Everyone agrees that puppies are cute. Well, everyone except new puppy owners, that is. While adding a furry friend to your family can be incredibly rewarding, it is also a lot of hard work. Here are our 4 must-know life hacks for new dog owners:
Many new dog owners describe having a new dog as being like having a new baby. Just like a baby, a new puppy needs constant care and attention and is unable to do anything for itself.
When you welcome a new dog into your home, life can get a little crazy. Between house-training, feeding, playing, and exercising, there isn’t much time for anything else. However, even with all the effort it takes to add a new puppy to your family, the benefits outweigh the negatives.
Taking care of your new pet might be a challenge, but there are lots of ways you can make things easier for yourself. Here are four life hacks every new dog owner needs to know:
- Pick the perfect breed
Of all the things dog owners should know, the key to having the best owner-dog relationship is choosing the right breed of dog. You might not think that the breed of dog you choose is important, but it really is.
If you haven’t had a dog of your own before, it’s a good idea to start with a small breed. Don’t dive straight in and adopt a Doberman, go for something smaller and more manageable. There are lots of small breeds of dog to choose from, from Jack Russells and Westies to Morkies and Beagles. If you decide that a cross-breed is right for you, you can find Morkie puppies for sale online, as well as various Jack Russell crosses.
- Make DIY treat toys
Puppy toys are expensive, especially those fancy treat toys. Instead of buying your new pup an expensive toy that he will destroy within a matter of weeks, why not make your own DIY alternative?
All you need is an old tennis ball, a pair of scissors and some treats, and in two easy steps, you can make a DIY treat toy. Just make sure to use a dog-safe tennis ball for this.
This hack honestly couldn’t be simpler, all you have to do is cut a small hole in the side of the tennis ball, and that’s it. Once you have created the hole, squeeze the ball, so a small gap opens up, and pop a few of your puppy’s favourite treats in there.
- Sour apple spray is a must
If your new pet is chewing everything, from the leg of your dining table to your favourite pair of shoes, bitter apple spray is a must.
Of all the anti-chewing sprays available, sour apple is one of the very best. It makes an excellent deterrent for stopping your fluffy housemate from chewing up your entire home. And best of all, it is chemical-free.
- Hire a dog walker
Dogs need lots of exercise, so if you are out at work all day it’s important to think about how your furry pal will get all the walkies he needs. Don’t make the mistake of not giving your dog enough exercise. Dogs with behavioural problems tend to be the dogs that aren’t active enough, so getting enough exercise is key.
If you are out all day or don’t have the time to give your puppy the walking he needs, hiring a dog walker is crucial. Unless, of course, you want to return home to a house in tatters?
There is nothing that can make bringing a new puppy into your home easy, it takes time to adjust and get to grips with things. But there are plenty of ways you can make the situation easier for yourself.
