So you're bringing home that cute little puppy from the best breeder after doing all that research, or you found the most adorable "mutt" at the pound, where you were just going to look, you swore. And now you realize that you weren't as prepared as you thought. Maybe you're planning in advance for the new bundle of joy. Either way, we'll give you some valuable tips we've learned over the years of bringing home little bundles of terror ? I mean joy :)
Learn as much as possible about potty training, and expect none of it to matter, especially when you step in their deposits at 3 a.m. in the pitch black ? it WILL happen!
Buy the smallest bag of puppy chow you can find. Your dog will hate the first one, and the second one and the third one. Buying small will help you overcome the horror of the money you've just spent on the 7th brand of dog food in 2 weeks.
Strip naked or at the very least to a swimsuit before bathing your dog. You WILL BE WET. No way to avoid it, even in a 2 foot deep sunken bathtub. Personal experience talking here.
Prepare yourself for the fact that the toy you thought was SO COOL in the store, will be sniffed and promptly ignored until the end of time. Your dog will only like the toys that will drive you the most crazy. One of the favorites in our house (NOT purchased by us) is a big skunk with a plastic bottle inside. Inside said plastic bottle is a marble. Aaaaaargh. 'Nuff said.
That gorgeous dog bed you bought? You know, the one that cost almost as much as the new king size bed you got to accommodate the new dog? Yeah, the dog will rarely, if ever use it. Preferred dog beds in this house? Couches, blankets dragged to the floor, pile of clothes, carpets ? and of course, our bed, preferably leaving as little room as possible for the humans by stretching as wide as possible.
Training? What's that? Mine occasionally come when called, and usually sit when told, but that's about it. I've given up. Did you know that a dog can be flunked out of training school? Neither did I until it happened? to ME!
Fill in the blank: my favorite ______ will be chewed to death. Expect it. Embrace it. You will live it.
I think the biggest tip I can give to a new dog owner is to become a firm believer in Murphy's Law: whatever can happen usually will and at the worst possible time. Of course, if you'd like to avoid my jaded outlook on life with a dog, visit our website, http://www.a1-dog-info.com/tips-to-take-care-of-a-new-dog.htm for more tips to help you survive living with a dog.
Tara Pearce is the author and webmaster of A1-Dog-Info.com. Please visit us for all kinds of information about dog food, toys, health, books, supplies and clothes.
http://www.a1-dog-info.com/tips-to-take-care-of-a-new-dog.htm
http://www.a1-dog-info.com/tips-to-take-care-of-a-new-dog.htm
The performing of dog tricks, while not a necessary part... Read More
Are cats and children a good mix?So, you had a... Read More
If the "tweet, tweet" of little beaks is in your... Read More
Can you comprehend a time when dog food, cat food,... Read More
Many people want to make sure their family pet has... Read More
I've been around many people who try to lead a... Read More
For realistic tips for humans who are moving with cats,... Read More
Over the past decade, breed rescue groups have become a... Read More
Pet adoption is a fabulous option if you're seeking a... Read More
OriginDo you know that the adorable little puppy you bought... Read More
One of the greatest thrills for a little boy or... Read More
Almost all communities in the U.S. require at least one... Read More
Buying a purebred dog is not something that should be... Read More
This is an old saying that many of us have... Read More
Wondering how to begin crate training your puppy or dog,... Read More
The first thing to realize when you are training a... Read More
Toy dog breeds include greyhounds, terriers, pinschers, pugs, chihuahuas, pekingese,... Read More
We all know how special interest groups can blow things... Read More
I have encountered folks who have complained to me about... Read More
Fleas are wingless, blood-sucking insects that feed on dog, cats,... Read More
If you've ever watched as a cat "flipped" over fresh... Read More
Do you want a Westie as a pet? What are... Read More
If you are beginning to feel like an endangered species... Read More
Hi,I'm Janet CombsMy mother bred and raised Bichon Frises for... Read More
Guinea Pigs make great pets and are fairly easy to... Read More
tidy up service Arlington Heights ..Selling a HorseThe best new tool for people selling horses... Read More
With ancestors who were a breed of tenacious terriers, most... Read More
Traditionally, a doggie treat was just that, a treat that... Read More
Your mind-set, approach and way of thinking (beliefs) are critical... Read More
Ringworm is an annoying, highly contagious fungal disorder that is... Read More
The aim of a Westie rescue centre such as the... Read More
A pet can be as important a member of the... Read More
Domesticated rabbits are one of the most popular pets, apart... Read More
Whether you intend to show your Westie, or keep him... Read More
"Dogs are our link to paradise. They don't know evil... Read More
For most cat owners, training their cat to use the... Read More
As a business, I've not been in the holistic pet... Read More
Was he the world's greatest horse trainer of all time?... Read More
There are a number of reasons for choosing natural pet... Read More
Continued from part two.Epilepsy/seizure disorderWhen your Boxer is between 2... Read More
What if you want a Boxer, but cannot stomach the... Read More
You've picked out the perfect puppy. You spent hours on... Read More
If you are keen on breeding Goldfish, you should know... Read More
Let's take a look at the different stages, but before... Read More
Understanding where horses come from has been a long road... Read More
The West Highland Terrier is a friendly dog, and is... Read More
The days are getting longer, and if you have a... Read More
What you feed your dog is really SO important for... Read More
Dog clicker training is so much fun for both dogs... Read More
It is entirely normal to look for signs of intelligence... Read More
Pet |