Tips for New Pet Owners

When it comes to introducing a new pet to the family, not everyone knows the correct questions to ask. From potty training to introducing multiple family pets, knowing how to prepare for and train your new pet can be quite a challenge.

To alleviate new pet owners from stress and promote responsible pet ownership, Heidi Ganahl, CEO and Founder of Camp Bow Wow, North America’s largest and fastest growing pet care franchise and INC 5000 company, has provided helpful tips to help answer the questions every pet owner should be asking.

Introduce family pets in neutral territory – If you have other dogs in your family, you want to ensure you allow them to meet on neutral territory first. Bring them to a local park or somewhere away from your home and let them greet each other. Just do short little greetings that give them a positive experience.

Get your dog used to a crate if they haven’t already – A crate is not only a safe place for a dog, but it also ensures that you have a place to put them when you have to leave the home. Most dogs love crates because it is a quiet, private space that is all their own, and it keeps them from getting in trouble while you are at work or out of the home.

Potty training takes time, even for those already trained – Although you may have adopted a dog that they say is potty trained, they are not potty trained in your house. They may have a few accidents, but this is nothing to worry about. If you get your dog on a regular schedule and watch them carefully, any accidents they may have will go away in no time.

Give your dog time to get used to their new environment – Dogs can be stressed coming to a new home, so the first couple of weeks they may act shy or not as active. Give the dog some time to settle into their new routine. Don’t force them to play if they don’t want to, and just give them some good “down time” to relax and get adjusted. Patience is key!

Be patient and reasonable – We all want that perfect dog that walks into our home. The one that is potty trained, doesn’t jump on people and that acts like a total gem. When you bring a new dog in the house, remember that their whole world is changing. It will take them a little bit of time to settle in and with lots of love and patience you will have a furry forever friend!