When you get a dog, your instant reaction and expectation for yourself is to be aware of everything and to know every single thing. However, it’s unrealistic to expect that you will know all nuanced complexities and solutions to problems right from the get-go. There are certain things which newbie dog owners just aren’t aware of. In this article, we’ll list 7 of them to help beginners expand their horizons and make their ownership easier. Let’s begin!
It’s great if they’re tired
A beginner might confuse the meaning of the situation when a pooch is tired. You might be implied to think that “Oh no, I’ve tired them out!”. However, a tired dog is actually a happy dog. Most of them thrive off of and seek physical stimulation which means that running around all day and feeling tired is entirely natural and even somewhat satisfying. A dog that has been active enough will face a reduced risk of anxiety and will be much more affectionate and obedient in the future.
Some dogs will test your boundaries
If you chose a dog breed that is known for being a little stubborn and independent, prepare to fight for your place as the Alpha. It has to be established from the get-go. The person has to be the Top dog at home because if it’s the other way around, chaos ensues. Calming the dog can help restore balance, and anxiety medication recommended by your vet can help with this, alongside other ailments that help soothe a pet to enhance wellbeing.
Some breeds are wired in a way that will force them to step on some boundaries (overstep a few) and annoy you, to see, how far are you willing to go. In all honesty, it’s easy to mistake these traits for disobedience, hatred or lack of respect. However, if a dog does something that they’re not supposed to (especially early on), make sure to let them know about it. Discipline right away. If a habit of wrongdoings is formed, it’s almost impossible to get rid of it later.
You need a schedule
Once again, something that we, humans need, isn’t necessarily something that a dog could benefit from. For example, most people do everything in their power to experiment with their schedule, spice up and diversify things. People crave excitement and surprises. Dogs are the exact opposite. They love a routine and knowing what happens next. In some instance, dogs who are overactive, or in pain, can benefit from herbal remedies. Unforeseen surprises can sometimes be beneficial, but not knowing what comes next causes anxiety, fear and even panic in most canines.
Grooming takes time
If you decided to take up a dog which has a long coat or is more needy in terms of care and grooming, be prepared to satisfy those needs. A dog SPA or salon is a temporary solution because grooming, if done right, can solidify and strengthen your bond with the pet and help with mutual understanding.
If you’re thinking about Googling things like ‘How to use a dog nail grinder’ etc., the best thing to do is to just find a reliable and trustworthy, wholesome source of information. A blog like Our Pets Mag has everything about dog care and grooming. Visit to better understand their grooming needs.
Training and socialising will determine the future
Some breeds are labelled as ‘Aggressive’ or ‘Angry’ by nature. Dogs like Rottweilers are Dobermans are feared for their tenacity and the preconceived notion of being always in attack mode. However, you have to understand two things. Those breeds have a strong instinct for protection which means that they will be at least somewhat hostile to trespassers and strangers. Secondly, these dogs are aggressive and unpredictable (most of the time) because they weren’t properly trained and socialised when they were puppies.
It is obedience training and socialisation which prove to be crucial for the character development process. Examples have shown that with proper introduction and teaching to behave early on, even Rottweilers or other ‘aggressive’ dog breeds can become gentle, loving creatures.
Physical disciplining isn’t effective
We talked about disciplining and asserting your dominance. In spite of this, people shouldn’t mistake dominance with being physically stronger. That’s already a given. Actually, your biggest advantage is your intelligence which you can use to sway and persuade the dog to do certain things in your favour.
Physical disciplining only weakens the bond with your dog and makes them fearful which is not what you want.
There are smart devices to help you out
If you were to look around online pet product stores, you could find tons of unique and very cool smart gadgets which can simplify, better or completely overhaul your experience. For starters, you can use smart feeders to dispense food to your pet on demand. This way, you can maintain a more appropriate diet and avoid overfeeding them.
Besides, you have a lot of other smart devices like leashes, trackers, toys, etc. Check them out.
Conclusion
All in all, there are definitely some things that beginning pet owners just aren’t aware of. Beginning with certain character traits and methods for most effective communication, your dog will benefit from this knowledge, just as much as you. If you want a more exciting and fun ownership experience.
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Suzanne Ashton, Founder of Everything Horse (Est, 2012), has a BA Hons in Marketing Management and a Diploma in Equine Science. Suzanne has ridden and owned horses all her life and has twelve years of experience in marketing, writing, design, SEO, and website creation.