If you have never had a pet before or it has been a long time since you have lived with a pet, you might feel a bit daunted when it comes to introducing this furry friend into your life, and you might constantly worry about whether you are looking after them properly. Then, if you are struggling to adjust to getting a new pet or are finding it hard to relax around them, here are some top tips to make getting a new pet less daunting.
1. Read Up on Crate Training
One of the issues that many new pet owners may be concerned about is whether their house will survive the introduction of this new pet. If you invest in a puppy or even a kitten, you may soon find that they destroy your home, and you might be worried about leaving them out of your sight. If this is the case, crate training for dogs can help, as this can allow you to keep your puppy in a small area of the house. This can ensure that you know that they and your house are safe when you are asleep or out of the house. It would be best if you considered researching crate training for your puppy as this can help you to relax more about getting a new pet.
2. Introduce Your New Pet to Your Other Pets
If you already have pets in your household and yet you are planning to bring another home, it is paramount that you introduce your new pet properly to your old pets. Otherwise, you may find that they do not get along and that they struggle to live side by side. This can then lead to your pets being unhappy with each other or can even lead to them attacking each other. You should make sure that you introduce them gradually and that they are restrained when you do so. You should also try and get them used to each other’s scents before your new pet starts living with you. If you are getting your new pet from a rescue center, you might even get the rescue center to help you introduce them on neutral territory. This will allow your pets to be best friends before long, even if they are a different species from each other.
3. Research Your New Pet
Instead of spontaneously investing in a pet and bringing them home that same day, it is important that you conduct a lot of research before you get a pet. This is especially important as dogs and cats can live well into their teens. You should make sure that you read guides online and that you speak to others with the same type of pet. You might even ask to pet sit someone else’s pet or speak to a vet before you make up your mind. By doing this, you will know exactly what to expect from your pet, as well as what you can do to make sure that they are able to have the best and healthiest life possible.
