Key Tips for First-Time Pet Owners

You’ve dreamed of becoming a pet owner for a long time and the day has finally arrived – you’ve decided to “bite the bullet” and actively hunt for your next household companion. In order to make sure you, your home and lifestyle will match the needs of your new pet, you’ll need to make some tough decisions. Largely, what type or breed of animal to get and whether you’ll be up to the responsibilities of being a first-time pet owner. Let’s check for the key tips for first-time pet owners.

Here are some tips on how best to acquaint yourself with the decisions and responsibilities that arrive with becoming a new pet owner:

Selecting the Breed/Type of Pet

It’s important to choose a pet that fits with your lifestyle. Finding out that you’ve picked the wrong breed or type of pet can lead to sheer misery on both sides of the pet/owner fence. This often means the new pet is given away, while your taste for newfound pet ownership is spoiled. Do yourself a favor and do a lot of research before you purchase a pet so you can be sure to know what to expect from your potential new friend.

First, ask yourself, are you physically active or sedentary? If you’re a more sedentary kind of person, then don’t spring for a dog breed that needs a lot of exercise like a German shepherd. Opt instead for a breed that matches your lower energy level, or change your mind altogether and think about getting a cat.

Thinking about just hiring a dog walker to take care of your walking duties? This is a great idea if you’re busy and tend to work long hours, but make sure you definitely can walk your dog some of the time in order to bond better with your new pal.

Next, consider the dimensions of your living space. Big dog breeds like Great Danes and
St. Bernards require large amounts of space and are best suited for a large house with a backyard. If you live in a small space — an apartment with a tiny balcony in the city, for example – then you’d be better paired with a schnauzer or beagle.

Preparing Your Home

You want to make your new pet feel at home from day one of her arrival, right? Then outfit your home for your new animal friend before she arrives. Go on a shopping run for pet supplies and pet food. Buy essentials like toys, scratch posts, water and food bowls, pee pads, and travel crates for those occasional visits to the vet.

If adopting a pup or untrained adult dog, you’ll need to dog-proof the home to prevent them from scratching, clawing your furniture or peeing on the carpet. Keep them in a designated space as they get used to their new living situation.

Other pup-proofing tasks you’ll need to undertake include storing cleaning chemicals on high shelves, taping loose electrical cords together, removing all breakables, installing a fence or gate, and setting up a designated pet corner space. For best results, lie on the floor to get your new pet’s view of your home-scape.

How to Handle a Fearful Pet

Your new pet will probably need some time to get used to you and her new living environment. She might even exhibit symptoms of fear and anxiety. Your approach to your new pet in such cases is to always act reassuringly calm; speak in a gentle tone a and caress her only when you sense she’s comfortable with it.

If your new pet is afraid of certain household items, leave them near her space so she can get used to them. Alternatively, scatter pet toys around the objects so that they develop positive associations of the scary items. Make sure they are sleeping and staying in spaces that grant them a full view of the house. If you need to, place smaller dogs on couches and tables so they can see the entirety of the new space. In the beginning, don’t hesitate to be generous with the treats to reward them for good behavior.

The Joys of Pet Ownership

Eventually, with constant love and affection, your pet will grow comfortable around you. Soon, you’ll be able to have her participate in all the pet/owner activities you’ve dreamed of doing since before she was picked. These include playing fetch with your dog, or laser-pointer spot playing with your cat, or taking a hike with your pet iguana on your shoulders. Enjoy all your fun, happy moments with your new friend – this honeymoon period is one that you’ll look back fondly on for many years to come.

Photo Credit: Pixabay.com

Carol Gilles, of the RealEstate Group, has been helping buyers and sellers for over 37 years, including a focus on working with those who love their pets. Carol can be reached at 310-864-9738 or Carol@CarolGilles.com

Michael Langdon, author – ElderFreedom.net