This is a collaborative post.
For many weeks, months and maybe years the little ones in your family have begged you to get a dog. Although you are a huge dog lover yourself, you wanted to wait until they were old enough to understand what it means to take care of a dog. Now, the time has finally come for you to start exploring your options and welcome a new best friend into your household. Whether you’re researching the best dog-friendly days out in your area, or you’re talking to your family about the responsibilities they need to take when the dog arrives, there are so many ways to get prepared.
- Research Local Vets and Facilities
Before you welcome a new dog into your family, it’s important to carry out a little bit of research into what types of facilities you have available to you. For example, you need to know that there is a reputable local veterinarian nearby who has the capacity to take on your new dog as a patient. Similarly, you may also want to look into Dog Grooming services near you, so that you know that your new pooch has a dedicated place to be pampered!
- Discover the Best Dog-Friendly Places to Visit
Taking your family and dog on a lovely day out is something you have to look forward to if you do decide that getting a dog is the right plan for you. Seeking out dog-friendly parks and hotspots will help you to feel prepared and it will always give you something to do on the weekends.
- Prepare Your Home and Create Space
Even if you’re welcoming the smallest puppy into your home, it’s important to get prepared and create some space for them. Clearing out a corner for their dog bed and making space in the cupboards for their dog food, treats and toys is the best way to get prepared and give them the welcome they deserve as they join your family. As a family, you can take a trip to the shops and buy your dog a new toy, so that everyone is involved in the process from the beginning.
- Talk to Your Children About Responsibility
Having a pet can teach your children about responsibility without a doubt. Before your new canine companion arrives, it’s important to discuss how to care for your new dog and what their new responsibilities might entail. Depending on the ages of your children, you may find that cleaning up dog poop, filling up their water bowl or taking them for a walk is the ideal task for them to help with. Before you go ahead and get a dog, it’s important that they realise what you expect from them so that it doesn’t become a shock to the system.
Hopefully, the ideas mentioned above will help your family to transition into a dog-friendly household. Getting a dog is a huge commitment, so the decision should never be taken lightly. Ultimately, you want to make sure that everyone in your family is ready for the change and get them involved in the process from the very beginning!
