You’ve finally decided to bring a dog into your life, and the world is about to be so much better, for you and the dog at least! But while there’s a lot of joy ahead, you should also prepare yourself for a few situations that seem unexpected until they happen. Also, do necessary preparations such as puppy-proofing your home and getting all the necessary supplies before your puppy is home.
Now, find some important things you’ll have to endure as a new dog owner.
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Your dog will be scared of everything
You will be in for some serious initial growing pains when you bring your new dog home. This is because dogs are naturally wary of new things, which can mean a lot of things. They’re wary of things they can’t see and hear, that’s why the first time the mail comes it’s a good idea to greet your dog with a treat or toy after telling him or her what just arrived.
Dogs are also skittish about loud noises, so if you have children who like playing with toys (or even running around) make sure they understand how much noise their actions can cause in the house and outside when they’re playing outside. Also, make sure everyone understands that this isn’t an invitation to keep doing whatever they’re doing: it’s just an acknowledgment that it happens sometimes, and we don’t want our dog friend scared by all those loud noises!
Dogs are also scared by sudden movements—which means parents need to be extra careful around kids who might jump up on them unexpectedly while walking down hallways at school/work etcetera. We know how often kids get excited about seeing each other, but please remember this only scares dogs!
Your dog will chew everything in sight
The first thing that you should realize is that chewing is a natural behavior for dogs. Just like humans, dogs need to relieve stress and boredom. They also have a natural instinct to chew for exploration and investigation purposes. Chewing allows your dog to explore his or her environment in a safe way, which can help bring out their curiosity and intellect!
If your dog starts chewing on something in your home that isn’t his or her toy, try giving them one of their own toys instead. This way, you are teaching them what is OK for them to chew on and what isn’t acceptable at all times during the day, whenever possible.
Your dog may lose his appetite when you’re out of town
When you’re away from your dog for a few days, he’ll get anxious. He might even lose his appetite or stop eating altogether. Dogs can get anxious in a variety of situations: when you’re in the house, yard, car, and garden. But when someone else takes over his care? That’s like sending him to military school with nothing but an old blanket for comfort and love.
When this happens (which it inevitably will), don’t panic! You should know that there are ways to help ease his discomfort so that he understands there’s nothing to be afraid of—and these methods can make all the difference between a happy reunion and a tearful one.
Your dog won’t sleep on your bed at first
While this is certainly a concern for many new dog owners, it’s not something to necessarily worry about. Dogs are naturally territorial and may be uncomfortable with sharing their space with their owner or other people in the home, so they may prefer sleeping on their own bed or even on the floor.
If your dog does want to sleep in your room, you can encourage him by giving him a designated place of his own (like an old blanket), so he knows it’s okay for him to stay there when he wants to. You can also try offering treats when asking him to go into his bed before bedtime so that he associates good things happening with getting inside his crate/kennel/crate pad/etcetera.
Your dog may go sick
You can’t always tell if your dog is sick, particularly if he’s a puppy with no medical records. If you think your dog might be unwell, it’s important to take him to the vet as soon as possible.
You should know your dog’s schedule and what he usually does during the day. The most common symptoms of illness in dogs include reduced appetite and excessive sleepiness—but these can vary depending on the animal’s age and breed.
It’s important to have pet insurance for dogs because it ensures them access to veterinary treatment when necessary, even if you haven’t budgeted for expensive visits from vets throughout the year (or years).
Expect different energy levels
When thinking about a dog for your family, you might be wondering what sort of energy level would be best. Some people are the kind who enjoy an active lifestyle and like to run or even play sports. Others prefer to walk around the neighborhood with their dog. While many are content to sit at home and relax with their pet by their side on a couch.
Whatever is your preference, there’s likely a breed that fits you perfectly! For example, if you’re looking for a jogging partner, try searching for breeds like Labrador Retriever, Bulldog, or a Beagle.
Conclusion
We think owning a dog is the best thing ever, and we hope you do too. But nothing could have prepared us for the surprises our pups put us through, so we thought we’d let you know what’s really in-store when you sign up to be a dog owner.
Recommended read – Lycan Shepherd Fact Sheet