Adopting a dog can bring a lot of joy to your family. According to science, petting a dog will even help reduce your stress levels. It’s no wonder more and more offices are considering adopting a dog as an office pet! It can work wonders in a hectic environment, helping everyone to relax.
But, if you are a new pet owner, you can find it extremely stressful to navigate the challenges of looking after a dog. After all, dogs and people are different, and they have their unique needs and health requirements. So, figuring out what your dog needs and what is safe for them is no easy task! Granted, there are plenty of books around to guide you through the journey and help you understand your pet. But, while books are a useful source of knowledge, they can only point in the right direction. They do not provide a clear answer regarding what your dog is trying to communicate or why they are misbehaving. So, things can feel overwhelming before they get better. How can you make adopting a dog for the first time stress-free?
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Are you prone to panic and anxiety?
We all react differently to stress factors. If you tend to get stressed out easily, you may struggle with anxiety issues while you face new situations with your dog. Dogs pick up on your emotions and can react to them. So, if you are already feeling stressed, it could make it even more challenging to manage your pet. It may be worth considering calming and stress management solutions, from meditations to CBDA medications. It can be helpful to reach out to a specialist to discuss your concerns and find treatments to help keep your stress levels under control.
For some people, adopting a dog is hugely beneficial when it comes to stress management. However, you will need to proactively train your pet for that.
Getting your dog to behave
Dogs have different temperaments and personalities. So, some dogs may be calmer and more obedient than others. Yet, dog training is necessary for all pets, regardless of age and personality. With appropriate training, you can prevent many mishaps and ensure that your dog stays safe.
It’s important as well to prevent unwanted behaviours from the start. Why do they happen?
- You start by giving a puppy bad habits that are impossible to drop once the dog grows older
- You leave the dog to figure things out by themselves
- You don’t spend enough time with your dog, so they don’t recognise your authority
- Your dog doesn’t feel safe at home
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Learning about the toxic substances
Something that is a treat for you may be harmful to your dog. So, you want to understand which food to avoid and store out of reach.
Xylitol, a popular ingredient in diet food, can be poisonous to dogs, leading to liver failure.
Avocados and avocados plants contain persin, which causes gastric discomfort. Additionally, avocado seeds can cause intestinal obstruction if ingested, which can be a fatal condition.
Dairy products such as milk and ice cream are a no-no. If you wish to treat your dog to ice cream during a hot day, take a look for specialist puppy treats that are often prepared in dog food stores. Many brands are also creating dog-friendly ice creams, which you can buy in regular grocery shops.
Similarly, you may want to check garden plants too. Many of our favourite flowers and shrubs can be poisonous to our fluffy friends. Make sure to keep these out of reach or replace them with dog-friendly plants if you have a garden.
Why is my dog messy?
Ultimately, even well-behaved and trained dogs can be messy and dirty. Dogs are not people. You can’t expect them to put their toys back in a drawer or wash their paws after playing in the garden. But there are a few things you can do to keep your home tidy and reduce stress:
Invest in a large crate where your dog can keep their toys. It may take some practice for them to learn to put back the toys they don’t need, yet making the crate visible and easily accessible can speed up the process. You can also reward them with a treat as they learn.
Get your dog used to having their paws cleaned and washed so there is no drama after a walk in the mud. You can find handy accessories to safely clean the paws, or you can choose gentle dog-friendly soap.
Invest in a dog bed. You can train your dog to stay off the furniture. Having a place where they can lie down will make it easier.
Are you ready to adopt a dog? Congratulations! It is a wonderful decision, and you are sure not to regret it! But these few tips will help you keep your cool as you and your dog get to know each other.
