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Guest Post by Penny Martin

Are you thinking about adding your first dog to your family? Becoming a pet parent is a big responsibility, but with the right tools and know-how, you can make the transition positive for you and your furry best friend. So, if you are ready to take on the care of your very first pet, here are a few tips, tricks, and secrets to help you avoid issues along the way.

Get Your Home Completely Pet-Friendly

A comfortable home can make life less stressful for your new furkid and for you. Any pet parent will tell you that you need the right appliances to keep your home cozy and calm with a new dog or puppy around. Some essentials to include on your list may be a new purifier to reduce irritation for allergy sufferers in your home or a new vacuum that is better equipped to tackle pet hair (quality models are available for under $100). It’s also a good idea to invest in a quality pet carpet cleaner that can remove odors and stains if your pup has an accident. Having these tools before you have your new pet at home will make those unexpected messes and cleaning needs less of a hassle for you and less stressful for your dog. If you’ve got some extra room in your budget, you could hire a maid service to occasionally come by to help out.

Do Your Homework to Find a Dog That Fits You

Each breed of dog has a different set of characteristics, and each dog has its own personality. The best you can do to find a dog that is right for you is to take your lifestyle and needs into consideration. Many people set their hearts on cuddly breeds, like huskies or German shepherds, without realizing how active these working dogs can be. If an active dog seems like too much for you to handle, you may prefer a laid-back breed instead. Smaller breeds or even bulldogs can make for the perfect couch companions for those relaxed weekends at home. Many people will tell you to have a yard to keep your dog happy, but this is not always the case. While not having a yard presents some challenges for pets, taking your dog for long walks and playtime in the park is much more beneficial than spending time in the yard.

Make Settling In Easier on You, and Your New Pup

Change is really difficult for most dogs to process. Even though you may be adopting a dog from a stressful shelter environment, bringing him/her home can lead to even more stress for your new pet. You can help your dog feel at home by following some rules for settling in safely. When you bring your new pet home, keep the leash on so you can guide and supervise your dog in the new environment. You may want to gradually introduce him to each section of the home. You can purchase dog or baby gates to temporarily block any spaces you don’t want him to explore yet. Smells, sounds, and objects can be overwhelming, but with your guidance, even adult dogs can quickly adjust to their new home. Be careful of changing too many elements during this period, like their food, to avoid further anxiety for your pet.

Create a Lasting Bond With Your New Pet

Getting your first dog is exciting, but it’s important to keep in mind that you are adding a sentient living creature to your life by doing so. Just like humans, dogs can take some time to warm up to new people, which can be frustrating to new owners who want to bond with their pets. You can boost your bond with your pup by spending lots of time together, offering positive encouragement and of course, giving lots of pettings when your dog is up for it. More importantly, you have to remember to remain patient as you develop a relationship of trust with your dog. Shelter and rescued pets can be especially wary of new environments and change, so give your adopted animals extra time to connect with you.

There’s no better feeling than coming home to a happy pooch at the end of the day. So, make sure you’re all set to experience all the positives pet parenthood has to offer by being prepared for the potential problems that may arise.