My Tips to Take Care of a New Dog

So you're bringing home that cute little puppy from the best breeder after doing all that research, or you found the most adorable "mutt" at the pound, where you were just going to look, you swore. And now you realize that you weren't as prepared as you thought. Maybe you're planning in advance for the new bundle of joy. Either way, we'll give you some valuable tips we've learned over the years of bringing home little bundles of terror ? I mean joy :)

Learn as much as possible about potty training, and expect none of it to matter, especially when you step in their deposits at 3 a.m. in the pitch black ? it WILL happen!

Buy the smallest bag of puppy chow you can find. Your dog will hate the first one, and the second one and the third one. Buying small will help you overcome the horror of the money you've just spent on the 7th brand of dog food in 2 weeks.

Strip naked or at the very least to a swimsuit before bathing your dog. You WILL BE WET. No way to avoid it, even in a 2 foot deep sunken bathtub. Personal experience talking here.

Prepare yourself for the fact that the toy you thought was SO COOL in the store, will be sniffed and promptly ignored until the end of time. Your dog will only like the toys that will drive you the most crazy. One of the favorites in our house (NOT purchased by us) is a big skunk with a plastic bottle inside. Inside said plastic bottle is a marble. Aaaaaargh. 'Nuff said.

That gorgeous dog bed you bought? You know, the one that cost almost as much as the new king size bed you got to accommodate the new dog? Yeah, the dog will rarely, if ever use it. Preferred dog beds in this house? Couches, blankets dragged to the floor, pile of clothes, carpets ? and of course, our bed, preferably leaving as little room as possible for the humans by stretching as wide as possible.

Training? What's that? Mine occasionally come when called, and usually sit when told, but that's about it. I've given up. Did you know that a dog can be flunked out of training school? Neither did I until it happened? to ME!

Fill in the blank: my favorite ______ will be chewed to death. Expect it. Embrace it. You will live it.

I think the biggest tip I can give to a new dog owner is to become a firm believer in Murphy's Law: whatever can happen usually will and at the worst possible time. Of course, if you'd like to avoid my jaded outlook on life with a dog, visit our website, http://www.a1-dog-info.com/tips -to-take-care-of-a-new-dog.htm for more tips to help you survive living with a dog.

Tara Pearce is the author and webmaster of A1-Dog-Info.com. Please visit us for all kinds of information about dog food, toys, health, books, supplies and clothes.

http://www.a1-dog-info.com
webmaster@a1-dog-info.com

---

Whats In Your Dog Food?

According to holistic veternarian Dr. Jane Bicks, the maximum life... Read More

Achieving Dog Training Success With The 18 Donts Rules

A well-train dog usually leads a happier and healthier life... Read More

How To Be A Good Pomeranian Dog Owner

Opening your heart to a Pomeranian can be fun, but... Read More

Home Hazards That Can Affect Our Pets

Is your home safe for your Furr Kids? It might... Read More

Keeping Gars - A Short Review

If you take a quick look at this species they... Read More

Worms in Your Dog... Gross!

Of all the parasites a dog can catch, worms take... Read More

Does Your Dog Have Fleas?

Itch, itch. Scratch, scratch, scratch. Does that sound familiar? Hopefully... Read More

Does The World Need More Cats?

Aren't they cute? Yes, they are! A nest of meowing... Read More

4 Ways In Which You Can Show Your Dog How Much You Love Him

Do you have at least one framed photo of your... Read More

Introducing a Cat to Your Children

Are cats and children a good mix?So, you had a... Read More

Your Dog and the Dentist: Learn the Drill

While "late is better than never," sooner is better than... Read More

Dog Vaccinations: Doing Shots

Vaccinations play an important part in the preventive healthcare of... Read More

Doggy Dental Care: Teeth Cleaning 101

Your dog's dental health is so important for his total... Read More

Dog Aggression: How to Recognize & Respond

Many dog owners are bewildered when they hear their dog... Read More

Does Your Dog Bite? How to Protect Your Dog and Yourself from Liability

MuttShack Foundation for Animal Foster and Rescue, claim that dogs... Read More

Barking Problems: Train Your Dog To Stop Barking!

All dogs bark, it's their way to communicate a message.... Read More

Does Your Dog Have An Irritating Jumping Habit?

Do you have a puppy that jumps on you, company... Read More

Breeding Your Goldfish

If you are keen on breeding Goldfish, you should know... Read More

Breeding Discus ? 3 Ways to Encourage Spawning

So you have a mature pair of discus fish that... Read More

Winterizing Your Dog

It's beginning to get cooler and as such it is... Read More

Dog Health Conditions and Terms You Should Know... Part 2

Cryptorchidism is peculiar to male dogs and a condition present... Read More

So, You?ve Decided To Kill Your Pet!

The other day I was doing a research online for... Read More

Analysis of Cat Behavior

The most important thing to remember in analyzing the behavior... Read More

The Noble Skye Terrier

With ancestors who were a breed of tenacious terriers, most... Read More

Dog Food - Which Diet is Best for Dogs?

Why The Food You Give Your Dog Matters!If you're like... Read More

West Highland White Terrier ? How To Capture the Best Pictures of Your Westies

For most West Highland White Terrier owners, the dog is... Read More

Parrot Keeping

Parrots are becoming more popular as pets with each passing... Read More

Is YOUR Child Ready for a Dog?

Are you considering buying a dog for your child or... Read More

BARF Diet For Dogs - Not As Gross As It Sounds!

Are you just starting to research the BARF diet for... Read More

Ten Tips for Cats Who are Forced to Relocate with Their Owners

For realistic tips for humans who are moving with cats,... Read More

Lemon Tetra - A Perfect Addition for Your Community Aquarium

Lemon TetraGlassily transparent, the lemon tetra (hyphessobrycon pulchripinnis) could appear... Read More

Dog Training Basics

All positive commands should be spoken sharply and distinctly during... Read More

Using Dog Leash Training to Control Your Pooch

Many pet owners don't like using a leash, for a... Read More