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If you’re getting a new dog, there are many services available to help prepare you for your new family member. This includes training, socialization and health care.
Research the breed ahead of time to determine temperament and common tendencies. Also, discuss your family lifestyle and household structure with your pet trainer to ensure that a new dog fits in best.
Training
Keeping dogs in homes and integrating them into the family promotes animal welfare, human safety and positive relationships. Moreover, research shows that children benefit most from having a dog in the home.
Training a family dog services requires a team effort. Having each member of the family do different things with the dog – exercise, feed, give water, train and play with – is critical for creating positive behaviors.
When training a dog, use a cue sheet that lists all skills and corresponding verbal and hand gestures. This will help family members be consistent with the dog and ensure that the dog receives the same information.
A well-balanced family dog is an asset to any home, and can be a joy for a lifetime. It takes time and repetition to create these behaviors, but a relationship-based training approach can get the results you desire.
Socialization
Whether you have an older dog or a new puppy, socialization is the process of exposing your pet to people, places and animals in a positive way. It’s critical for the growth of a healthy, happy dog and it can prevent behavior problems in the future.
Often, dogs who miss early socialization can become fearful or aggressive as adults. This can make them more likely to react to other dogs, people or unfamiliar situations and objects, such as the groomer, veterinarian’s office or fireworks.
Children from dog-owning families had lower conduct, peer and total problems than those who did not have a dog. Within dog-owning households, more frequent walking with the family dog and active play with the dog three or more times per week were associated with higher prosocial behaviors in young children (Table 1).
If you have a pup who is fearful or shy around people or other dogs, start socializing them as soon as possible. This can help them develop a sense of confidence in their own abilities and a positive view of the world.
Health Care
Veterinary care for pets can be costly. From MRIs to medication to bloodwork tests, these costs can add up quickly and can be challenging for pet owners on a tight budget.
Fortunately, pet medical insurance can help make it easier to get your dog or cat the care they need. These plans offer coverage as early as eight weeks and don’t have upper age limits, so you can protect your beloved furry friend no matter their life stage!
As with health insurance for humans, deductibles, copayments and premiums can vary by policy and company. Choosing a deductible that is low enough to meet your monthly budget is an important first step in comparing pet insurance plans.
Read More: perfect dogs
Maintenance
Family dog services typically include a range of ancillary services to keep your furry family member happy and healthy. These may include grooming, training and obedience, as well as health and wellness services from a top-notch veterinarian. You’ll also need to consider your pet’s diet and exercise needs to ensure optimal health, happiness and longevity. The best way to do this is to have a plan in place from the get-go. A little advance planning can save you time, money and stress down the road. Taking the time to make sure your pet is happy and healthy will pay off big in the long run. Our recommended services include a complimentary consultation to determine your specific needs. Your dog deserves the best care and you deserve the peace of mind that comes with knowing that your canine companion is safe and sound.
