Life is all about growth as we seek our place in this world. Besides our plans for ourselves, most of us have a large capacity for love and want to give that to others, both humans and animals. This is why pet ownership is so popular.
If you’re considering getting a dog or cat, ensure you’re prepared. It takes more than just love, so being ready and properly equipped is crucial to success. How about you do it? Here are some tips for first-time pet owners.
Make Sure Your Home is Pet-Friendly
We set up our homes to fit our needs, but they might not be safe for pets. Before you bring your new friend home, inspect it to ensure it is safe for pets.
Go through each room and remove medications, cleaners, and chemicals from areas your pet can reach. Keep wires and power cords out of reach and move small items to higher places.
Check your plants to make sure they aren’t toxic to pets. Make sure all vent covers and small spaces are sealed to prevent pets from getting stuck.
Get All Your Supplies in Place
Bringing home a puppy or kitten can be very exciting, but it can quickly become stressful if you’re not prepared. Without all the essentials, you might have to leave your new pet alone to rush to the store, which could upset them.
To prevent this, purchase all your essential supplies from pet stores. You’ll need a food bowl, water bowl, pet bed, litter box, collar, leash, dog poop bags, toys, puppy pads, grooming tools, baby gates, ID tags and food.
Pick a spot for your pet to use the litter box, sleep, and find food and water. This preparation will make your pet’s first day at home easier.
Give Them Time to Acclimate
Regardless of your pet’s type, there will be an adjustment period. This is especially true of baby animals. It is recommended to bring your pet home on the weekend or whenever you have a few days off. This way, you are home full time and can help with their adjustment and settling into their new surroundings.
Your pet needs time to gain confidence and explore its new space. Allow it to roam around and get a feel for your home before picking it up and smothering it. They are already overwhelmed, so let them adjust first and balance it with love and attention.
Use Discipline Early
Once your pet is settled in, you must establish rules immediately. They need to understand who the boss is and require house training, socialization, and obedience training. You can learn some techniques online or, if you prefer, hire a professional trainer to assist you.
Ultimately, it would help if you were in charge and disciplined your pet quickly when negative behaviour occurs. At the same time, you should reward them for positive behaviour as well. Learn your pet’s habits and tendencies so you can catch any unwanted behaviour before it gets out of hand. Above all, give them lots of love and attention.
Find a Great Pet Store
Now that you are a pet owner, you need a reliable place for all your supplies. Seek out a reputable local pet store to get everything you need and ask them for advice on being a first-time pet owner.
Most store employees are pet owners passionate about caring for their needs. This translates into a staff member who is eager to help you out. Lean on them for recommendations on food, toys, and other supplies because they want you to succeed.
Building a strong relationship with your local pet store is one of the most important steps to becoming a successful pet owner.
Give Quality and Quality Time to Your Pet
It can be trendy to own a pet because you see others doing it. However, it is a definite commitment that shouldn’t be taken lightly.
Your pet will require time and attention, so ensure you are ready to commit. This doesn’t mean you must buy branded clothing for them and take them to the doggie spa every week. Just be there to contact them and enjoy their company. Remember, your pet is just one part of your life, but you are their entire life.
These tips are for first-time pet owners. They aren’t hard to do, but you must consistently steward another living beast. Refer to this article often to stay on track and enjoy the companionship and relationship with your loving pet.
