5 Ways Your Life Will Change After Getting A Dog

Are you looking to get a dog? Not sure how it’s going to change your life? Getting any form of new pet, especially a dog, can create brand new changes in areas of your life where you may not even realize. Although some might find these changes challenging at times, they are well worth it in the end. The following is a guide on the 5 ways your life will change after getting a dog.

New Changes You May Not See Coming At First

One of the first things a dog will change in your life is the amount of responsibility you already have. Dogs require a lot of attention including walking, feeding, washing, and training. All these things take extra time out of your day-to-day routine. However, you can take your newfound responsibility and turn it into some very memorable moments in your daily life by.

Walking

When walking, make sure you set some time aside to play with your pet. This can be by running with them, throwing a Frisbee, throwing a ball, or just gentle wrestle play.

Relaxing

When relaxing with your pet take a moment to sit with them and pat them while watching TV. Your pet will love the pat and you’ll remember these quiet moments for the rest of your life.

Washing

When washing your dog, don’t think of it as a chore. Have fun while doing it by giving them a back massage. You could also make them extra soapy, if their enjoying the bath, and create different hair designs. Why not take photos of your pet’s new soapy hair design and place it on social media for everyone to see.

Training

Use the training time to connect with your pet while showing them how to complete new tasks. Your pet will be highly focused during any training session, and you will feel a connection with your pet when they complete a command.

New Expenses

Just like any pet in life, your pet will bring new expenses into your budget. Some expenses include dog food, vaccines, flea treatments, and dog toys. While these expenses may seem a little daunting, it isn’t all that bad. Out of all these items above, your dog will only need dog food on a weekly basis, the others, apart from dog toys, are only necessary at certain parts of the year. To help budget for these additional expenses you can:

• Set aside a pet fund and place a set amount of money in it each week or month for ongoing pet expenses.
• For vet expenses, look into pet insurance options and compare what companies have to offer. Pet insurance can be lifesaving if your pet has an accident and requires veterinary care.

Both of these options give you more control over the additional expenses that will come with owning a pet dog. However, by saving a little bit of money each month you will save hundreds of dollars down the track. This is a positive step for your budget and your pet care.

Destroyed Furniture

In some cases, a new dog will have the instinct to play and destroy furniture in the process. When not managed correctly, this can be expensive, however, you can train your pet not to chew on the furniture by:

• Giving them something old to chew on in place of the furniture as sometimes their teeth may be worrying them.
• Give them regular outdoor access and exercise as boredom can be a trigger for destructive behavior.
• Keep an eye on them while you’re at home and discipline them when needed.

You need to remember that not all dogs will destroy your furniture and rugs. Generally, boredom is a source of destruction along with sore teeth. By taking the opportunity to take your pet for a walk outdoors or by playing with them, you can combat any bad behavior by reinforcing good behavior. You also have fun and create new memories with your pet along the way.

Food Thief

From time to time, if you leave your food unattended, you’ll find that a food thief will steal your breakfast, lunch or dinner. In owning a dog, if they aren’t trained to, you will have to monitor your food more carefully when leaving them alone on the lounge, floor, or even on a table where chairs are. To turn this into a positive experience you can:

• Train them not to take your food using specific commands.
• Feed your pet when you eat so they’re occupied during main meals.
• Create extra and place it on your plate to share with your pet so they don’t feel left out.

Instead of feeling frustrated, try to think of the funny side. If you want to catch them in the act, why not set up a camera or recorder. You could even post your food thief’s daily endeavors on social media.

A Constant Friend

When owning a new dog, you’ll find it’ll be quite enthusiastic for your company. You may find it will follow you wherever you go including to the toilet, bed, bathroom, or outside. In some cases, you may feel overwhelmed by this new attention, however, one thing to remember is:

• You’ll never be lonely again, especially on cold, dark nights.
• You’ll always have someone to talk to about your troubles without having someone talking back to you.
• You have a lifelong relationship that will last for many years to come. It may even last longer than some of your human relationships.

Having a pet dog will change your life in more ways than you may think. By turning their ‘frustrations’ into positive experiences you can really enjoy the true joy of having a pet to call your own. A dog is truly a best friend when you need them most, so make sure you take every moment and cherish it while you still can. So what type of dog are you going to get? What sort of fun are you going to have with them?

Author Bio:

Born in Mexico, a country of vivid beauty and colorful people, Cecilia Casillas brings the passion of her country of birth into her current artistic work with pets. Cecilia has painted since childhood and studied with Mexican painter Paul Achar and Chilean painter Carlos Arias.

In 2014, she came to Melbourne to continue refining her artistic skills, and finishing her bachelor’s degree. Founding Colour Pet Studio in 2014 has allowed her to share her pet painting skills with people from all over the world. She now brings pet owners joy through her painting.

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