Being the Best Pet Parent
When you decide to bring a dog into your home, excitement is the first emotion that takes over. Visions of romps through the park, a basket of squeaky toys and endless cuddles dance through your head. While these things are part and parcel of dog ownership, there must also be some space left for the realistic every day details that will become part of your life. Depending upon what breed – or breeds – of dog you decide on, there are various personality and maintenance factors that you will need to keep in mind. Also, a dog’s background can have a big impact on its behavior, so if you adopt a shelter pet, be sure to get as much of his or her history as you can. In order to fully integrate your pet into your life, consider the following suggestions to ensure a smooth transition for both of you.
Plan Ahead
It is easy to get caught up in the moment when you are browsing the animal shelter, and want to take your new best friend home with you that very moment. But chances are that you will need to complete a few tasksat home before you open it to a new occupant. Take a tour of your house and try to look at it from a dog’s perspective. Are there toxic plants, smaller pets or expensive items within reach? A few hours of “dog proofing” can save you a lot of time and frustration from cleaning up after an untrained pet. Many dogs act out when they are feeling abandoned, frustrated or bored, and they tend to show it by chewing and tearing into almost any nearby object. If you need to install a pet gate to block off-limits areas, now is the time to do it – at least until some time has passed and you can be certain that a behavior incident is unlikely. It will also help that you do not introduce a new dog to too many people at once – but he or she should meet any household members before entering the home so that there is no confusion about who belongs where.
Allow Adjustments
Even when you have done as much preparation as you possibly can, there are bound to be some bumps in the road. It is essential that you practice patience and give Fido some time and space to get settled into a new life with new sights, sounds and smells. If anxiety seems to be an obstacle to a reasonable adjustment period, you may want to ask a veterinarian about the use of CBD oil for pets, which can be very useful in calming nervous companions. While some training will still be necessary, these types of natural supplements are proven to help take the edge off of stressful situations so that everyone has time to get on the same page. Easing stress and anxiety in your dog will reduce your own, and you can get to the fun stuff faster!
Roll (Over) With It
Animals – as much as we love them – can be unpredictable and have their own individual personalities, just like people. No matter how much we plan and prepare, sometimes our pets have other things in mind, and we are left feeling a little bit confused and even disappointed in the outcome. But for your pet’s sake, do your best to take the unexpected in stride and accept the uniqueness of your canine friend. Relax and let him be himself, and soon all of the previous expectations will be forgotten. You will develop an appreciation for him and find the true friendship and unconditional love that comes with bringing a dog into your life. He appreciates you, and there is no better feeling than the pure joy that dogs exhibit when they are in your company. So sit, stay and open your heart to doggy love!