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Welcoming a dog into your family can be very exciting, but it also comes with tons of new responsibilities. Although many believe their life will not change very much by adopting a dog, they are usually mistaken a few weeks into this new experience. Dogs are incredibly sweet additions to your family, but they require lots of love, care, and attention. Follow along for a few helpful tips for first-time dog owners. Research more if you are not sure what to expect from adopting a fur baby.

Work on Housetraining Immediately

Even though you might be caught up in the excitement of welcoming your new pup into your household, you should work on housetraining immediately.  The work pays off in time by ensuring they start to learn house rules and your routine as soon as possible. The sooner your new dog learns the dos and don’ts of living in your home, the better off they will be. With that said, you should start training almost immediately after bringing them home.

Gather the Necessary Supplies

It is no secret that dogs require a bunch of supplies, and you should gather the essentials before bringing them home. Although

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you can wait to buy some items, you should consider getting the following right away:

• Bowls
• Collar and leash
• Proper dog food
• Kennel
• A few size-appropriate toys

After a week or so, you will have a better idea of the additional supplies you will need. Certain products make it easier to care for your pup. You should also consider a few pet items to make your life easier if you want to stay on top of your responsibilities as a pet parent.

Get Them Set Up at the Vet

Even though you might not think you need it, you should get your pup set up at the vet right away. In many cases, you must register your new pet with a vet’s office within a specific timeframe after taking them home. That said, be sure to take them in for a check-up as soon as possible to ensure they are healthy. Having a vet lined up for your new pup is a great way to be ready if an emergency arises—simply call a local office to set up an appointment for your dog, and bring all records with you for their first visit.

Make Time for Them

Everyone makes time for their dog the first few weeks of getting them, but it’s easy to get busy or distracted. Spending time with your new pup is crucial for their well-being. You establish their behavior and mental development. Therefore, you making time for them daily is one of the most important aspects of ownership. Please think twice about adoption if you are not sure whether you have time to care for a furry friend.

With helpful tips for first-time dog owners, you’ll become the best possible dog parent to your new four-legged pal. Although adopting a dog is much different from a child, it’s still a significant change that requires an adjustment period.