How to Prepare Yourself for Owning a Puppy or Dog

Owning a pet is a great experience. There are many reasons to own a dog, but you must prepare for the journey. First of all there are many things you need to do in order to prepare your home. The ASCPA has a great list for items that must not be accessible to your pets, you can read it here. You should also consider if you will spay or neuter your puppy. There are many great reasons to do this, for more information please visit here. You will need to purchase many items. These items include puppy or dog food, food and water dishes, toys, a soft brush, collar, leash, dog or puppy shampoo, dog house for outside, and a dog bed for inside.

Dogs and puppies all need exercise. They enjoy playing and running. Do not adopt a dog or puppy if you do not have time to spend with them! Provide them with toys that they can chew on and retrieve. Also provide your dog or puppy with treats that are of a variety of textures, such as rawhide bones, and treats like Snausages. You should brush your dog or puppy frequently; this will reduce shedding and help keep your pet clean. I would suggest giving your dog or puppy a bath as needed.

I also suggest talking to your veterinarian about flea and tick prevention, worming, and also heartworm prevention. You should see a veterinarian for vaccinations for your pets regularly. Dogs also need to have teeth cleaning regularly, just as we do.

Your pet will need a place to rest. An ideal place would be one that is warm and quiet. If the dog or puppy will sleep indoors make sure to purchase a dog bed. Always wash bedding frequently. If they will be staying outside provide them with a doghouse that is either handmade or purchase one. When you adopt the puppy or dog, put a collar on him or her. Once you decide on a name have an ID tag made and put it on the collar.

Owning a dog and puppy is an exciting journey that should not be taken lightly. I personally own two dogs. Weasel is a Manchester terrier mix, and Sox is an American Pit Bull Terrier, better known as a Pit Bull. They are both playful and very lovable creatures. Weasel sleeps inside, and Sox is primarily an outside dog. I treat both of them as I would my children. They were and are great additions to my family.