Bringing home a new dog is a joyous event, and to keep the good vibes going, training is key. To ensure a smooth transition for your pup and to provide them with the necessary training, look to Loving Canine Transformations.

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4 Things First-Time Pet Owners Need to Know

If you’re thinking about owning a pet for the first time, it’s tempting to head to the nearest shelter and adopt the first adorable cat or dog you see. But before you do, it’s smart to spend some time thinking about which pet will make the best companion for you, whether you have enough money saved for pet-related emergencies, and how you can make them feel at home.

Becoming a pet owner means taking on lots of new responsibilities. Loving Canine Transformations offers the following guidance on how to choose the right pet and help them adjust to their new life with your family.

Which Kind of Pet?

Before deciding which pet is best suited for your lifestyle, consider how much space you have, whether you would need to travel with your pet, or if you need a pet that won’t set off your allergies. Regardless of which animal you want, you should read up on the personalities and specific needs of different breeds so that you can make an informed choice.

Safeguard Your Home

You want to ensure that your home will be a safe environment for your new pet. Check that the lid to your garbage properly closes, get rid of any household plants that are poisonous to pets, and hide exposed electrical cords that your pet could try to chew on. If necessary, you may want to get a crate for your pet so that you know they won’t get into trouble when you’re not home.

Consider your outdoor space too if your plan is to adopt a dog. A dog will need some room to roam, and if your backyard isn’t secured, this could pose a risk. Building a fence is a great way to give your pup space that’s safe and contained. Just be sure to work with a surveyor to find the exact location of your property lines to avoid any issues with your neighbors.

Save for Pet Care

Pet ownership can be a surprisingly expensive endeavor! You don’t want to be caught off guard by surprise bills, so you should strongly consider buying pet insurance to cover the costs of veterinary care. According to Policy Genius, the average pet insurance premium is only about $10 to $60 per month, and there are policies that cover many different species.

Overall, you’ll have to look over your budget and cut back on unnecessary purchases so that you can afford everything your pet needs. Starting an emergency fund specifically for pet- related expenses can give you extra financial security.

Help Your Pet Adjust

Once you’ve brought your new pet home, your job is to help them get used to all of the changes. According to Pet Guide, it can take some time for your pet to trust you, especially if you adopted them from a shelter. When you introduce them to new people in unfamiliar places, you’ll need to pay close attention to their body language and calm them down if they feel uncomfortable.

Furthermore, your pet may struggle with separation anxiety. Getting into a specific daily routine can help with this issue. Make plenty of time to play with your pet, which will strengthen your bond, and pick up some toys that will help keep them entertained. If you have to leave them alone for a little while, turn on the TV or radio; this can be very comforting for nervous pets!

Taking care of your pet can be a lot of fun, but pet ownership is not something to be taken lightly. Whether you want to take in a dog, cat, rabbit, bird, or any other pet, you need to ensure that you can reliably and consistently meet all of their needs. Being thoroughly prepared will allow you to give your pet a happy, comfortable life.