It’s very easy to think that pet ownership is a simple process, and in some cases, it can be. Yet simply working on common sense, while very helpful, is not always the sole way forward. After all, you need a professional’s opinion on when the best time for a pet’s vaccination process is.
Learning how to vet your pet breeder can also help you avoid contributing to harmful practices. Unless you have experience with animals of this kind already, it’s not recommended that you bring home a rescue, because they take work, dedication, and the unlearning of bad behavioral habits to help them adapt to your new environment.
The question remains – what is it that defines a good pet owner, and how can you be one, especially for the first time? The fact you’re even considering this question shows you’re going to be a great pet owner. But enough with the pre-ample, let’s consider how to actualize that fact, and benefit thanks to your efforts:
Training & Discipline
It’s important to set your ground rules with your pet, as it’s important they see you as their owner. Of course, this is less effective with some animals like fish or rabbits etc, but it can sometimes work with cats (such as showing them where they’re not allowed to sleep, like your bed), and should work well with dogs. Investing in dog training can help you set their behavior, as can keeping consistent with how you direct their behaviors.
Good ownership is the balance between nurturing and setting boundaries, after all.
A Welcoming, Nurturing Environment
It’s always worthwhile to foster the most worthwhile and nurturing environment for your pet, and that can mean different things depending on their particular species. For instance, an excellent cat pen in your home can give them room to play and pretend hunt, while also keeping them safe in an area you can control them in.
Scratching posts and play areas can work wonders for this, helping them get out their natural aggression onto something benign. Of course, a beautiful rabbit hutch, a well-sized hamster run with a running wheel, and a comfortable doggy bed all count.
Give them space in your home, and space to be their natural selves. It will comfort your pet like nothing else.
Protecting Them From Themselves
Sometimes, pets can be more boisterous than even they realize. It’s why it’s good to act as the mediator of their behavior, be that training your little dog with a professional service, so that they feel exposed to other dogs and won’t freak out in the park, to ensuring your cat is kept in the house in a busy city while also giving them room to scratch, place and explore with scratching posts, climbing frames and more.
When we take on those caregiving duties, we need to make sure they’re not a danger to themselves either, and that in itself can help us learn more about how our pets function, and their fun little personalities.
With this advice, you’re sure to remain a great, active and attentive pet owner.
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