How did you get started with dogs?
The idea of getting a
dog should not be a spur of the moment decision. It is a matter of spending
over a decade together. Most importantly, an innocent being becomes mentally,
financially, and physically dependent on you for its entire life.
- Research and research deeper - The moment you have an inkling of getting a dog, it’s time to dig deeper into researching dogs. Read about them and learn everything there is to know about their characters, mannerisms, eating habits, health issues, and whatever else viable. The more you learn, the better you will understand them.
Spend some time with real dogs - Despite the theoretical knowledge about dogs, it is best to get some real-life hands-on ideas about dogs. Visit dog parks, creche, shelter, or even a known pet owner and interact with a pet to understand them better. Fostering shelter dogs is also a very good idea to learn about dogs better.
Breed or no breed - the next important step is to decide what breed you want. The choice of the breed should be based on the size of your residence, type of lifestyle, and character of the breed. Breeds like GSD, Border Collie, etc need a lot of regular exercises and outdoor time while breeds like Pugs and French bulldogs prefer being indoor and couch potatoes. Make your home pup/dog friendly - This is the first step towards getting your home physically ready for pets. A separate dedicated spot for the dog bed, sturdy and strong fixtures for various delicate objects like vases, wall mount TV, open show cabinets, Glassware sections, etc. Also, it is best to dog proof the pantry and medicine cabinets, and refrigerators.
Introduce training and proper feeding from the first day - It is best to introduce potty training and obedience training from the first day along with a proper nutrition-rich diet as designed by a veterinary dietician/consultant.
Once these aspects are well mastered, rest can be learned on the go as you begin your journey to dog parenthood.
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