Thinking of getting a fluffy ball of fur? Let me tell you about the reality of dog ownership. Here are some really important things to know.
A Lifelong Bond: Beyond the Cuddles
Dog ownership is a significant commitment requiring careful consideration. Acquiring a canine companion entails lifelong responsibility for the animal’s well-being, encompassing financial stability, emotional preparedness, and a steadfast dedication to the animal’s care. From the moment a puppy enters a new home, owners are confronted with a myriad of decisions impacting the animal’s health, safety, and overall quality of life. This commitment extends beyond periods of ease and comfort; it necessitates a steadfast resolve to provide care and protection, even in the face of adversity or crisis. By welcoming a dog into one’s life, owners implicitly promise to be a constant source of love, support, and security, irrespective of circumstances.
Essential Gear: More Than Just a Collar and Leash
This may seem unimportant to you but puppies are tiny and if you don’t purchase the correct collar, harness, and leash, it could turn tragic quickly. Many people just grab the first leash and harness they see and call it a day but I’ve seen all too many times people buying leashes that are too thin, too flimsy, too long, and harnesses that are way too big and small. If you put a collar on your baby that is too big, it will just go over the head and again, the situation can turn tragic in a matter of seconds. If it’s too small, it will press on the trachea and cause your fur baby to choke which could ultimately cause serious health issues.
If you put a harness on a puppy or adult dog that is way too big, the puppy or dog will come out of it and could turn tragic in only a few seconds. Something that I had to experience myself, is an escape artist. This is a dog that is extremely smart and can figure out how to back out of harnesses. People do not know this or ever think about it until it is happening and in a few seconds, the situation can turn tragic.
All of these situations are extremely serious and should be taken seriously. Make sure to measure your new baby’s neck and body carefully. Make sure you can fit two fingers inside the collar comfortably when on. Also, if you can just slip the collar off yourself, it’s too big. As for the harness, besides backing out, the harness can be too big or too small. There are so many types of harnesses so, try out many. What I like to do is use both. I use a hands-free leash for my harness and I use a collar attached to a leash. You may think this is overkill but there are different situations you will encounter that make your dog feel unsafe on a walk and therefore, different commands will need to be utilized that may involve the leash to collar or leash to harness. Doing this gives me great comfort knowing that if that collar somehow becomes unattached from the leash, (and it has) I still have the harness to rely on. This doesn’t just apply to puppies. No matter the age of your furry family member, you need to find the properly sized collar and harness.
Puppy-Proofing
Don’t forget to puppy-proof the place where you and your furry child will be living. You do this the same way you would childproof a place. Puppies, like children, like to get into everything from pills to chocolate to electrical sockets to trash. Absolutely everything. To keep them safe, you make sure they can’t get into these things. If you don’t know how to do this, you can research this. 
Nutrition: Fueling a Healthy Life
Nutrition is a cornerstone of canine health. A dog’s diet significantly impacts their overall well-being, longevity, and quality of life. Just as humans benefit from a balanced and nutritious diet, so too do dogs.
Commercial dog foods vary widely in quality and nutritional content. While some kibble options are affordable, many contain fillers and suboptimal ingredients that may not support optimal health. Conversely, high-quality, fresh dog foods, often human-grade, can provide superior nutrition but may come at a higher cost. However, investing in premium dog food can potentially lead to long-term savings on veterinary care due to improved overall health.
If considering a homemade diet, it’s crucial to consult with a veterinarian to ensure nutritional balance. While dogs share some dietary needs with humans, they have specific nutritional requirements that must be met. I personally feed my fur child, Just Food For Dogs. I am not endorsing them and I do not get anything for writing about them. I just love seeing my dog enjoy her food so, so much while knowing how incredibly healthy it is.
Ultimately, extensive research is recommended to determine the best dietary approach for your dog. Consider factors such as breed, age, activity level, and any underlying health conditions when making a decision. I also suggest reading about how kibble is made and what exactly is in it. I think you will be shockingly surprised. For more information on Just Food For Dogs, check them out at JFFD.
Healthcare: A Financial Commitment
Pet health insurance is a wise investment for any dog owner hoping to avoid sticker shock. Just as humans rely on health insurance to cushion the financial blow of unexpected medical costs, dog owners can benefit from a similar safety net. Enrolling your furry friend in a comprehensive plan as early as possible is advisable to avoid costly exclusions for pre-existing conditions.
Navigating the pet insurance market can feel like herding cats (or dogs, in this case). With countless plans and varying levels of coverage, it’s essential to carefully compare policies, scrutinizing the fine print for hidden fees and exclusions. Consider factors like deductibles, co-pays, reimbursement rates, and annual limits. Remember, insurance premiums may increase as your dog ages, so enrolling early can save you money in the long run.
For those unexpected, wallet-wrenching emergencies, a pet-specific credit card like CareCredit can be a lifesaver. It’s like having a loyal financial wingman by your side when your furry friend needs urgent care.
While insurance and credit cards can offer financial relief, preventative care is still the best medicine. Regular check-ups, vaccinations, and dental cleanings can help ward off costly illnesses and ensure your dog lives a long and healthy life. After all, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure – even for our four-legged friends.
Behavior and Training: Building a Strong Bond
Beyond the adorable antics, dog ownership necessitates a commitment to training and behavioral enrichment. While puppies may seem irrepressibly cute, their natural instincts can lead to unwanted behaviors if left unchecked. Investing time in training not only enhances your dog’s quality of life but also strengthens the human-animal bond.
Dogs, like their human counterparts, can develop anxieties and phobias triggered by various stimuli, such as loud noises, unfamiliar environments, or social interactions. These behavioral challenges can manifest in destructive behaviors, aggression, or excessive barking. Recognizing the signs of stress and seeking professional guidance is crucial for addressing these issues. Remember, a well-adjusted dog is a happy dog, and a happy dog is a joy to live with.
Beyond basic obedience, effective dog training encompasses a holistic approach to behavior and mental well-being. Just as humans benefit from mental health support, dogs can experience emotional challenges that require understanding and care. From separation anxiety to fear-based aggression, these issues can significantly impact a dog’s quality of life.
It’s crucial to recognize that dogs are sentient beings capable of experiencing complex emotions. Just as we wouldn’t abandon a family member struggling with mental health, we should not consider relinquishing our canine companions due to behavioral challenges. Instead, seeking professional guidance from a qualified dog trainer or behaviorist is essential. By investing time and effort into training and behavior modification, owners can foster a harmonious and fulfilling relationship with their furry family members.
Childcare for Your Canine Companion
Dog ownership inherently involves a level of care akin to raising a child, albeit with furrier and occasionally more enthusiastic results. Unlike their human counterparts, dogs require constant attention, making childcare arrangements a crucial consideration for responsible owners. When selecting a pet sitter or boarding facility, it’s imperative to prioritize your dog’s well-being and find a caregiver who can provide a nurturing environment.
Trustworthy pet sitters are akin to gold; they should be treated as such. Thoroughly vet potential caregivers, considering their experience, references, and compatibility with your dog’s temperament. Clear and detailed instructions regarding feeding schedules, medication administration, and exercise routines are essential to minimize stress for your furry friend.While home boarding often provides a less disruptive experience for dogs, careful consideration of the sitter’s living environment and ability to manage potential challenges is necessary.
If boarding is unavoidable, meticulous research is essential. Opt for facilities with a strong reputation for cleanliness, safety, and attentive care. Inquire about staff qualifications, exercise routines, and socialization opportunities. Additionally, the boarding facility must mandate up-to-date vaccinations for all canine guests to protect the health and well-being of every dog on the premises. A tour of the facility can provide valuable insights into the environment your dog will inhabit. Remember, your dog’s comfort and security should be paramount when making boarding arrangements.
Golden Years: Planning for the Future
As our canine companions age, their care requirements evolve, demanding increased attention and resources from their human counterparts. While it may be tempting to relegate aging dogs to a shelter or rehoming service, such actions are akin to abandoning elderly family members. Just as we wouldn’t consign our aging parents to a nursing home without careful consideration, neither should we hastily relinquish our senior dogs.
Proactive planning for a dog’s golden years is essential. This includes researching age-related conditions, identifying potential care providers, and establishing a financial plan to cover increased veterinary expenses. While it may seem morbid, discussing end-of-life care with a veterinarian can provide invaluable guidance and peace of mind.
By approaching senior care with empathy and foresight, owners can ensure their beloved companions enjoy a comfortable and dignified retirement. After all, our furry friends deserve the same level of care and respect as any other cherished family member.
As you can see, bringing a furry child into the home is a huge responsibility that never ends. I hope that you find this information helpful and you and your furry friend live a long, fun, safe life together.
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Renee Porsia, is a Broker and Realtor with Realty One Group West in Laguna Niguel and Realty One Group Focus in Southampton, PA. She is a published author with over 24 years of experience. She is passionate about exclusive buyer agency, consumer rights and negotiating for her clients. Renee also has her SRES designation which stands for Seniors Real Estate Specialist®.
Renee is also known as The Rescue Dog Realtor in Orange County and Philadelphia because it is her dream to one day, end kill shelters and help rescue as many dogs as she can by donating a portion of every sale to local rescues. Renee services Aliso Viejo, Mission Viejo, Newport Beach, Irvine, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Beach, Dana Point, Philadelphia, Bucks and Montgomery Counties.
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Contact Renee Porsia, The Rescue Dog Realtor®
- Email: reneeporsia@mac.com
- Phone: 215.669.0589
- Website: reneeporsia.com
- Licensed in PA & CA
- Broker/Realtor® with 24+ Years of Experience
- Seniors Real Estate Specialist® (SRES®)
Let’s turn your homeownership dreams into reality, all while helping rescue dogs find fur-ever homes!
