6 Lessons from Experienced Dog Owners

As a new dog owner, you may feel excited and overwhelmed caring for your pet. A ton of information is available online to help you raise your dog, but sometimes it is helpful to get advice from experienced dog owners who know what you are going through. 

New dog owners can learn a lot from experienced dog owners when it comes to providing the best health and happiness for their pups. From diet to exercise and socialization to training, the advice and guidance of veteran dog owners can be invaluable in raising a happy and healthy pup.

1. Put Your Dog in Training Classes

Most experienced dog owners highly recommend putting a dog into training classes. Training classes provide an excellent opportunity for socialization and teach dogs essential obedience commands, making them more manageable in everyday life. 

Consider putting your dog in training classes, such as obedience, agility or behavioral modification. Obedience classes focus on basic commands such as sit, stay, come and heel, which are essential for good behavior and safety. 

Agility classes provide a fun and interactive way for your dog to improve their physical fitness and coordination. Behavioral modification classes address specific issues such as anxiety, aggression or fear and help dogs overcome these challenges and become more confident.

You can also benefit from dog training classes as a pet owner. You can learn to communicate with your dog effectively and speak with experienced trainers and other dog owners to gain knowledge and support throughout the pet-owning journey. 

2. Create a Consistent Routine

Creating a consistent routine for your dog is highly beneficial for their well-being. Dogs are creatures of habit, and having a predictable daily routine can reduce stress and anxiety, making them happier and healthier. A consistent routine can help with in-house training and prevent behavioral issues such as destructive chewing or excessive barking.

Your daily route with your dog will vary based on their specific needs. For example, Labrador Retrievers are a highly energetic breed that require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. A consistent daily walk and playtime routine can provide your Lab with the physical and mental stimulation they need to stay healthy and happy. 

Pugs are a less energetic breed that requires more grooming in their routine. To acclimate your pug to weekly grooming, create a routine that includes cleaning their facial folds, brushing their coat and trimming their nails. For example, you can build a five-minute brushing session into their daily routine to ensure your pup has less anxiety surrounding this task, making it easier on you and them. 

3. Address Health Issues Early On

As a responsible pet owner, addressing your dog’s health issues as soon as they arise is crucial. Early detection and treatment of health problems can prevent more serious conditions from developing, increase the chances of successful treatment, and ensure your dog lives a long and healthy life.

For example, dental disease and joint problems require early intervention and preventative measures. Regular teeth cleaning and dental check-ups can minimize infection and tooth loss. 

Early detection and treatment of issues like arthritis and hip dysplasia with supplements, medication, or physical therapy can slow the condition’s progression and improve your dog’s quality of life.

4. Socialization is Crucial

Socialization is critical to raising a well-behaved and well-adjusted dog. Socializing your dog means exposing them to various environments, animals and people in a positive and controlled manner. 

Puppies are most receptive to new experiences between 3 and 14 weeks. Exposing your puppy to as many new experiences as possible during this time is important to help them build positive associations with new people, animals and environments. 

Introduce your dog to new experiences gradually and in a controlled manner. Begin with minimally-stressful situations and gradually increase exposure as they become more comfortable. Exposing your dog to various stimuli is essential to help them become well-rounded and adaptable. This can include everything from different breeds of dogs to loud noises to different types of flooring.

Reward your dog with their favorite fish dog food, treats, praise and playtime when they exhibit good behavior during socialization experiences. This positive reinforcement will help your dog build positive associations with new experiences.

Socialization isn’t a one-time event. It’s important to continue exposing your dog to new experiences throughout their life to help them stay comfortable and confident in various situations.

5. Find a Good Veterinarian

Being a responsible dog owner means caring for your pet’s health and well-being.  Finding a veterinarian you can rely on is crucial to ensuring that your dog stays healthy and happy. When looking for a veterinarian for your dog, find someone who is experienced, knowledgeable, compassionate, and understanding. Look for a vet who takes the time to answer your questions, listens to your concerns and treats your dog with care and respect. 

Your vet should be able to provide services such as:

• Preventative care: Regular check-ups allow your veterinarian to catch any potential health issues before they become serious. This can include anything from dental problems to weight management to detecting cancer early.

• Vaccinations: Your vet can provide vaccinations to protect your dog from common illnesses such as distemper, parvovirus and rabies. These vaccinations protect your dog and other animals and people that your dog comes into contact with.

• Advice and guidance: Your veterinarian can provide valuable advice and guidance on everything from nutrition to exercise to behavior. They can also answer any questions about your dog’s health and behavior.

6. Feed Your Dog High-Quality Food

The dog’s diet significantly affects its overall health and well-being. Poor-quality food containing artificial preservatives and fillers can harm their digestion and trigger allergies. Premium dog foods with lean protein, like venison dog food, or those rich in iron, such as beef dog food, provide your pup with the balance of macronutrients, vitamins and minerals they need for healthy growth and development. 

Look for brands that use humanely-sourced, human-grade fruits, vegetables, whole grains and meats, and come with functional additives, like turmeric or omega-3, that support joint, coat and digestive health.

Enjoy the Little Moments

As a dog owner, it’s easy to get caught up in the daily routine of feeding, walking and training. While these tasks are critical for your dog’s health and well-being, many experienced dog owners would say the most important part of owning a dog is to take a step back and appreciate the little moments that make your relationship with your pet so special. 

The best thing you can do for your dog is to relax and enjoy the little everyday moments with your pup to make them feel loved and included throughout their life with you.