Do's & Don'ts For First Time Dog Owners

Top 3 Things to Consider Before Adopting a Dog

Dogs as man’s best friend can also hold the title of loving, life-long companion, exercise partner and even nanny of your kids. Yet, owning a dog means a lot of hard work and effort for you, something you may not be ready for. In addition to time, your new English Golden Retriever will need proper training and care! Adopting a puppy is a difficult decision to make. Are you ready for it?

Set On Adopting A Red Labradoodle? Keep This in Mind

You shouldn’t take this decision lightly as adopting a dog or any animal for that matter is a big responsibility.

Is your family ready for this new addition? Can you handle the financial costs of adopting a dog? Carefully weigh each factor mentioned below when making this very important decision.

Can I Care For The Dog In The Proper Manner?

You’ll have to pay the adoption fee if you adopted a pooch from an animal rescue center or shelter. The age and breed of the dog will define what the adoption fee is going to be, i.e. puppies and pure breed dogs demand a higher fee. You’ll most likely face hefty costs even when adopting a dog for free (from owner surrenders), such as necessary and routine veterinary care, food, the dog’s license, grooming supplies, toys, identification tags, a dog collar and leash.

What Is My Level Of Acceptance For Doggie Mess?

Even the cleanest dogs will likely make a mess, especially when they first arrive to their new home. Keep in mind that your little pooch will be nervous and insecure during the first weeks. Therefore, accidents are bound to occur adopt a labradoodle.

The Age Of Children In the Household (If Any)

How well the new canine will adapt to this new life depends on age of children at the time. Dogs can be a great companion to young children. In fact, studies have shown that children with pets tend to be more confident and have a high self esteem than kids who don’t. It also instills a sense of responsibility if you have older kids. They now have to care for someone other than just themselves. Being responsible for another living thing can be a beautiful life lesson.     

Unless your kids are low-key and sensitive little individuals who realize that animals also demand our respect, adopting a medium to large sized Red Labradoodle is the best decision you could make.

Dog Diet: Dos and Don’ts

Just like humans, our pets need a balanced diet to grow and develop. Important for their cell maintenance and overall health, a balanced diet will take into account any special needs or deficiencies that your new pup may have. While your vet or dog trainer will instruct you regarding the special needs and nutrients your new and little fur-ball requires, there are some standards you must keep in mind first.

Proper Dog Nutrition - Categorized By Age, Size and Breed

A Red Labradoodle won’t have the same appetite or dietary requirements as a young English Golden Retriever. Each breed of dog will have its own dietary requirements, suggested number of feedings/per etc. While these recommendations can be customized very easily according to the dog’s breed, age and size, help can be taken with general guidelines on the matter.

Following are some helpful dos and don’ts that new dog owners can rely on;  

What to Do

Young puppies need protein to grow and develop but feeding the right diet doesn’t mean lots of protein! The best dog food brand will contain the nutrients necessary for your young pup’s healthy growth and development. Remember: human food or any other pet food won’t contain the right amount of nutrients.

ü  Read dog food labels very carefully.

ü  Make sure to refer to the feeding guide.

ü  Keep fresh and clean water available for your dog. In the case of dry food, extra water must be given.

ü  Provide a separate bowl for food and water for your dog. Don’t forget to wash up each article!

ü  Dogs (just like other animals) like to eat in a peaceful and quiet place. Leave them alone when eating. 

What Not to Do

The following don’ts should be strictly adhered;

You may be inclined to feed your dog lots of treats on their good behavior or plain begging. This will throw their normal servings at mealtimes out of balance which means your dog will be missing out on daily essential nutrients.

Human food is fattening to dogs and therefore must NOT be given.

Feeding your dog chocolates is also a big no as it can make them very ill. If you must, feed them specially formulated ‘chocolate’ dog treats.

Dog food is dense, nutrition wise. Therefore don’t overfill the bowl.   

It’s better to follow the guidance and instructions of your dog’s veterinarian, especially in regards to nutrition, healthy growth and development of the new pooch.

April’s Poodles & Doodles, a puppy adoption center starts Innova on puppies as young as 6 weeks old. You can get in touch with them or even adopt a new Red Labradooldle today!