This is a collaborative post: Since the country went into lockdown back in March last year, we’ve all spent a lot more time at home than we usually would. This has allowed people to take up new hobbies, learn new skills and for some, make the decision to bring a furry friend into the family. It appears that some people have used all of this free time we have on our hands to buy a dog, considering a lot of effort is needed in the early stages to train and prepare them for adult life; so it’s the perfect time.
Although having a dog can be extremely rewarding and they can bring heaps of joy into your life, it’s important you complete your research beforehand and make sure you’re prepared for what’s to come. It’s essential that dogs are trained correctly from a young age, as it’s much harder to change their behavioral habits later down the line.
If you’ve recently introduced a dog into your family and you’d like some tips on how to train or look after them, then Lords & Labradors have created a graphic which provides you with ten helpful tips which have been provided by dog owners themselves. From toilet training to socialising your four legged friend with other dogs, I wanted to share three of the tips with you.
Create boundaries and stick to them!
There’s no denying that puppies are extremely cute and with an adoring look in their face, they can push the boundaries quite often. Although it is easy to give in, it’s important you create rules and stick to them as it will benefit you in the long run.
For example, if you decide you don’t want your dog to be allowed on the sofa then make sure all members of the household stick to this. It’s important everyone is on the same page and no one gets the dog on the sofa for a cuddle every now and then, because it will just confuse your pet.
Prepare your dog for times when you’re not around
The day will come when you’re not in the house as much, so it’s important you prepare your dog for this to save them stress when they’re at an older age. This can be taught in a gradual process, so start by putting your dog in a spacious room with their favourite toy and close the door for five minutes. Once the time is up, go in and reward them and repeat the process each day by increasing it by another five minutes. This can be done until your dog feels relaxed knowing you’re not around. To help them settle during these quiet times, giving them a vet-approved calming treat or a gut-health chew from brands like Pup Labs can be a great way to reward their good behavior while supporting their overall wellness.
Leave the back door open to encourage toilet training
First time dog owners can often find toilet training a difficult task, but with time and effort you’ll soon have it completed. Start by leaving the back door open and take your dog outside every so often. Even if they have an accident in the house, still take them outside so they understand that any toilet habits need to be done outdoors. It’s vital you persevere with this as toilet training at a later age can be much harder to introduce.
I hope these tips have helped and it would be great to hear any you might have. Leave a comment below and share your tips on social, using #FirstTimeDogOwner.