6 Things You Need Before Getting a Dog

It’s common knowledge that dogs are human’s best friend. This saying credited to Frederick the Great of Prussia validates the love we have for these furry creatures. Dogs have co-existed with humans for more than 10,000 years.

Getting a dog is not just loads of fun, but it’s also a rewarding experience. Dogs have been said to help cure depression and loneliness. Heck, it’s also been theorized that they help keep kids asthma-free.

However, before you bring your furry friend home, you need to get your home properly set-up. Supplies, pet-proofing, training guides, to mention a few are some of the must-haves you need to get going. Our four-legged friends can be a source of joy and happiness in our everyday life that can sometimes become boring with the endless tasks that we need to take care of. Sometimes, however, our pets find their way make our homes filthy, and naturally, it’s our job to clean up after them, particularly all the endless hairs that we keep finding around our furniture, and carpets, for which you should be using a dog hair remover every day. It will help you keep your home clean while also enjoying your pets’ company, and we all know how much they like showing us their love

Here are 6 absolute must-haves you need to get before your furry friend comes into its new home…

Collar & Leash

A collar and leash are a couple of the first things you must get – obviously. There are lots of different sorts in the store but always look for one that has an ID tag. The ID tag comes in handy should your dog goes wandering off while you two are on a run in the park.

Also, keep extras around – in the house or the car. Dogs have boundless energy, and you always want to have an extra leash around just in case the one you are using breaks or goes missing.

Water & Food Bowls

Your dog has to eat and drink water and definitely not from your dishes. We aren’t really ones to join the argument on stainless steel vs plastic bowls. The one important thing you have to consider is the size of the bowl.

Getting the right bowl ensures your dog finds it easy to eat its meal. It also needs a separate bowl for fresh water – due to the amount of energy they expend playing, they need access to fresh water regularly.

Obedience Training Guides

Obedience training is an absolute must-have. You don’t want to have a poorly trained mutt running around in public. The risks of biting someone or running off increase exponentially.

You don’t have to sign up your pooch for expensive training classes to ensure a respectable and obedient dog. You can buy a training guide at the local veterinary, or visit sites such as M Dog to learn from experts on how to train your dog.

Bed/Crate

If you aren’t a fan of your dog sleeping on your bed, then you have to get a bed or a crate. It is also important to create a space that your dog can call it’s own. The crate not only solves that problem, but it also helps when potty training your pup. You don’t want to wake up at night and discover that your pup has pooped on your bed right?

Grooming Supplies

No matter the length of your pup’s hair, you need to bathe your dog occasionally, groom its hair and trim or file its nails. The frequency might differ based on the breed you get, but consistent grooming keeps your pup healthy and energetic. You really don’t want to start battling ticks or fleas, which can make your dog not only uncomfortable but sick.

Local Veterinarian

Most new dog owners wait till their dog falls ill before they start searching for a veterinarian. While trying to decide on the breed of dog you want to buy, also spend some time thumbing through your local directories for a veterinarian. They can also be a good resource for advice on how to get your dog settled in, the vitamins you need to get, and other tidbits of information that come in handy.

Start with these six, and you surely are off on a good footing.