So, you have decided to get a puppy, spent countless hours hunting down your canine BFF and have a million photos of them saved to your camera roll. Getting a dog is a joyous and momentous occasion. However, if you thought the preparation stage was hard, wait until your pup has moved in. That’s when the real fun and games begin. While people may have shared tips on topics such as dog insurance, socialisation and obedience training, there are some aspects of dog parenting that no one prepares you for. Here are the top 10 things we wish we were told as first time dog-mums.
1. Nights of crying
Your first night with your new furry friend is a milestone occasion that many first time dog mums dream about 1000 times. Yet, it may not be the peaceful, dreamy experience you envisioned. While you may be lucky and have your new dog curl up in your arms and sleep soundly by your side. Be prepared for potential midnight wake-up calls due to your puppy’s cries, which could stem from various reasons like separation anxiety or the adjustment to their new environment. Dogs may not be our biological babies but the wake up calls will make you feel like a newborn mum – night feeds included.
2. The real adaptation period
It is a well known fact that your pooch will need time to adjust to their new surroundings, especially if they have come from a stressful setting such as a rescue centre. While you may spend endless hours daydreaming about all the fun activities you plan to do with your dog once they form part of your family, let us tell you… The adaptation period is real. It’s essential to give your dog the time and space they need to acclimatise to their new surroundings. Your dog may be experiencing overwhelming fear or anxiety due to the sudden change in their living conditions. So don’t be upset when they don’t shower you with love or become your shadow. These things take time and with a good routine and lots of patience you will build an unbreakable bond with your canine BFF.
3. Be prepared to make social sacrifices
Our furry bundles of love are 100% dependent on us for survival. Dog ownership often requires prioritising your pet’s needs over social activities. Initially, your furry friend may demand a significant amount of your attention, especially if they are not yet house trained. You will quickly be swapping fancy restaurant lunches for picnics at the dog park and planning your calendar around their potty breaks. Not to mention the last minute cancellation of plans when the dog sitter bails or the dog suddenly gets sick. While you may feel like you are saying adios to your social life and others may feel that you choose your dog over them (which may not be a lie), however, the bonds formed with fellow dog parents can provide a supportive network during this transition. After all, only they know the rollercoaster of emotions you feel when your puppy pees on the rug for the 1000th time.
4. Finding your pawrent community
While some friendships may fall by the wayside, dog ownership opens the door to a new community of like-minded individuals at dog parks and pet-friendly events. Some may say that getting a dog will limit you or tie you down, yet we disagree. Just as dogs are sociable creatures, dog mums also move in wolf packs. Afterall, there will be plenty of like minded people who enjoy spending quality downtime with their dogs. Plus, to whom else can you show the 123456789876543456 photos of your dog that you have stored on your phone? Creating your own network of dog mum friends also allows you to vent your frustrations freely – because the struggle is real – especially when you are balancing family, work and a social life.
5. Cherish every moment
While the general consensus here at Pup Goes the Easel is that dogs are 100% perfect in every way. There is one negative that springs to mind. Dogs bring immeasurable joy into our lives, but their time with us is limited. Time flies by so fast! You may think that you will never leave the potty training phase, but it is just that, a phase. So, don’t be afraid to embrace every milestone and capture precious memories, as these moments become cherished memories in the future. Be that dog mum that throws a big birthday bash for their canine BFF, celebrate their graduation from obedience school, take that dog-friendly holiday you have always dreamed of. Life passes us by and our dogs won’t be around forever.
6. Overcoming dog mom guilt
When dog mum guilt comes knocking at your door, don’t let it in. Every dog is unique, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to dog parenting. Avoid comparing yourself to others and focus on what works best for you and your furry friend. Your dog’s happiness should always be the priority. Take time to listen to your dog and let them tell you what they want. From showing you which food they prefer to teaching you how they want to learn new tricks, our dogs are communicative beings, we just need to listen. So, next time your clicker training fails or your dog leaves a whole bowl of expensive kibble untouched, don’t get stressed. Move on – your dog will not stop loving you because you feed them kibble over raw food or you opt for walks around the block instead of the dog park. When it comes to being a dog mum – you do you!
7. Embracing healthy routines
There is nothing like a high-energy dog to whip you into shape. Dogs thrive on routine, providing structure and stability in their lives. Embracing a consistent schedule benefits both you and your pet, fostering a harmonious living environment. While a 7am dog walk on a warm summer’s morning sounds idyllic, in the deep darkness of the winter you may have other thoughts. Yet, let us tell you a secret – deep down, you will love your fresh and healthy routine as seeing your dog as happy as it can be is the best motivation to kick old, unhealthy habits to the curb.
8. Surrendering to a not-so-clean home
For many first time dog mums, this is the hardest change to get behind. Dog ownership often means accepting a certain level of messiness, from shedding fur to occasional accidents. While you could invest in a top quality vacuum cleaner and spend your life chasing fur balls around your home, you will soon realise that life is too short. Take the “what doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger approach” and prioritise quality time with your pet over obsessing about a spotless home.
9. Dealing with puppy farts
While dog hair on the sofa won’t kill you, puppy farts are a debatable subject. Don’t be fooled by their cute appearance, new puppies are stink bombs in disguise. Worst of all, they are also shameless. Whether at home, in a café or travelling in the car, in a puppy’s mind anywhere is an ideal place to pass wind. Don’t say we didn’t warn you about their “better out than in” motto. While it may be humorous at times, it’s essential to address any dietary concerns or health issues that may contribute to excessive gas. And, remember. It is just a phase.
10. Start saving now
While the idea may seem mundane, stashing away some extra cash can truly save the day when unexpected expenses arise. While most pet owners understand that caring for a furry friend comes with financial responsibilities, it’s often the unforeseen costs that catch us off guard. Whether it’s replacing a stranger’s torn trousers during a dog walk, unexpected visits to the vet for mysterious ailments that miraculously vanish upon arrival, or resorting to cooking up a storm to entice a picky eater, the expenses can quickly add up. Our beloved canine companions undoubtedly have us wrapped around their paws, and the price of their care is undeniable. Planning ahead and setting aside funds for emergencies can provide peace of mind in navigating the ups and downs of pet parenthood.