental stimulation at times. This can be achieved by training your dog on essential obedience habits you would like it to have.

Reward based obedience training gives perfect reliable results. When she performs a trick correctly, you provide recognition of these efforts by giving her a good treat. She then is able to know that she did the right thing.

These training sessions allow you and the dog to bond during the one on one sessions. You get to know each other better. As you give the dog treats, remember not to overfeed her. You do not want your new dog suffering from obesity this early in your friendship.

#5. Arrange for visits to the vet’s office regularly

This is another tip on how to care for your new dog. As a new or seasoned dog owner, you have to keep your pooch in top shape health wise. If you have never owned a pooch previously, then it best if you choose a very qualified vet to take care of your new furry canine friend.

To know whether the vet can be trusted is an issue but you can ask random questions and gauge how easily and fluently she answers them. Preferably, you can look for a vet who operates throughout the day and on weekends.

You never know when your dog might develop complications. During these visits, ensure your dog is regularly vaccinated against common diseases in the locality. Your dog should be vaccinated against rabies even if it is not a statutory requirement in your locality.

The vet should also provide you with treatments against parasites, depending on the life style the dog will be staying under.

Conclusion

These techniques on how to care for your new dog are mandatory for all new dog owners out there. The changes in lifestyles might affect the dog in one way or another. The key is to be patient with her and treat her rightly (punishments do worsen the situation).

Just be compassionate, and you will soon realize what a great friend you have just made. When you treat your new dog right, she will stay loyal to you for the longest time possible.

In case you were having trouble or had no idea on how to take of your new friend, I hope this article has shed some light on how you are supposed to go about it.