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

---

Agility Training For Dogs

Without agility, the most muscular person in the world couldn't... Read More

You Should Teach Your Puppy Proper Chewing Behavior

As much as you may love your cute, new puppy,... Read More

Cockatiel Illnesses

Cockatiels are one of the most lovable pets in the... Read More

Westies Dogs ? Please Consider Adopting an Older Westie Dog

Everybody loves a baby animal and Westie puppies are adorable,... Read More

The Optimum Cichlid Aquarium Set Up

The groups of fishes commonly referred to as Cichlids, comprise... Read More

Pet Identification Tags And The Internet

The greatest fear of most pet owners is that there... Read More

How to Paint Your Cat

Why paint your cat? After all cats are beautiful creatures... Read More

Dog Clicker Training

Dog clicker training is so much fun for both dogs... Read More

Caring For Your Pomeranians Teeth

Pomeranians have tiny mouths and itty bitty teeth, but not... Read More

Dog Training: Teaching Your Dog Self-Control

Is your dog one of those that pulls at his... Read More

Petting a Dog is Good For Both of You

Studies have shown that regularly petting a dog brings a... Read More

Boxers Make Great Family Dogs

A breed of dog called a Boxer is very family-oriented... Read More

How To Stop Your Dog From Barking ? Training Your Dog To Keep Quiet

Quieting a barking dog is a quick and easy process.... Read More

All Natural Dog Cookies ? Because Your Dog?s Health and Happiness is So Important

Traditionally, a doggie treat was just that, a treat that... Read More

Train Your Buddy To ?Walk? & ?Dance? - Warning: Not All Dogs Can Do It!

Standing and walking on the hind legs are tricks that... Read More

Owning a Wild or Exotic Cat; Information, Laws, and Advice

Have you ever dreamed of living with a bobcat or... Read More

How to Increase Your Fishkeeping Fun

Do you really get the fullest amount of enjoyment out... Read More

Your Pets Medicine Chest - Medications To Keep On-Hand

We all know that good food, a loving home and... Read More

How To Keep Your Dog Safe in the 21st Century

For thousands of years, dogs have been "man's best friend."... Read More

Female Dog Care

As there are certain health issues that affect only the... Read More

Westie Puppies For Sale ? 7 Important Questions To Ask Your West Highland Terrier Breeder

Let's say you've made up your mind on the breed... Read More

Cleft Palate In Dogs

Sometimes puppies are born that can't suckle properly, and it's... Read More

Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD)

What is Canine Hip Dysplasia?Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD) is a... Read More

Pet Loss: Should You Clone Your Cat?

Clone a Cat, Go To Jail ...or at least... Read More

What About a Newfoundland Dog

Ok, so everyone who stays on top of the show... Read More