Dog ownership aka becoming a pet parent is an aspiration for many. Today, 44% of Americans now keep a canine companion, at an average of 1.46 dogs per household.
The nationwide fervor for furry friends is entirely understandable; A dog’s unconditional companionship can improve heart health and fight off loneliness. Owning a dog can help you connect with your community and give you a renewed sense of purpose when feeling low.
However, owning a dog is a huge responsibility. You must be ready to take them on regular walks and should be in a position to pay for essentials like medical insurance, vet bills, and high-quality dog food.
Modifying Your Home
Modifying your home to improve your new puppies’ health and wellness is crucial. You can’t afford to leave choking hazards around the house and may want to reconsider the placement of your expense rugs until they’re properly potty trained. You can get your home ready for your first dog by:
- Securing your yard space and firming up fencing/paneling;
- Keep hazards like medication, sleep aids, and vitamins in high, locked areas like cabinets;
- Remove any poisonous plants like rhubarb, tulips, daffodils, or sago palms.
You’ll also need to ensure that electrical wiring is insulated against curious canine chompers. You can keep your pet safe from electrical hazards by:
- Investing in premium cords to reduce the risk of chewing;
- Keep exposed cables out of reach;
- Begin training as soon as your pet enters the house;
- Unplug appliances when not in use.
These simple steps keep your pet safe and minimize the risk of electrocution. Simple changes like cable-tying your chords will also reduce the chance of your new pet becoming trapped in loose wiring.
Understanding Local Laws
Owning a dog is about far more than cuddling up on the couch or going for long walks at dawn. If you want to be the perfect pet owner, you need to understand the laws about dog ownership. Dog ownership laws are designed to keep pets safe and will help you create a loving environment for your new puppy. Examples of dog laws you should know include:
- Local licensing and tagging laws to ensure the animal is properly registered;
- Waste disposal guidelines to avoid fines;
- Understanding state rules regarding biting (i.e., the “one bite rule” and trespassing laws);
- Leash laws in parks and cities;
- Vaccination requirements to reduce the risk of disease spreading;
- Breed-specific legislation that bans the ownership of dogs like pit bulls and rottweilers.
Navigating these laws correctly is critical to being a good dog owner. Failing to register your pet may make it difficult to pay for treatments and insure your pet, too. As such, you must work closely with the local authorities before bringing your new dog home to ensure a smooth transition.
Budgeting for Big Bills
In an ideal world, your puppy will live a healthy, happy life without any need to ever see the vet. However, if you’ve ever owned a pet, you know that they will get into some expensive trouble sooner or later. As such, you need to think about creating an emergency fund for your new dog.
Budgeting for big bills is vital, as a trip to the vet will set you back anywhere from $50 to $8,000. Things can get even pricier in New York, where routine check-ups cost an average of $67.50.
You’ll need to set aside a few hundred dollars for initial bills when adopting your new pet, too. This rainy day fund will cover basic procedures like microchipping your canine companion, vaccinating them against common illnesses, and spaying/neutering your dog. All of these procedures are essential and must be completed within a tight timeline.
Tips to Make the Transition Smoother
Create a safe, secure space for your new dog before move-in day arrives. However, if you’re still deciding between breeds, you may want to consider a few expert tips before buying a cold-loving Husky or a hyperactive spaniel. Before committing to a dog, consider:
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- Living Situation: if you don’t have a yard, you may want to opt for a breed like a Maltese or a King Charles Cavalier that is happy lounging around within your apartment.
- Activity Level: High-energy dogs deserve to go to homes where they will get enough exercise. If you aren’t willing to take active dogs on two walks a day, do not adopt a breed like a retriever or a border collie.
- Temperament: Ensuring your dog’s temperament aligns with your goals for a new pooch is key, as some dogs thrive in training while others would rather lounge in the sun all day.
Choosing your dog breed allows you to have a happy relationship with your new puppy. However, you shouldn’t necessarily overlook breeds requiring plenty of training or walking if you tend to be a little lazier. Sometimes, adopting a high-maintenance dog can give you the motivational boost you need to get outside and start exercising.
Conclusion
Transitioning to becoming a dog parent can be a significant challenge. You need to keep hazardous items out of reach and make efforts to repair fences or clean up cables. Just be sure to research your new puppy before bringing them home, as ownership is much more fulfilling when you find a dog that aligns with your needs.
photo credit: Unsplash
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