Welcoming a new furry family member is a really exciting time. But, as any dog owner will tell you, it’s not a decision that should be taken lightly. While having a dog in your life is an incredible experience, it comes with a lot of responsibility and isn’t exactly cheap. There are so many things to think about – breed, food, doggy daycare, socialization, toys… the list goes on.
In this article, we’re going to share our top tips for new puppy parents in Melbourne so you can ensure you’re making the right decision, have chosen the right pup for you and have everything in place to make it a happy and fun experience.
This is the first thing we say to anyone thinking about getting a dog. As the saying goes, a dog isn’t just for Christmas. It’s a big responsibility getting a dog and there are numerous things to think about. You’ll need to walk them every day, pay for vet bills and consider how they’ll be cared for if you go on holiday. You’ll need to budget for food and toys and always make sure there’s enough space for your pup too.
Owning a dog is amazing but it’s definitely not a decision that should be taken quickly. If it’s something you’re curious about but you’re not 100% sure, try volunteering at a shelter or fostering a pooch first.
Different breeds have different needs so you must do your research thoroughly to find out which will be the perfect addition to your family. If you’re active and have a lot of space, you could consider a working dog. But if you live in a small apartment in Melbourne, a relaxed apartment dog is your best option. If you’ve got kids, you’ll also need to consider which dogs love to play and don’t mind little hands stroking them.
Here are a couple of examples of each.
You have to think about everything before you bring a dog home. One of the most important things is to decide on a specific area for them. They need to have a bit of the home that they feel is theirs so they can acclimatise. Make this area as comfortable as possible with their bed and toys so they feel happy and safe.
It’s also important to think about furniture. Young pups love to test out their teeth, so buying furniture protectors is a good idea. Think about putting shoes, and anything else they could chew, behind doors or out of reach.
You should also remove or secure any potentially poisonous things that could affect your dog. Some common houseplants, such as ivy, aloe vera and bird of paradise, are poisonous to dogs. So make sure you think about everything.
It’s really important to develop a good relationship with your Melbourne-based vet so that both you and your dog trust them. Take them to the vet shortly after bringing them home so they can do an initial evaluation, administer the necessary vaccinations and recommend heartworm, flea and tick preventatives.
What you feed your pup is really important. If you’re adopting your dog from a shelter, keep feeding them the same food so they’re used to it and they don’t get any tummy troubles. You can slowly mix in whichever new food you want to try after that.
Also, in order to maintain a healthy dog weight, you need to feed them age-appropriate food. Puppies, for instance, need more calories to keep up with their active lifestyles. You also need to consider the snacks you feed them. Feeding them too many treats as rewards for good behaviour can quickly lead to weight gain, so try feeding them healthy freeze-dried snacks instead.
If you’re not sure about what or how much to feed your pooch, talk to a vet or pup nutritionist.
There are lots of things you need to buy before you become a dog owner. Some of the most important ones include:
Before heading out, set a budget and make a list of the essentials – and keep to it! Try to go for better quality items that will last longer and save you money long term.
It can take a while to get into the swing of dog training. You need to get to know your pooch and what works best for them. If you’re adopting a pup from a shelter, it can be even more difficult for them, as their history and the shelter setting will impact them.
Adjusting can take a while, so be patient and give them lots of affection (if they’re open to it). When you feel they’re settling into their new home, start with basic commands and positive reinforcement training.
It’s really important to have a good support system in place.
Dog daycare is an excellent way for your pup to socialise with other dogs under the watchful eye of our experienced team. Whether you’re looking for puppy care or older dog daycare, the specially designed space at The Dog Dazzlers is perfect. There are quiet and play dens, so whatever your dog’s mood or personality, they can have fun, relax and make friends.
Part of being a pup parent is learning about dogs in general (such as how much exercise different breeds need per day) and getting to know the unique personality of your new dog. You need to be aware of both your dog’s physical and mental health and ensure that they’re being entertained and stimulated enough. Puzzle toys are a great way for them to learn and active playtime with you is essential for creating that special bond.
After a while, you’ll know what things your dog loves doing most, what teaching techniques work for them and what they’re afraid of. Knowing their needs will help you to be a better pup parent.
Becoming a dog owner is exciting and a little scary. You’re going to gain a friend for life but you’re also going to have to be responsible for them for life, which comes with its difficulties. Bringing your pup to doggy daycare in Melbourne is an excellent way to help train and socialise them in a fun and dynamic environment. Our handlers are highly trained and we assess all pups to make sure they fit in with the rest of our pack. Contact the team at the Dog Dazzlers to enrol your pup into doggy daycare and see for yourself how much they enjoy it!
Based in Burwood, our purpose built facility provides pups with all their daycare and grooming needs – find out more now:
If you’d like to book your furbaby in for a groom, please give us a call on 03 9808 3289, or complete the form below and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can!
All existing clients can book in below, and new clients can register their dogs for daycare.
If you have any questions, please call us on 03 9808 3289.
