Owning a dog can be one of the most enjoyable experiences of your life. A well-behaved, happy, healthy dog can bring immense joy, making life a pure delight. On the other hand, a mentally dominant, unhappy, poorly behaved dog—with a list of behavioral issues longer than his tail (assuming he has one)—can make life feel like pure hell. So before you rush to the nearest shelter and bring home your new friend, let’s cover a few puppy basics.
Initial Costs and Hidden Expenses
The cost of owning a dog goes way beyond the $100 you “donated” to the shelter. You did get him at the shelter, right? While dog breeders are a good source for finding purebred puppies, there are far too many dogs in shelters that need loving homes right now. Your first source for a puppy should at least be the shelter. As a bonus, shelter dogs are typically less expensive to adopt.
That said, there are initial costs to consider, such as dog accessories, toys, food, grooming equipment, and licensing. These are moderate expenses that most people can manage without much trouble. However, there are additional costs to account for, including castration, vet bills, vaccinations, flea, tick and heartworm protection, the carpet you’ll need to replace after he chews a hole in it, and other unexpected surprise expenses your dog will likely throw at you when you’re not looking.
Puppy Proofing Your Home
Puppy-proofing is an absolute necessity before bringing your new little one home. Everyday items that humans tend to leave around are an open invitation for puppies to not only play with but potentially injure themselves. Cords, wires, chewable items that could break into sharp fragments, and of course, your favorite pair of socks—these are all joyous discoveries for your new puppy.
Save the beautiful Oriental rug for special occasions, at least until your pup learns the proper location for his toilet training, and pick up any small, swallowable items from the floor or within reach. Keep in mind that your puppy will grow faster than his manners, so ensure that puppy-proofing extends as high as he can reach.
Understanding Dog Behavior
Dogs come with issues. Owning a dog means learning to address these issues. Barking, chewing, clawing, and sleeping on the couch when they think you’re not looking are common behaviors that need to be corrected. Often, these behaviors stem from a misunderstood dog psychology.
For example, barking is often a sign that the dog doesn’t believe his human can take care of themselves and feels the need to provide protection. This is an issue of dominance rather than misbehavior. Clawing is often linked to anxiety and is especially common in second-hand dogs. Sleeping on the couch when they think they can get away with it can be a sign of dominance, but it may also suggest that your pup simply isn’t concerned with your opinion on where he should rest.
For every issue your dog may bring into your home, there are simple steps you can take to correct the problem.
Training and Behavior Modification
In many cases, attending dog training classes can help curb both dominant behaviors and those related to a lack of concern about your opinion. An obedient dog is typically a happier dog, and an obedient, happy dog makes for a very happy owner.
Digestive Issues and Other Concerns
Dog diarrhea can sometimes be linked to physical illness, but in some cases, it can be a result of emotional stress. Some dogs become so emotionally charged that their digestive systems are affected. This may occur after traumatic experiences such as arguments between humans, moving, trips to the vet, or other stressful situations. However, despite its common occurrence, the first step when dealing with dog diarrhea should be a visit to the vet to rule out worms or other digestive issues that can often be treated with digestive enzymes or special diets.
Other problematic dog behaviors, such as refusing to come when called, chewing, or presenting aggressively to other dogs, need training attention as well. These issues can create unsafe environments for your dog. These behaviors can lead to being hit by cars, attacked by other dogs, or swallowing harmful objects that could cause serious injury. Despite your dog’s belief that he knows everything and you are there to serve him, your pooch knows very little about surviving in the human world and needs your guidance to stay safe.
Conclusion
While owning a dog is a responsibility for the more mature and thoughtful among us, it is also an incredibly rewarding experience. Each day is filled with love and devotion from your dog, making it all worthwhile. Owning a dog should be a pleasant experience for both you and your new furry friend.