Advice for New Dog Parents

It’s never a bad idea to add a new furry family member to your group of animals. With over a million dog in shelters throughout the nation, adopting a canine companion is unquestionably karma-positive. However, there are a lot of things to anticipate when adopting a puppy that you should also be aware of. From six weeks to two years, it’s a crazy trip.

Pay Attention

Pay attention to your pup’s excitement level. Helping them remain calm, or calm down after they get excited, can prevent a lot of headaches as they learn and grow.

Everyone has seen it. All pets experience zoomies. They literally don’t know what to do with themselves as they rush around like wild, joyful people. We’ve witnessed dogs scratching holes in walls on several occasions. Some animals run down children and knock stuff down. Both you and your cat could find this to be quite annoying.

Toys that provide enrichment or serve as “distractions,” as some may call them, are excellent for refocusing your pet’s attention and calming them down. We may even use them to educate our dogs on what to do when they become overexcited.

Be Ready for Anything

Be ready for anything with your pet. We like to over-prepare.

Your dog is going to get its head stuck in the cat door, it’ll eat out of the trash more than once, and nothing will go according to plan. Do you have a brush to get the burrs out of their fur after that hike through the woods? Do you have plenty of treats to keep them entertained during that longer-than-expected Zoom meeting? Have you purchased a lidded trash can?

If your answer to any of the above was “No” then you’ve got a problem. It’s always best to be over-prepared for your pet’s shenanigans, especially when you’re in public. Like babies, your pup might need its own bag. Many dog parents, they’ve resorted to having things available in a few different places. Sometimes even in their desk drawers at work.

It’ll take a while for your pup to learn its lesson but you can prevent things from happening by being a prepared, and mindful, dog mom/dad.

Shit Happens

Shit happens. Always be prepared for a number two no matter where you are!

Each of us has been there. Our dog decides to defecate exactly where we don’t want them to when we’re out for a walk or on the short walk from the car to the office. We’re currently rushing to locate a Kroger bag or poop-bag substitute to take care of our dogs. Things we’ve discovered A bag should ALWAYS be carried when traveling!

Franchises solely for their convenience. They make it simple to carry poop bags wherever you go by attaching them to your pet’s leash or harness. Just remember to restock it!

Read More: Helpful Tips for Walking Your Dog