As a first-time dog parent, welcoming your new furry friend at home can be an exciting experience. However, the responsibilities that come with it can be a bit overwhelming at first. Before bringing your new canine friend at home, you need to do some preparatory work such as preparing its shelter, dog bed, toys to keep it entertained, and water bowls. Remember owning a dog is forever, so pet owners should be careful not to make hasty decisions. Here are key things that will help you transition smoothly to a proud dog owner to help reduce stress and anxiety.

Know what to do when your pet arrives.

First-time pet parents are always anxious about what to do when their new canine companion arrives. They should ensure that their pets have all they need so that they feel safe and comfortable. Some of the necessities include poop bags, treats, a leash and collar, a dog bed,  and food. Nowadays, many online pet supplies are offering these products. However, one must read through the reviews to know the previous customers’ complaints, experiences, and opinions. This will help you know the most reputable shop to buy from, and the one that sells high-quality products. The worst mistake you can make is rushing to buy food when your dog is familiarizing itself with the environment. You need to provide a calm and relaxing environment for your dog to adjust.

You should also make an effort to introduce it to its potty area within the first few minutes of its arrival. Potty training is crucial as it helps maintain your home environment clean. Besides, the first few hours are ideal for setting simple boundaries. When your new furry friend arrives, chances are that it might be idle and engage in mischievous activities. To prevent this, you can introduce it to an exciting toy that will stimulate the brain, such as the babble ball.

Find a great veterinarian.

Your new furry friend needs a well-trained vet. If you are adopting a dog from the shelter, then the chances are that it is on vaccines or it has been sprayed. Shelters work tirelessly to ensure that the adoption process is as easy as possible. But you still need to take your pet to the vet immediately after adoption. A thorough check-up is crucial to ensure that your dog is healthy. Besides, your vet will inform you about the dos and don’ts you need to keep in mind when raising your pet. You need to always stay in touch with your vet just in case an emergency arises.

Select the right dog food.

Your canine companion needs to eat food that is complete and balanced. First-time pet parents should buy food with AAFCO label as they meet the nutritional standards that your canine companion needs. You need to consult with your vet to know the right amount of food to feed your furry friend. Your dog also needs to take a lot of water to remain hydrated throughout the day.

Take care not to lose your dog.

Before bringing your furry friend home, you should consider having a collar and an ID tag with your mobile number. This will help prevent your dog from getting lost. Losing your pet can be a terrible experience that no one would wish to go through as tracing it can be a nightmare. However, all is not lost as lostmydoggie can help you out. But you must read the reviews to know whether the previous lost dog owners were able to find the dogs or not.

Your dog needs training.

First-time pet parents need to know the right training for their dogs. This will help improve your relationship with your furry friend. Besides, training offers the perfect opportunity for your dog to learn how to socialize with your pals and other dogs. When you train your all-time canine companion, it will acquire the essential dog life skills that will prevent them from misbehaving when you are not around.