Dogs are considered man’s best friend for a reason. Not only are they loyal but have evolved to such a point that they can be trained and communicated with. Dog training has improved the relationship between most people and their dogs over the years and it continues to be one of the most sought-after services among pet lovers. With improved communication comes improved connection, this explains why many dog owners travel with their pets. During the holidays, there is a high chance that family members with dogs may travel with their pets or that you may adopt a pet to join the family. As a host or new dog owner, you should know how best to make the visit comfortable for your loved ones and their pets.
While the holiday season is often an exciting time for many, it can also be overwhelming. The key to properly managing things is to plan right for the visit. This article offers you some important information on preparing to welcome a pet into your home.
A Great Veterinarian Helps
Playing host to a new puppy in the house can be overwhelming. Puppies have a lot of energy to expend and this means they’ll be up and about. While a high activity level is a sign of health and wellness, it can also put your puppy in harm’s way. It is best to seek a local veterinarian with great reviews and years of experience in preparation for the visit or stay. If you are adding a new pup to the family, you may need to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian.
Taking your new pet to the veterinarian as soon as they arrive is essential, especially as it may be the key to uncovering health problems that require immediate attention. Ensure that a comprehensive examination is conducted on the new pup to ascertain its health and wellness.
To reduce your stress during this period, it is best to look for a local veterinarian. If this is your first puppy, chances are high that you do not already have a veterinary doctor to visit. Below are some tips on choosing a vet doctor for your puppy.
- Ask friends and family for recommendations
- Look on the internet for trusted and reviewed veterinarians in your area
- Call about availability and assess the office and its surrounding
- Consider the fees charged.
Begin Safe Socialization Immediately
Puppies have a critical socialization window of between 8 and 16 weeks. The period between these weeks is best for socializing your pups so they are aware of other people, animals, and their environment. Leaving socialization until later can be too late, especially as your puppy may have become conditioned to what they already know.
Safe socialization can start small, involving exposing your pup to items, objects, and even humans. Ensure that they are aware of everything, including toddlers (if any), electronics, wheelchairs, skateboards, etc. Doing this will help to manage your puppy’s perception and make them more open to new things.
This period is the best time to look for a quality trainer for your dog. Usually, your dog trainer can save you some stress by handling the bulk of the socialization duty while also giving you directions regarding managing your puppy.
Begin Dog Training Immediately
Dog training, as earlier pointed out, is one of the best aspects of owning a dog. Training helps to improve your communication and this impacts your relationship. With dog training, the earlier the better. You can start as early as 8 weeks, just at the start of the socialization window. It is important to note that a dog trainer can save you a lot of stress and hassles during the training process. However, if you choose to train your dog on your own, be aware that puppies have a short attention span. You need to make each session short and interesting. Repetition is also a great way to teach your puppy some new tricks. By repeating things, they stand a better chance of getting it and imbibing it.
In addition to training, you can also put your dog in a social playgroup to help improve their learning ability and socialization skills. If you have contacted a trainer, supplementing their services with in-home training can also be beneficial.
Have a Plan
Dog trainers are not magicians. If you are choosing a dog trainer, ensure that they are the best fit for you and your puppy. It is also important to discuss your plans with the trainer. There are different types of training available and choosing the best one for your puppy may not be as straightforward as you imagine. Speak to the trainer regarding the different training techniques and which one is best for your puppy based on its age.
As part of the training plan, you should also make short and long-term confinement areas available. These training areas will help you to teach your dog better while improving on what the trainer has done. Common training plans include housetraining, obedience training, and special training programs.
Trust Professional Advice
Whether you’ve had a puppy in the past or you are new to the experience, it is always best to trust the professionals. This means that you should trust your veterinary doctor when they encourage you to take up certain practices or feed your puppy certain food types. It also means trusting your dog trainer as they walk your dog through the different training plans they’ve created.
It is also recommended that you play an active role in your puppy’s life. The best training is a combination of the trainer’s effort and your efforts at home. You should ask for regular updates from your dog trainer and use their tips to your advantage when training your dog. It is also helpful if you confirm any online information from professionals before acting on it.
Welcoming a new puppy into your home or family can be overwhelming; however, the process will be a lot easier when you follow the tips above. For more information, visit https://www.ridgesidek9ohio.com . Our Ohio doggy day care packages can be made to meet your specific needs.
Ridgeside K9 Ohio Dog Training,
3110 Whipple Ave NW Suite 5 Canton Ohio 44718,
(330) 904-7930
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