Adopting a dog might seem like an easy task, but not everyone is aware of how much work it requires. The first step is easy. You go to a shelter and pick the pup you connect with the most. But what’s the step after that?
Learning how to take care of a dog is no easy feat, but it can be done. Don’t be intimidated by all the new information you have to acquire. You will master it all. It just takes time.
The first thing you need to do is make sure your dog has all the necessities. But a bowl and food and get a dog bed. If your dog is a puppy, you will want to set up a crate where he can practice training. And when you get the food, don’t just buy anything. Choose the food that suits your dogs’ age and nutritional needs.
The next step is to set up an exercise routine. Dogs need at least two 15-minutes walks, but some dogs might even enjoy hours outside. Research how active your dog needs to be and focus on taking them on regular walks.
To make sure your dog stays safe, get them an ID tag and consider micro-chipping them. That way, if they ever get lost you have higher chances to find them. When you take them to the vet to get their microchip and medical ID, also make sure you get them the vaccines they need. Schedule regular check-ups and make sure your dog gets all the shots they need.
Lastly, start training them as soon as possible. And if you can’t manage that on your own, consider getting a trainer.