Today we welcome Jessica Brody of ourbestfriends.pet, a complete website for pet owners that, among many other things, is dedicated to promoting the adoption of shelter pets. Jessica states:
"I’ve been a pet owner for decades. I know the seemingly infinite joy and love that comes from having a pet. But I also remember how nervous I was when I adopted my first dog.
To ease first-time and potential pet owners’ anxiety about caring for a pet, I would love to offer advice on how to be a great pet parent."
So today we are pleased to present Jessica's article dedicated to helping first-time pet owners.
Without further ado, we bring you Jessica's article:
Be a Successful First-Time Pet Owner by Choosing the Right Pet, Readying Yourself, and Adapting Your Home
Without further ado, we bring you Jessica's article:
Be a Successful First-Time Pet Owner by Choosing the Right Pet, Readying Yourself, and Adapting Your Home
Photo Credit: JACLOU-DL, Pixabay
Falling in love with an animal and impulsively taking her home on the spot is tempting, but it’s not the most responsible thing to do. Being unprepared for pet ownership can lead to life with a pet that develops behavioral issues, and you may eventually have to give it up.
To ensure your pet is happy and healthy and that you are the best pet owner you can be, research the type of pet that you should get, what the pet will need, how to create a safe home for it, and how to help your it thrive in as many ways as possible.
Considerations to Make When Choosing a Pet
Research different types of pets and different breeds ahead of time. Do not make an impulse adoption based on the cuteness of the animal. You should learn everything you can about the pet beforehand, including its temperament, trainability, lifespan, and diet, as well as exercise, space, and grooming needs. It helps to make an informed decision. Some animals and breeds have traits that a new pet owner might not anticipate. For example, border collies and other herding breeds constantly need a job to do, and basenjis like to yodel.
Ensure you can handle the financial responsibility of being a pet owner. Different animals (and even different breeds) have varying annual costs. If you are even slightly uncertain about your ability to afford a pet over the next few years, then you should probably hold off on adopting one. If you were to fall on hard times, having a pet could make financial issues even worse and could lead to you surrendering your pet.
Readying Yourself and Adapting Your Home
Carefully pet-proof your house before bringing your pet home. Take the same precautions with pets as you would with a small child,” suggests the Humane Society. Secure loose or hanging wires, and place medications, chemicals (like antifreeze and insecticides), and remote controls (which contain batteries) out of reach. Some plants, fertilizers, mulch, and wood shavings can be deadly. Avoid rawhide, toys with movable parts, and stuffed animals with plastic eyes. Clear the floor and lower shelves of buttons, coins, sewing needles, rubber bands, dental floss, and thread.
Research training techniques before getting a pet. With patience, time, and attention, nearly any pet can be trained, including cats, dogs, birds, horses, and rabbits. And it helps to start early. Start as soon as you bring your pet home, especially if your pet is young. For example, puppies can learn to heel, come, stay, sit, and lay as young as 12 weeks of age. Also, avoid starting any bad habits, such as feeding your pet table food or allowing your pet to sleep in your bed.
Other Considerations
By exposing your pet to different people, experiences, and sounds, you are helping her to socialize, which can prevent behavioral issues from arising. On the flip side, your pet can help you socialize too, which is just one of the many health benefits of having a pet, especially a dog. You will also see improvements in your stress levels and mood. Dogs in particular provide a great way for you to exercise, since they need to be walked every day. Dog walking helps your dog by letting her use the bathroom, releasing built up energy, staying fit, and meeting new people and dogs. Remember that all pets need some form of exercise, and if you aren’t going to be able to exercise with your pup a few days a week due to your work schedule or other commitments, you may want to consider hiring a dog walker to help you fill in the gaps.
Picking the right animal and breed for your lifestyle – including your work hours, house size, and activity level – is important. You also need to carefully consider what is required of pet ownership, including the time commitment and the financial aspects. Making an informed decision about getting a pet and which pet to adopt, readying yourself for pet ownership, and adapting your home for a safe environment are all keys to happiness for you and your pet.
*****
From all of us at loyalpitbulllove.com we thank you Jessica for this helpful and informative article. Please be sure to check out ourbestfriends.pet for some great resources, articles and contests that any pet owner or animal lover is sure to enjoy.
Falling in love with an animal and impulsively taking her home on the spot is tempting, but it’s not the most responsible thing to do. Being unprepared for pet ownership can lead to life with a pet that develops behavioral issues, and you may eventually have to give it up.
To ensure your pet is happy and healthy and that you are the best pet owner you can be, research the type of pet that you should get, what the pet will need, how to create a safe home for it, and how to help your it thrive in as many ways as possible.
Considerations to Make When Choosing a Pet
Research different types of pets and different breeds ahead of time. Do not make an impulse adoption based on the cuteness of the animal. You should learn everything you can about the pet beforehand, including its temperament, trainability, lifespan, and diet, as well as exercise, space, and grooming needs. It helps to make an informed decision. Some animals and breeds have traits that a new pet owner might not anticipate. For example, border collies and other herding breeds constantly need a job to do, and basenjis like to yodel.
Ensure you can handle the financial responsibility of being a pet owner. Different animals (and even different breeds) have varying annual costs. If you are even slightly uncertain about your ability to afford a pet over the next few years, then you should probably hold off on adopting one. If you were to fall on hard times, having a pet could make financial issues even worse and could lead to you surrendering your pet.
Readying Yourself and Adapting Your Home
Carefully pet-proof your house before bringing your pet home. Take the same precautions with pets as you would with a small child,” suggests the Humane Society. Secure loose or hanging wires, and place medications, chemicals (like antifreeze and insecticides), and remote controls (which contain batteries) out of reach. Some plants, fertilizers, mulch, and wood shavings can be deadly. Avoid rawhide, toys with movable parts, and stuffed animals with plastic eyes. Clear the floor and lower shelves of buttons, coins, sewing needles, rubber bands, dental floss, and thread.
Research training techniques before getting a pet. With patience, time, and attention, nearly any pet can be trained, including cats, dogs, birds, horses, and rabbits. And it helps to start early. Start as soon as you bring your pet home, especially if your pet is young. For example, puppies can learn to heel, come, stay, sit, and lay as young as 12 weeks of age. Also, avoid starting any bad habits, such as feeding your pet table food or allowing your pet to sleep in your bed.
Other Considerations
By exposing your pet to different people, experiences, and sounds, you are helping her to socialize, which can prevent behavioral issues from arising. On the flip side, your pet can help you socialize too, which is just one of the many health benefits of having a pet, especially a dog. You will also see improvements in your stress levels and mood. Dogs in particular provide a great way for you to exercise, since they need to be walked every day. Dog walking helps your dog by letting her use the bathroom, releasing built up energy, staying fit, and meeting new people and dogs. Remember that all pets need some form of exercise, and if you aren’t going to be able to exercise with your pup a few days a week due to your work schedule or other commitments, you may want to consider hiring a dog walker to help you fill in the gaps.
Picking the right animal and breed for your lifestyle – including your work hours, house size, and activity level – is important. You also need to carefully consider what is required of pet ownership, including the time commitment and the financial aspects. Making an informed decision about getting a pet and which pet to adopt, readying yourself for pet ownership, and adapting your home for a safe environment are all keys to happiness for you and your pet.
*****
From all of us at loyalpitbulllove.com we thank you Jessica for this helpful and informative article. Please be sure to check out ourbestfriends.pet for some great resources, articles and contests that any pet owner or animal lover is sure to enjoy.
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