Challenges of Owning a Dog

Socialization

There is a long list of things you need to tackle to help turn your pup into a great companion and this includes socialization. Socialization is helping your pup interact properly with people, animals, and other dogs at different situations and circumstances. 

Socialization does not happen overnight. It can take years (even a lifetime) of work to develop a well-socialized dog. With this, your dog will be able to adjust appropriately with whom they are interacting with, respond well to social cues, will not get into fights, and will have good manners. 

Introducing your dog to new people, animals, and other dogs in different situations will help build their confidence. It will also help reduce any chances of them developing aggressive behaviors. Socialization is one of the first steps to take if you want to turn your dog into a great companion. 

As stated by Pet Web MD, socialization is important for helping your dog turn into a happy, fun, and safe companion. Most people find it easier and more enjoyable to live with a dog who's relaxed and calm with strangers, gets along well with other pets, and adapts easily to new situations and experiences. 

Vaccines and bills

Owning a dog can be costly. Vaccines are required as early as six weeks from birth to protect your dog from diseases like parvovirus, distemper, rabies, etc. You also have to deworm your dog to prevent or get rid of internal parasites. There can also be additional expenses and bills if ever your dog gets sick, needs surgery, or faces other medical issues. Not mentioning all the things you need to purchase-bowls, dog food, crate, toys, chews, supplements-you name it! Vet bills can be a huge financial burden if you are not prepared for them.

Destruction and havoc

Dogs are fun-loving, energetic animals but sometimes too much fun creates havoc and destruction of furniture, clothing, household items, etc. Even adult dogs (not just puppies) love to gnaw, scratch, bite, and sometimes break house rules - and this is where you have to expand your patience and think of effective ways to manage these behaviors.

Dogs creating havoc and destruction are mostly dogs that lack mental stimulation. Mental stimulation for dogs is extremely important. It is an essential strategy to help burn your dog’s excess energy. Dogs who are under-stimulated are often the ones that exhibit unwanted, negative behaviors like excessive chewing, aggressiveness, excessive barking, and many more. 

To help mentally stimulate your furbaby, offer them chews like Gnawtlers®. Yes, chewing keeps your dog’s mind well-stimulated. We know that you are anxious about your furbaby having to chew the legs of your furniture, or the pair of shoes you just bought at home, but you can always dog-proof your house and provide only premium chews, like Gnawtlers® that are jam-packed with nutrients and do not splinter or break easily. 

Peeing and pooping

In owning a dog, you will likely have to deal with some accidents in the most inappropriate places in your house. A new dog at home requires potty training and housebreaking and this will take time.

In the meantime, while you are both working on it, you can have your furbaby wear Pet Parents® washable diapers for dogs and washable belly bands for dogs that were designed to prevent accidents from turning into messes. These diapers and belly bands are made with a fur-safe adjustable hook & loop system, sewn-in multi-layer super-absorbent pads, innovative leakproof & waterproof exterior shells, and tight-fit leakproof elastic edges that provide a snug leak-proof fit.

The diapers are also specifically manufactured to keep pee and poop inside, preventing any leakage and messy cleanups!

Fears and anxiety

Another challenge of being a pet parent and owning a dog is dealing with your dog's anxieties and fears. Every dog has their own phobias & triggers and it is very important that you find out what these to be able to respond to them properly and help their live their best life.  

According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, dog anxiety can have a variety of causes. Some of the most common causes of dog anxiety are: 

• Fear
• Separation 
• Aging

Maybe your furbaby is triggered by loud noises? Stray animals? Visitors at home? There are a lot of possible triggers. Observe your dog and help them get through these trying times. 

Nutrition

Nutrition can also be a very challenging factor in owning a dog. There is a lot of dog food on the market available and most claim to be top brands, it can be overwhelming. Finding a high-quality dog food that fits your furbaby's nutritional needs can be hard work. You also have to consider your dog's age, breed, size, health condition.  

Nutrition is a critical component in dog wellness and behavior, and what you choose to feed your dog is not a decision that should be taken lightly, as stated by Dogster.