Advice Tips for New Dog Parents

It’s always a good idea to welcome a new furry family member into your family. It’s never a wrong time. With more than a million dogs in shelters all around America, it’s undoubtedly karma positive to adopt a four-legged friend.

However, if you’re adopting a new puppy, there are many things to look forward to and be aware of. It’s a wild ride from 6 weeks to 2 years.

The PetCareBytes! The Pet Care team compiled a list of the best recommendations from our sitters and owners across the country. We want to share this advice with our clients so they know they’re not alone, and that things always work out.

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

Zoomies happen to all pets. They run around so crazy and excited that they don’t know what to do with themselves. We’ve seen dogs bash into walls and leave holes on more than one occasion. Some pets knock things over and run down little kids. This can be very frustrating for you and your pet.

As some would say, enrichment or distraction toys help re-direct your pet’s attention and calm them down. They are tools that we can use to teach our pets what to do when they become overly excited.

Here are a few of our favourites:

• Lick Mats
• KONGs
• Treat Dispenser

Pull these out when your pup gets overwhelmed; they’ll be good to go in about 15 minutes.

Franchises have poop-bag holders that we give to clients simply for convenience. They clip onto your pet’s leash or harness and make it easy to keep poop bags with you no matter where you end up. Just don’t forget to refill it.

Prepare for anything when it comes to your pet.

Your dog will 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?

If your answer to any of the above was “no,” you’ve got a problem. It’s always best to be over-prepared for your pet’s shenanigans, especially in public. Like babies, your pup might need a bag.

Many new dog parents have resorted to having things available in a few different places. Sometimes even in their work desk drawers.

Your pup will take a while to learn its lesson, but you can prevent things from happening by being a prepared and mindful dog parent.

Read More: Signs Your Pet Needs Emergency Vet Care