More than 50% of US households have a dog. We are lovers of canine companions but taking care of a furry friend is not always easy. When you bring a pet home, you take responsibility for their health, wellbeing, and happiness. If you’re thinking about getting a new pup, here are some tips to help you become a brilliant dog owner.
Investing time
Time is one of the most crucial factors to consider when getting a dog. Dogs are sociable creatures, they love nothing more than being with their owners and they don’t like to be left alone for long periods. Most pups are heavily reliant on their human companions and they get lonely without them. As well as devoting time to cuddles and paying your pet attention, it’s also important to realize that caring for a dog can be time-consuming in terms of going for walks, making sure your dog has food and water, and letting them out frequently. If you’re already trying to juggle a hundred balls at once or you work long hours, it may be best to consider waiting to get a dog.
Love and affection
Dogs are very affectionate creatures and they adore cuddling up with their owners and playing together. To be a fantastic dog owner, you really have to love your pooch and be willing to spend time with them and indulge their demands for strokes, cuddles, and pats. Dogs are often more loving than cats and they are less independent.
Spending time at home
One of the main sacrifices prospective dog owners have to think about before deciding to get a puppy or an adult dog is cutting back on spontaneous days out and trips. If you travel a lot or you regularly spend weekends exploring new places or hanging out with friends in different cities, for example, you may need to think about whether you’d be willing to scale back your plans and spend more time at home. It is possible to take dogs to hotels and travel around with them and you can also use dog boarding facilities if you’re going on a trip but it’s best to avoid getting a dog if you don’t spend much time at home. Dogs crave interaction and they can only be left at home alone for a few hours at a time. If you go away for long periods or you like to have a packed social schedule, it may be best to opt for a different type of pet.
Exercise and energy
Just like humans, dogs need exercise to maintain optimum physical and mental health. As a dog owner, you should be prepared to take your dog for regular walks and to spend time playing with them and burning off excess energy. Some breeds are a lot more active than others. If you don’t have much time available, you have health issues that affect your mobility, or you’re not keen on the idea of walking miles every day, ask a vet for advice about which breeds to consider.
Are you thinking about getting a canine companion? If so, it’s important to understand what it takes to be a good dog owner. If you have a hectic schedule, you spend a lot of time away from home and you don’t love the thought of going for walks and cuddling up on the couch at the weekends, it may be wise to consider a different type of pet.
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