What to Expect as a First Time Dog Owner

Adding a four legged friend to your family comes with a cost. To begin with, you’ll need to budget some money to purchase your pooch. If you want a pure bred doggo, plan on spending over $1,000.00 for some breeds. Shelter or rescue pups can set you back a couple hundred dollars. But the cost for your canine doesn’t stop there. Veterinary care can be costly. At the very least, your new buddy needs an annual vet checkup and vaccines. Without pet insurance, emergency visits and health problems can be several hundred dollars. And don’t forget your dog needs to eat. Add dog food and treats into your monthly expenditures. Dog toys, a bed, leash, collar, and local licensure fees are also impawtant. And you may need to hire a dog walker or take your pal to doggy day care. All of this may seem overwhelming, but it’s so totally worth it!

Before owning a dog, you were free to come and go as you please. At a drop of a hat, you could take off for the weekend or make unexpected plans. But now you have a fur baby to consider. Dogs are pack animals and are happiest when with their people. Leaving a dog home alone for long stretches of time can lead to destructive behavior, not to mention make them feel isolated. Of course, work and other commitments can't be avoided. But a large part of owning a dog is spending time with your beloved pet. Not only does your pup need to be let outside for potty breaks, they also need some dedicated time each day for exercise, play time, and affection. Make sure your schedule allows you to have quality time with your pup on a daily basis. In return, you’ll have a well adjusted happy hound!

Wouldn’t it be nice if every dog came 100% trained and perfectly behaved? Just like people, dogs have their own personalities and challenges. Over the course of their life, you may encounter major issues like excessive barking, separation anxiety, or aggression. It’s also likely that day to day behaviors like chewing, begging, or digging will arise. Arm yourself with an extra dose of patience and be ready to correct your pal’s issues with proper training. Not only does training help you keep your sanity, it also gives your dog structure. It teaches them what to expect in certain situations and reinforces you as the pack leader. Obedience classes are an excellent way to bond with your pup. Plus, if they are a good student, your dog's behavior will improve. Proper training makes life much easier for you and your furry BFF!