Choosing a dog: Finding the “fur child” that suits you
The first step to raising a dog is to choose a dog that suits you. There are so many dog breeds on the market that it is dazzling, from golden retrievers, Labradors to corgis, Shiba Inus, each dog has its own personality and needs. Before choosing a dog, ask yourself a few questions:
- What is your lifestyle like? If you live in a small apartment and are busy every day, you may not be suitable for raising a dog that needs a large space and loves to run and jump, such as a “house-wrecking expert” like a Husky. Small dogs like Bichon Frise and Chihuahua may be more suitable. On the other hand, if you like outdoor sports, smart and lively dogs such as Border Collies and Golden Retrievers will be good partners.
- How much time and energy can you invest? Some dogs need to be walked several times a day, such as shepherds; some dogs are more “homebodies”, such as pugs, who are satisfied with just a walk. Think about how much time you can spend playing with it and walking it every day.
- Is the budget enough? Raising a dog is not cheap! In addition to the money to buy a dog (purebred dogs may cost thousands to tens of thousands), there are also expenses for vaccines, sterilization, dog food, toys, and medical care. For dogs that are prone to illness, such as French bulldogs, medical expenses may be a big pit.
- How is the personality match? Dogs also have personalities! Golden retrievers and Labradors are usually gentle and friendly, suitable for families with children; Shiba Inus are independent and a little stubborn, suitable for people who like “cool” dogs. You can go to a pet store or rescue station to get in touch with more dogs and feel their personalities.
Tips : If you don’t want to spend a lot of money to buy a purebred dog, you can consider adopting a stray dog. Dogs in rescue stations are usually vaccinated and sterilized, and their personalities are relatively stable, and they can also give them a warm home!
Preparation: Homework before welcoming the dog
After choosing a dog, don’t rush to take it home, prepare the “logistics” first:
- List of Necessities
- Dog food: Choose the right dog food according to the age and size of the dog. Newbies can choose big brands with guaranteed quality.
- Food bowl and water bowl: Stainless steel or ceramic are the most hygienic.
- Dog bed or mat: Give the dog a comfortable place to sleep.
- Leash and collar: Essential for walking the dog, it is best to hang an ID card on the collar with your contact information.
- Toys: Chews, balls, and plush toys can keep the dog from being bored and reduce house damage.
- Cleaning supplies: Shampoo, deodorant spray, and urine pads for dog bathing should be prepared at home.
- Dog safety zone Make your home “dog-friendly”. Keep wires, sharp objects, and small objects away to prevent the dog from swallowing or getting hurt. If the dog is still small, you may need to use a fence to separate a safe area.
- Find a good pet hospital Check nearby pet hospitals in advance and write down the emergency number. The dog may need a physical examination, vaccination, and deworming when it first arrives home, and all of these require a professional veterinarian.
How to deal with the first few days when the dog arrives home?
The dog may be nervous and scared when it first arrives home, after all, it has changed to a new environment. The following tips will help it adapt quickly:
- Give it some space Don’t hug it or stroke it right away, let it get familiar with the environment first. Put some food and drinks next to it and observe its small movements quietly.
- Establish a regular schedule Dogs like a regular life. Feeding, walking, and playing at a fixed time every day can make them feel safe. For example, walk once in the morning and evening, each time for 20-30 minutes, and feed 2-3 times a day (depending on age).
- Preliminary training Start with simple things, such as teaching it to “sit down” and “name”. Using snacks to reward is the best effect, but don’t feed too much, it will easily get fat! When training, be firm but gentle, and don’t scare it.
- Observe health status A new dog may have a stress reaction, such as not eating or having diarrhea. It’s okay if it lasts for one or two days, but if it lasts for more than three days, or if there is vomiting or lethargy, take it to the hospital immediately.
Daily care: Keep your dog healthy and happy
Raising a dog is a long-term project, and daily care must keep up. Here are a few key points:
- Diet management Don’t feed human food casually! High-salt and greasy food is not good for dogs. Dog food is the safest choice, and you can occasionally add some boiled chicken breast and carrots as snacks. The amount of feeding is recommended on the package and adjusted according to the dog’s weight. Don’t let it eat too much, as fat dogs are prone to heart disease and arthritis.
- Regular dog walking Walking the dog is not just for it to go to the toilet, but also an opportunity for exercise and socialization. Walk at least 1-2 times a day, and the length of time depends on the breed. 20 minutes may be enough for a small dog, and 1 hour for a large dog. Pay attention to safety when walking your dog, and don’t let it eat things on the ground.
- Hair and hygiene
- Bathing: Generally, wash it once every 1-2 weeks, using dog-specific shampoo. Washing too often will damage the skin.
- Brushing: Long-haired dogs like Samoyed need to be brushed every day, and short-haired dogs only need 1-2 times a week to prevent hair tangles.
- Nail trimming: Dogs will feel uncomfortable when their nails are long, so trim them once every 1-2 months, or find a professional.
- Cleaning ears and teeth: Ears are prone to dust accumulation, and teeth are prone to tartar. Use pet cleaning products regularly.
- Health checkup Take your dog for a physical examination once a year, and don’t forget to vaccinate (rabies, canine distemper, etc.). Internal and external deworming is generally done once every 1-3 months, and ask your veterinarian for details. Sterilization is also an option, which can reduce the risk of certain diseases and make the dog’s personality more stable.
- Mental health Dogs also have emotions! Play with it more and take it to meet new friends (other dogs or people). If it always destroys the house and barks randomly, it may be expressing boredom or anxiety. You can try to increase the amount of exercise or buy some educational toys.
common problems: Newbies should not step on these pitfalls!
- Don’t raise dogs as people No matter how cute it is, it is still a dog! Don’t feed chocolate, grapes, onions and other foods that are toxic to dogs. Don’t always hold it, it will easily spoil it.
- Be patient in training Dogs are not taught in one go, and you may have to repeat it dozens of times. It’s useless to lose your temper. Rewards and encouragement are effective.
- Don’t ignore social interaction Let the dog contact other dogs and people more, which can reduce the problem of aggression or timidity. Dog kindergarten or dog park walking are good opportunities.
- Stay calm in an emergency When the dog is sick or injured, don’t panic, contact the veterinarian and follow the instructions. It is a good habit to always have a pet first aid kit at home.
6. The mentality of raising a dog: love and responsibility coexist
Raising a dog is not just “buying a dog home to play with”, it is a life that may accompany you for 10 years or even longer. They will bring you countless joys, but they also require you to invest time, energy and money. When you encounter it being naughty, take a deep breath and tell yourself: this little guy is also learning to adapt to this world.
Finally, the biggest reward of raising a dog is that kind of unconditional love. No matter how bad your day is, there is always a furry little guy wagging his tail to greet you when you go home. This feeling is worth it!
I hope this guide can help you start your dog-raising journey smoothly! If you have any specific questions, feel free to ask me and I will help you answer them!
