Getting a dog for the first time is incredibly exciting. Whether you’re totally new to dogs, you grew up with them as a child, or you’d previously spent a lot of time with friends’ or relatives’ dogs, having your own can be plenty of fun.
But it can be stressful, too. From sorting out vet visits to training to worrying over whether you’ve bought the best dog food, treats or toys, there’s so much to think about. And that’s without a puppy deciding to chew your shoes or an older rescue dog taking longer to adapt than you might have accounted for.
Indeed, a new survey from dog training app Hundeo has found that almost three-quarters (73%) of first-time dog parents feel overwhelmed, causing 68% to avoid dog training classes. Meanwhile, 41% struggle with basic commands. More than 1,000 dog parents took part in the survey, and they’re all users of the Hundeo app.
As Enrico Bachmann, founder of Hundeo, says, “Lack of proper training can lead to long-term issues – in the worst case, an overwhelmed owner may end up surrendering their dog to a shelter.”
If you’re struggling with being a dog parent, you’re definitely not alone – as the survey indicates – and there’s plenty of help and support out there. We have a comprehensive list of first-time dog owner tips, covering everything from vaccines to grooming to training, as well as a list of the most common mistakes new dog owners make.
It’s actually quite common to get the “puppy blues” when you get a new dog, simply because it’s a lot of work. It’s understandable that people can struggle to manage what is quite a big life change – to the extent that some people compare having a dog to having a human child.
No dog parent is going to get everything right, and even the most experienced among us will make a mistake every now and then. The most important thing to do is ensure you provide your dog with all the food, water, shelter, and love they need to be happy and healthy. You don’t need to be totally perfect 24 hours a day, seven days a week, but here’s how to be the best dog owner you can.
And, if training is something you’re struggling with, why not work with a professional for that expert guidance they can provide? Before you make any decisions, however, here’s how to spot dog trainer red flags.
Thinking of getting a dog? Find out what our writer wished she knew before getting one
