Having a canine companion is a privilege as well as a responsibility. Many people say they want to get a dog but do not know what it entails to be a responsible owner. This leads to a lot of unpleasantness for the humans and tragedy for the dogs. If you’re thinking of owning a dog or you just got one, here are some tips to have a great relationship with your four-legged bestie:
Preparations
If you’re mulling over the thought of keeping a dog, you must first evaluate your life if you’re ready to add another living thing under your care. You should make an honest assessment of your lifestyle, financial capacity, and emotional commitment if a dog will be happy in your company. Knowledge is key here that is why Sean Green from Petsumer.com
believes that a wealth of information about breeds, products, care, and maintenance should be one of the first things you’ll need to dive into. Making informed decisions is left entirely by our pets to us, so we owe it to them to repay that trust.
Living Conditions
Depending on the breed or temperament of the dog, you should have a suitable environment for them to feel comfortable and happy. Also, some apartments have regulations on the type and size of pets that you’re allowed to keep, so make sure your dog fits the bill so that you won’t have any problems with your neighbors or landlord.
Dogs who need to run around or spend their energy must be given space or opportunity to do their exercise. On the other hand, some dogs prefer minimal activities but don’t go well with confined spaces and must also be given some consideration. For many people, there’s not much you can do with living conditions, so researching for the right breed who’ll be happy with your place is important.
Essentials
Once you’ve got the right dog for your place, you need to prepare for the essentials like food, shots, doctor visits, and dog-proofing. Dogs also need to have the proper diet, so you should read the labels of the food carefully or consult your vet before introducing an entirely new diet for your dog. Vaccinations and check-ups should also be taken religiously, so make time to take your pet to the doctor to have their shots and regular examinations.
Dog Tracking and Identity
Keeping your dog safe is one of your primary responsibilities as well as the safety of other people when your dog skips the fence. When you let your dog loose outside, have sturdy fencing around your property, society has become less tolerant of dog infractions nowadays. Traditionally, a dog collar is enough to identify your dog but microchipping them has recently become popular. When traveling, aside from the essentials, you should also keep yourself updated about your dog’s whereabouts when you’re not together.
Playtime
This part, right here, is one of the joys of having a dog in your life so make sure you make time to do activities together. Not only does it make for a good exercise, but it also strengthens your bond and would make them blithely contended with their life with you.
Just like any other relationship with people, your decision to keep a dog is a commitment to fulfill all requirements. Your dog will live their entire lives giving their best in showing their love for you. So it’s only fair that you reciprocate that love by being a responsible owner, having their well-being in mind.