First-Time Pet Owners: How to Bond With Your Animal

Remy & Louie send wags and kisses!

Becoming a pet owner is a big responsibility, not just because your animal will look to you for all his needs, but because there are so many details to think about. Keeping him safe, making him feel loved, and making sure you can spend enough time with him are just a few things you’ll need to consider. There’s also preparing your home so he’ll be comfortable, getting your yard ready so he can get some exercise, and ensuring that you’re knowledgeable about his breed and needs.

Once you’ve chosen the right animal for you, you’ll want to help him get acclimated to your home. If he was a rescue, he may not feel comfortable for a while, and that’s okay. Allow him to feel his way through and give him time to make the transition. It’s important for animals, especially if they are rescues, to form a bond with their owners, and this will take a bit of time.

Keep reading for tips on how to make your new pet safe and comfy.

Choose the right animal

It’s imperative to do some research on breeds before you make any decisions. For instance, some pets get along with children better than others, and some long-haired breeds are harder on allergies than short-haired ones. Think about your home, your needs, and the needs of your family before choosing a pet.

Think about your schedule

If you are busy or work long hours, you might want to consider hiring a dog walker to come let your pet out so he’s not stuck inside all day. Think about your schedule and that of your family. Will you have time to spend with your new pet, or will it be difficult to show him attention? A dog walker can definitely help with loneliness as well as letting him out to go to the bathroom.

If you know you won’t be home much for the first few weeks, look for ways to bond with your new pet. Snuggle time, playtime, and exercising are all great ways to form trust and help him feel loved and safe, so do these as much as possible. Rover.com has some more tips on bonding with your new dog.

Prepare your home

Once you’ve chosen your pet, start getting your home ready for him. Gather supplies such as bedding, toys, food and water dishes, crate or cage, a leash and collar, and doggie bags. If he’s a rescue, he may feel more comfortable sleeping in a crate than other animals, so make sure he has a soft blanket to lay on, and let him enter on his own free will.

You’ll also want to make sure your home is pet-friendly by removing slippery throw rugs, exposed wires that might become chew hazards, and toxic houseplants. Check the backyard for holes and any dangerous objects and consider installing a fence if you don’t already have one.

Get active

Many pets, especially dogs, love to play and exercise, so make sure you’re able to carve some time out of your schedule to get active with him, especially during the first few weeks he’s at your home. Whether this means going for long walks after dinner or playing games in the backyard, your dog will appreciate the effort.

Find dog-friendly locales

These days, more businesses, such as bars and even restaurants, are allowing dogs, so check online to find dog-friendly places in your community where you can spend time with your pup. Just be sure to keep him on a leash and bring along a collapsible water dish to keep him hydrated, especially during warmer months.

Becoming a first-time pet owner is a big job, so talk to your loved ones before making any decisions and do as much research as possible beforehand. With a thought-out plan and lots of love and attention, you can make sure your pet is well-loved and adjusts to his new home beautifully.

Courtesy:  Jessica Brody…Dog Lover

Visit Jessica for more great information on healthy pets at:

Ourbestfriends.pet

jessica@ourbestfriends.pet

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