What You Need To Know Before Getting A Dog

Are you thinking about getting a dog? Great!

Dogs make amazing companions and can provide years of love and happiness. However, before you take the plunge and add a furry friend to your family, there are a few things you need to know.

This blog post will outline the basics of what to expect when you get a dog, from caring for their needs to training them properly. So, whether you're a first-time dog owner or just brushing up on your knowledge, read on for everything you need to know before bringing home your new best friend.

Dogs need plenty of exercise and room to run

Dogs need plenty of exercise in order to stay healthy and happy. A lack of exercise can lead to a number of problems, including obesity, boredom, and destructive behavior. Dogs who get enough exercise are typically more well-behaved and easier to train. 

A tired dog is a good dog.

Dogs need to have lots of room to run around and burn off excess energy, so it's important that you have the time and ability to take your dog out for regular long walks or runs each day. If you live in an apartment, don't despair - simply playing fetch inside with your dog a few times a day can serve as a great form of exercise, and its fun for both of you!

Dogs need grooming

Grooming is a big part of owning a dog.

Owning a dog means that you're taking on the huge responsibility of grooming them. Dogs need to be brushed regularly, bathed when necessary, and have their nails trimmed. 

Regular groomed dogs are less likely to develop skin problems, like hot spots. 
You'll also keep yourself sane, because living with a healthy, happy, and well-groomed dog is much easier than living with an unhappy one.

Dogs sometimes drool

Drooling is a dog's way of communicating, and it can be a little shocking if your new pup is drooling all over you when you first bring him home. In most cases, however, drooling is completely normal for dogs. 

Dogs were originally bred to help humans - from herding animals to being companions - so they have been genetically modified over the years to have certain qualities that make them more useful to us. 

Drooling is an example of this modification- dogs who didn't drool enough weren't as effective at their jobs and therefore would not have survived long in the wild. 

However, just because it's normal doesn't mean that there isn't a solution if it becomes a problem for you or your pup! There are several types of solutions, from sprays to gels that can help your dog drool less.

Dogs need a good diet

It's important to feed your dog a high quality diet in order to keep them healthy and free of medical issues. Dogs have different nutritional needs based on breed, size, age, etc., so it's important to do your research to work out what your dog needs. We recommend raw dog food, as it’s back to basics – literally providing what your dog ate naturally in the wild! 

Some dogs are considered 'picky eaters,' so it's important to find out the best foods for your specific dog in terms of flavour, we tend to recommend avoiding dry food all together, anything highly processed like canned wet food and sticking to grain free raw options! This will ensure that you are doing all you can to keep them healthy. 

Also feel free to ask around for recommendations and be aware that many vets are told to recommend certain foods due to kickbacks. Stay strong and do your own research of foods that would be good for certain medical conditions - an example is urinary tract health in female dogs . It's important that you do whatever you can to make sure your pup is finding everything he or she needs nutritionally in order to stay healthy!

Dogs need to be fed every day

You probably already know that dogs need food in order to function, but did you know that regular feeding is an important part of dog care? 

Not only do dogs need to eat regularly for proper nutrition, but it's also a great opportunity to bond with your dog. Feeding time is typically quiet and peaceful (unless you're dealing with a really hungry or picky eater) and can serve as a great chance for you and your pup to relax after a long day at work or school.

It's crucial that your dog eats regularly and on-schedule because dogs who miss meals may become stressed out, anxious, and even aggressive.

This leaves the choice up to you, do you feed once per day, or split their meals? Personally, we split our dog’s meals up so she has two daily! Dog breakfast and dog dinner!

Dogs require a lot of attention and training

Dogs are social creatures, and they need attention.

Dogs who don't receive enough social interaction can become anxious or stressed out. This is why it's important to give your dog some attention each day- you could read him a story, take him for a walk, play fetch with him in the back yard... whatever works best for you! It will do wonders for both of you.

Training when dogs are puppies is also vital - when dogs know what we expect from them right away, life becomes so much easier later on. 

If your dog isn't trained properly, he or she might not listen to you in dangerous situations (like when crossing the road) and may even get into trouble by chewing up shoes or jumping up on people.

Dogs will destroy your house if not properly trained. It's important to train your dog when you first bring him home. 

If they are left untrained, eventually you'll find things in your home chewed up or destroyed because dogs have an instinctive desire to chew. 

However, training them helps curb this behaviour, so they won't feel the need to chew on things because it won't be rewarding for them. If they do try to chew something up though, they'll quickly learn that chewing isn't the right thing to do!

Regardless of breed, a well-trained dog is easier to manage and a joy to live with!

Dogs sometimes have accidents inside

Yes, even though pet store shelves are packed with training pads and other items designed to make potty training easier on you, you'll still find accidents once in a while. If there are young children or an elderly person living with you, dog puddles can pose problems for them. The best solution is to be prepared - have the right items on hand to clean up any accidents that your pet may have before they become a problem for anyone else.

It may seem like common sense, but it's very important that if your pup has an accident inside then he or she NOT be scolded. Immediately take them outside, and encourage them to finish up. If they do, treat them with a nice treat. This will help them learn where they should go potty. 

Not all dogs are suited for every home

Even the best breed of dog won't be suitable for every home. For instance, even though Labrador Retrievers are considered one of the best family dogs because they love people and other pets like cats and dogs, they can get very large (some Labs can grow to 36 kg or more!) so if you live in a small apartment with no yard you might want to consider another breed.
On the other hand, if you have a big yard where your dog can run and play all day long, consider a breed like the Greyhound. These dogs were bred to be runners - their bodies are made for sprinting over long distances so they need lots of exercise every day!

Not all dog breeds are good with children or other animals

Different breeds have different temperaments. The vast majority of dogs love children and other pets, but there are a few breeds that can sometimes be aggressive towards strangers or other animals. 

If you have birds in your home, you may want to avoid dog breeds who were bred to hunt birds - these include Spaniels and Retrievers.

Don't just buy a dog because they're cute or popular - find out what kinds of temperaments different breeds have before deciding which one is best for you.

Dogs can be expensive

They need to be fed high quality food, bathed and brushed regularly, have access to veterinary care including heartworm medication, and more. 

In addition, if you want to take part in dog sports or activities then there will likely be training involved. Some breeds also require a lot of professional grooming - dogs with long coats like Collies and Poodles should be groomed every six weeks.

All of this costs money, and it can add up very quickly! Make sure you understand what kinds of expenses are involved in owning a dog before you make the commitment to bringing one into your home. This will help prevent any unexpected or unpleasant surprises from popping up later on.

Don't take shortcuts when it comes to feeding your pet

You should always follow the guidelines listed on any food package you're using, but if you want to give your dog something special that isn't listed then consult with a veterinarian first. Only give dogs people food that has been approved by a veterinarian or animal nutritionist because otherwise they could get very sick.

Dogs bring joy!

Owning a pet can be a lot of work, but it's definitely worth it. Not only do they provide companionship and love, but pets can also help reduce stress levels, improve heart health, and more. Make sure you're prepared for the responsibility before bringing a pet into your home - research different breeds to find out which one would be best suited for your lifestyle, budget for food and other expenses, and be prepared to clean up any accidents that may happen. Owning a pet is a big commitment but it's definitely worth it in the end!