Welcoming a new dog to the family is an adventure. Both your family and the dog have to adjust to this new living arrangement. You may have to train the dog—and not everyone’s a dog whisperer like Cesar Millan. If you already own a dog—or have before—then you know that it’s a joy and a huge responsibility.
Adding a puppy or older dog to your household requires planning and timing. Owning a dog isn’t just about the dog making you happy. You have to reciprocate through care, patience, and affection. To give her a proper home, it requires planning and timing. Read on to learn more about what you need to know about welcoming a new four-legged friend into your home.
When’s the best time to get a dog?
Before you get a new pup, it’s important to take the time of the year into consideration. Bringing her home at the right time is essential to building a lasting bond. It’s best to bring your new furry friend into your home during the spring or early summer months. The warm weather will make it easier to train your dog to go to the bathroom. You’ll also get to spend a lot more time together playing and going on walks.
If you get a puppy in the winter, it’ll be hard to potty train the dog, and you’ll find yourself cleaning messes and getting frustrated. That’s no way to start off a friendship. Even though pups make excellent Christmas gifts, it’s best to get a dog in the summer.
What’s the best-aged dog for a new owner?
If you’ve never owned a dog before, then you’re in for a treat. Welcoming a new pet into your home is almost like adding a child to the family. It may not be human, but it’s still a living being and miraculous in its own right. It won’t be long before you realize that as well.
If you’re a new owner, then you should consider getting your first dog from a shelter. For one, when you get a dog from the shelter, you won’t have to worry about veterinary services. They spay and neuter dogs as well as give them their necessary shots.
Another great thing about them is that they’re the perfect place to find dogs that are of young adult age. With a young adult dog, it’s already formed most of its habits–just like a young adult human. That means you’ll have a better idea of who she is before bringing her home. This is important because you want a dog that fits your lifestyle. It’s what’s best for you her.
In addition, an older dog is much more likely to be housebroken and trained to respond to certain commands. Training a dog takes persistence and patience. If you’ve never owned a dog before, then working with a young adult dog is a great way to ease yourself into the process.
Did you know…?
Did you know that you can get your new bestie insured? Dogs face health concerns and injuries just like humans, and they need veterinary services to ensure their health. Pet insurance helps you cover those costs. When you compare pet insurance costs to the cost of regular visits to the vet and emergency treatment, you’ll choose the pet insurance.
Before deciding on a company, go online and compare pet insurance options with iSelect to get the best rate and coverage for your pup. You want to make sure that your coverage will handle regular checkups, emergency services, and surgery. Of course, you hope she’ll never need surgery or emergency treatment, but you can never be too prepared.