It’s an exciting moment when you decide to own your very first family dog! With enough preparation and commitment your new pup will be the perfect addition to the family.

Make no mistake about it; however, it’s going to take patience and determination to ensure that it goes smoothly.  Although dogs bring enormous amounts of love and joy into your home, they can also be very destructive and even be a danger to others if not trained properly.

If your family is about to bring a dog into the picture, take a look at some of these tips to make the transition go smoothly.

Consider Adopting Not Shopping

Even though most people associate a new dog with a puppy, you should consider adopting a dog who has been abandoned and needs a new family.  Not only are you giving a dog a second chance at life, but you’re also saving yourself some money, less time training, and helping to put an end to the vicious cycle of puppy mills.

You can find dogs to adopt all over the internet, as well as at your local animal shelter.  Try to be realistic about the size, breed, and temperament before making a commitment. Otherwise, the dog may have to be adopted yet again if it doesn’t work out with your family.

Get All Of Your Necessities

It’s vital that your dog has everything that they need to feel comfortable and acclimated.  You’ll need the basics like a food and water bowl, a leash, dog bed, and crate to get started with.

It’s ideal to get everything ready before you bring your dog home.  That way, they’ve got everything that they need once they walk in the door. As a result, their transition will be much smoother.

Find a Good Vet

Animals are frequently getting hurt or ill, so it’s important to know that you’ve got a good vet on your side.  Since it’s ideal to have one close, be sure to do a little research to get an idea of any vets in your area.

If there don’t appear to be any in the immediate neighborhood, you can reach out to friends and family and see if there’s one that they recommend to go to.

Get Started On Training

Whether your dog is a puppy or full grown, it’s important to stay consistent with training.  Giving your dog a proper education ensures that they’ll be happier and calmer in the presence of others.

Just make sure that once you create a rule that you stick to it, otherwise your new dog won’t believe that you mean business. They’ll likely take advantage and push the limits if you don’t put an end t it in the early stages.