New canine companion? Get ready!

Owning a dog is a joy, privilege, and responsibility. If you are considering bringing a canine companion into your life, think seriously about the commitment that being a responsible dog owner entails.

Prepare to Be a Responsible Dog Owner

1. Do Your Research

• Recognize the commitment Before deciding that a dog is right for you, make an honest assessment: are you ready for the financial, emotional, and time commitment owning a dog requires?
• ​​Evaluate your lifestyle Think about the type of dog that will best suit your lifestyle. Evaluate all aspects of your family’s life — hobbies, activities, personalities — . We recommend you look for breed characteristics in the American Kennel Club website to make your new companion matches your style. 
• Make a list​ Based on your evaluation, what qualities do you want in a dog? Consider size, energy level, grooming needs, trainability, and temperament.  If you rent an apartment, are there restrictions on height, weight, or breed? Answer these questions now, because once you bring a dog home, it can be heartbreaking to realize you made the wrong choice. ​

• Get referrals to responsible breeders / adoption centers 
  • ​​You have a better chance of success if you get your dog from a responsible, ethical breeder. The American Kennel Club has a Breeder Referral contact for each recognized breed. They can put you in touch with breeders or rescue organizations in your area.
  • If you want a discount on adoption fees, attend rescue-held drives. Alternatively, you can adopt a dog during National Dog Day or Adopt a Dog Month. Many rescues celebrate these nation-wide events by reducing or eliminating adoption costs. 

2. Dog-proof your house

• You’ll need some basics such as bowls, a collar, leash, toys, and a crate for potty training if you’re adopting a puppy. Although an older dog will still need just as much gear, it probably won’t outgrow it or tear it up while teething. Move breakables or “chewables” to higher ground. Make electrical cords inaccessible to curious paws and noses. Block off any area of the house that’s off-limits. Block access to any house or garden plants that are toxic to dogs.

3. Find Your Veterinarian at Lyons Vet Clinic!
Choose a veterinarian ahead of time, so you’ll be ready for a visit soon after your dog comes home. Give your vet copies of the dog’s health records, and set up a vaccination and check-up schedule.​

• Puppy Wellness Plan: Your pet will need all the vaccines and a full medical. Check these affordable packages of recommended preventive care and prioritize your new pet's health. 
• The perfect diet. Your vet will help you choose the best food for your new companion based on caloric needs, size, breed and other specifics.
• Microchip. A microchip is no larger than a grain of rice that’s inserted under the loose skin between your dog’s shoulder blades. The chip holds your pet’s unique ID number when scanned by a vet or shelter. This method has helped multiple clients reunite with their pets after they got lost. 
• Establish an EMERGENCY CONTACT as soon as possible.​

4. Train, train, train.. and socialize if possible
The first few days (or even months) at your home will be tough for your new pet whether it comes from a shelter or it is leaving its dog mom. It will take time for your new pet to relax into its new environment and to trust you as his/her caretaker. Be patient and practice positive reinforcement to teach your dog the house rules and how you expect it to behave.

• Develop a daily routine to make your dog more comfortable as it settles in. Consistency, stability, and predictability are the keys to keeping anxiety to a minimum during the early days. 
• Find a trainer if it is your first pet; they can help by training your pet or (even better) giving you actual tips and guidelines to do so yourself after getting acquainted with your pets personality.
• Routine training is also important, read our blog post on nail trimming tips and get your puppy used to the tools and procedure. 
• Socializing a puppy is way easier than an older dog. Know your pet's and other dogs' temper before introducing them to avoid negative experiences. Socializing will help you bring your dog everywhere you want to have a good time. 

5. Relax, love and enjoy their company
Do the best you can. If you are stressed, your dog will know it. So take a deep breath and know that if you give your dog love and care he will return it ten-fold. If you have done your research you got this, also remember you can always ask your local veterinarian for guidance and help.