When you get a dog, that dog quickly becomes a family member, as we're sure you'll all agree. Every family decision revolves around your dog's inclusion and, if not their care. Regarding your time, love, and care, dogs can be just as demanding as children.

Because of this, if you are considering adding a pup to your family, you will require more than just a bed for them to sleep in if you decide to go through with the idea. If you're thinking about getting a dog, consider these essentials to ensure it lives a happy and comfortable life.

Infinite access to drinkable water

It's easy to forget how thirsty you are until it's too late. Take a moment to remember how far you were from a drink and how vital it is that you continue to drink plenty of water. When it comes to dogs, this is also true, as they can dehydrate just as quickly as we can.

Even if you're not home, ensure your dog has access to drinkable water and a full water bowl. For instance, it is now possible to purchase water fountains for dogs that give the dogs the ability to control the water fountain so that they can drink from it. Therefore, even if you are out and have let your pooch loose in the yard for a little while, they will be able to keep themselves hydrated and have a lower chance of becoming ill due to dehydration.

Insurance

Unfortunately, just like humans, dogs are susceptible to illness. As a result, it's important to ensure you've taken out a reliable dog insurance policy before you bring your pet to the vet. As a result, if your pet gets sick or injured, you can rest assured that you'll be able to get them back to their best.

You should also consider what breed of dog you’d like, as some are more susceptible to illness than others. Click this link to find out more about labs and what to expect. You can easily find information about other breeds online these days, so do your research.

Safety precautions

You'll have to ensure your dog's actions don't harm them like you would a child. We're confident that you're already familiar with safety measures like using leads to keep your pup from wandering into oncoming traffic or away from your side of the yard. But don't stop there.

Even if you are just driving around with your dog, you need to ensure they are secured in the vehicle with a dog car harness. This will ensure they are just as safe as you are while driving. It is not even worth considering the possibility that you might have to make an unexpected stop and that your dog might be in danger because they are not properly restrained.

Additionally, you should consider installing safety gates around your house to prevent your dog from getting into anything dangerous. Many dog owners install a gate on the kitchen door to prevent their dogs from getting into cleaning supplies or food that doesn't belong to them. Dog gates are also an option to keep your pets out of harm's way.

Time to play

Imagine how boring your life would be if you didn't have these moments of pleasure? You'd quickly become bored if you hadn't access to your favorite pastimes, whether reading a book in bed or jumping out of an airplane. Your dog is no exception. Dogs must have something to do to keep them occupied when they're not out for a walk with you, such as a toy. There is a wide selection of dog toys that can be purchased at any local pet store, but some owners opt to construct something for their pet in the backyard to get the maximum amount of exercise possible.

You shouldn't just let your dog run around and have fun by itself. Make it a point to spend some time each day fussing over them, playing games like catch or tug of war, and generally showing that you care about them. This will help you and your dog form a close relationship, and your dog will also be able to distinguish between play and seriousness.

Rules

Once again, dogs, like children, require rules. You frequently hear people complaining that their dog is misbehaving when, in reality, the behavior directly results from the discipline the dog has received (or not been given). It doesn't matter if you get your puppy at a young age or if you rescue a dog from a shelter; the most important thing is to establish ground rules as soon as possible so that they know how to behave in your home and around people.

Taking a dog obedience class might be a good option if you're having trouble disciplining a dog that came from a rescue shelter. Remember that dogs learn more from how you talk to them than from what you do, so make sure you practice a stern voice when you need it!

Safe haven

Dogs, like humans, have moments of fear. It doesn't matter if they're afraid of the postman or a terrible storm; they need somewhere to curl up and feel safe. Your house should, in and of itself, be a haven for your dog, but you might find that whenever they are frightened, they head straight to the same location every time. After you have established this, you should make it a point to ensure that it is always available to them so that they can feel protected at all times.

To top it all off, it's common for dogs to choose a cuddly toy or teddy bear. It's important to keep track of this so that your dog can return to it whenever they need it. Following these simple guidelines, you'll always have a contented, healthy dog.