Since the emergence of the pandemic, pet stores, shelters, and breeders have experienced an incredible rise in the demand for canine companions. The credit goes to their ability to alleviate stress and struggle that directly results from the COVID-19 pandemic.
With fast increasing numbers of first-time dog owners, many are looking for helpful advice on the care and training of their new family members. So, if you are bringing home a newborn pup (or maybe an older dog) for the first time, you probably have a lot of questions in your mind, especially when you want to become a responsible pet parent.
If your goal is to create an environment for your pet where it feels comfortable, here are the tips a first-time dog owner should practice to build a healthy and thriving environment for their pet.
Teach Them Some Useful Tricks
When it comes to training and teaching your dog, first-time owners always think of the cute and funny ones. Instead, a pet owner should teach them tricks that make them easier to manage and keep them safe in different situations.
Teach your pet not to run away while off-leash, wait for a command before crossing the street, and to sit on the sidewalk. Also, you can try giving them toys to present to a guest (to stop them from barking and scaring the guests). As a bonus for following these tricks, you can give treats like bully sticks for dogs as a reward. These bully sticks work as a natural chew for the dogs, which most canines love to gnaw in their free time.
With a few practical tricks, you make your dog a valuable member of your family. So, instead of spending your time helping them learn some cute tricks, allow them to learn some practical tricks.
Work on Building a Relationship
Whether you have adopted a new pup who is just a few days or weeks old, or you have brought an adult dog at home, creating a strong bond with your pet is crucial.
Much like people, dogs too have their unique personalities. For instance, some breeds are energetic and playful with special abilities like a heightened sense of smell. So, even when you have expectations from your dog based on their breed, make sure you give them time to find their character.
Please make efforts to know them to understand their likes and dislikes. Don’t lose hope if they aren’t into specific commands you plan to teach them. It’s all part of growing up.
The most important thing about being a responsible pet parent is a continuous learning process. It will test your patience and help you develop a loving relationship with your pet.
In Conclusion
When you are a first-time pet owner, focus on building a strong foundation to give your new family member the best life possible. Providing your dog with all types of care and comfort can help them grow into fine pets. Follow the tips mentioned above and evolve into the responsible pet owner you want to become to accomplish this task.
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