How to Choose a Small Dog and Prepare Your Home.

How to Choose a Small Dog and Prepare Your Home.

Owning a pet is a great responsibility, but one that offers numerous rewards. And yet, there is much you need to decide and prepare for before adopting a new furry friend. Consider the following before picking a pet to better decide what breed makes the most sense for you.

Choosing a Small Dog

Perhaps you love big dogs, but if you live in a tiny apartment, adopting a malamute may not be fair to the dog. For small spaces, many small dogs are the best bet. How often do you like to exercise? If you want to relax when you get home, maybe a cat or other less hands-on animal is the best bet. However, if you want to take your new buddy out frequently, for walks or just playing in the park, a little dog is a good option. Be sure to research breeds to find one that suits your lifestyle. For example, some small breeds don’t do well when left home alone all day, while others are fine with it. Don’t choose a dog based purely on looks.  

If you’re determined to get a dog, and you’re a first-time dog owner, regardless of home size and yard space, a small breed may be the best way to go. They are easier and less intimidating as a starter pet. If you haven’t trained a pet before, it may be a good idea to adopt an adult. It takes time and persistence to potty train a puppy. Also consider visiting your potential pet before purchasing, as you never know if allergies will assert themselves up close and personal with an animal.

Prepare Your Home

It takes more than buying the proper pet gear to prepare your home. Of course, that is important, too. Remove all plants that could make your pet sick, or that you simply don’t want to be ruined. Tie any cords together, and try to tape them down to the floor or baseboards. Get tags made, so you can put them on your friend immediately.

Use baby gates to section off parts of your home you don’t want your new friend to get into. Keep in mind that small dogs can fit into small spaces, so if you use a baby gate, make sure your pet can’t slip through. An animal in a new environment, even an adult, may be scared and have an accident. By removing the waste, including the smell from anycarpet you have, you can help them learn where they can go. If they smell waste, especially urine, they will associate that area with doing business. Invest in good cleaning supplies designed to eliminate urine odors.

One home remedy you can try to get rid of odors is apple cider vinegar mixed with laundry detergent. Dab the mixture on the carpet and then sprinkle a little baking soda on top to speed up drying time.

Acclimate Your Doggy

When you first bring your little dog home, it is a good idea to let them explore, but keep him or her on a leash, especially if you have other pets in the home, like a cat. Coming into a new home can make any dog nervous, so be patient and calm with your new pup.  

If you’ve adopted a pet, make sure you know what your new furry pal likes to eat. Keeping a schedule and habits can help your pet acclimate, as animals thrive on stability and routine. To really help bonding with your new pet, spend as much time as you can for first few days. Let your dog or cat come to you if they want to cuddle, but don’t be afraid of picking up your small dog to comfort him.

Obedience training and playtime can help cement a bond between you and your pet. Grooming is another way to build trust and reassure them with physical touch.

An incredible amount of work goes into owning a pet. With patience and the right tools, you and your new pet can be on the way to a long, happy life together.

This guest post was written by Jessica Brody.