A Comprehensive Guide for the First-Time Dog Owner

For many people, nothing feels better than having a dog around. As a new dog owner, you want to give your new dog the best that life has to offer. 

If you’re considering getting your first dog, this guide is for you. It will help you select the best dog breed for your lifestyle, prepare your household for your new pet, and ensure they adapt well to their new home. 

Why You Should Be Ready Before Bringing a New Dog Home 

Dog ownership is a long-term commitment that requires proper preparation. Therefore, it’s important to prepare well before taking the plunge. 

When you finally decide to get a dog, you need to learn as much as you can about the breed you’re considering and what you need to do to help your new pet adjust to their new environment. 

Understanding what dog ownership entails will prepare you physically and mentally for what's to come, so you and your pet can quickly transition to your new lifestyle together. 

Factors to Consider Before Buying or Adopting a Dog

To ensure getting a dog is the best option for you, here are some things you need to consider:

Can you afford a puppy? 

In addition to the price of a puppy, you need to consider other costs of dog ownership. The cost of feeding dogs ranges from $400 to $700 per year, but there are many other expenses associated with dog ownership. 

These include high quality dog food, healthy dog treats, dog supplements, dog toys, veterinary care (including vaccines and unexpected vet bills), and high-quality dog care supplies.

Investing in premier-quality dog supplies such as a comfortable dog bed, a dog crate, and durable leashes and collars can save you the trouble of buying new ones later. 

You also need to consider the cost of training classes, pet sitting, and dog walking services, as well as pet insurance and unexpected or miscellaneous expenses.

Do You Have Enough Time to Care for Your Dog?

From housetraining, obedience training, and socialisation, dogs require time and attention. They also require feeding, exercise, and grooming. If you don’t have the time to meet these needs, then getting a dog is not a good decision. 

Certain dog breeds also require hands-on care and supervision. The amount of time you have to care for your dog is an important factor to consider as a first-time dog owner. 

Amount of Space in Your Home: Do You Own or Rent?

Does your home or living condition allow you to own a dog without any problems? Will your neighbors complain about the presence of the dog? 

If you’re a tenant, are you familiar with your landlord’s dog ownership policy within the premises? If you are considering a large dog breed like the Bernese Mountain Dog or an energetic breed like the Akita, is your home spacious enough for your dog to move and play around?

Dog ownership also implies considering how it will affect your family and other people around you. Your children, family members, roommates, and spouse or partner should understand what dog ownership involves and what lifestyle changes need to be made to make the transition smooth for everyone. 

Selecting the Right Dog 

Once you know you're well prepared to become a dog owner, you can start looking for the right dog breed for you and your family. 

Choose the best dog breed for first-time dog owners.

The dog breed you choose will determine your experiences as a new dog owner. 

Here are the best breeds of dogs for novice dog owners, according to the AKC:  

• Boxer
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
• English Springer Spaniel
• Labrador Retriever
• Papillon
• Poodle
• Shih Tzu
• Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier
• Whippet

Consider your living situation and lifestyle

Your living situation and activity levels are key factors to consider when selecting a dog. If you are very active, it’s a good idea to get a high-enegy breed that can provide companionship when you're doing physical activities. 

On the contrary, if you enjoy staying at home or working at home most of the time, it’s recommended to choose a low-maintenance dog breed. 

Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds

The following dog breeds are considered to be low-maintenance because they are easy to care for and typically require minimal training, exercise, and/or grooming:

• Bullmastiff
• Brussels Griffon
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
• Chihuahua
• Dachshund
• French Bulldog
• Greyhound
• Mastiff
• Poodle
• West Highland Terrier

The Best Dog Breeds for Apartment Living

If you’re a tenant and don’t have enough space at home, here are the best dog breeds for apartment dwellers: 

• Basenji
• Boston Terrier
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
• Chihuahua
• English Bulldog
• Greyhound
• Mini Pinscher
• Pug
• Shih Tzu
• Yorkshire Terrier

You can read more about the 20+ best dog breeds for apartment living here. 

Dog Breeds for Families

The following gentle dog breeds are perfect for growing families with children: 

• Beagle
• Bull Terrier
• BulldogMutts
• Golden Retriever
• Irish Setter
• Labrador Retriever
• Poodle
• Newfoundland
• Vizsla

High-Energy Dogs For Active individuals and Active Families 

These breeds would make great workout companions: 

• American Staffordshire Terrier
• Border Collie
• Brittany
• Belgian Malinois
• Dalmatian
• Doberman Pinscher
• German Shorthaired Pointer
• Greyhound
• Redbone Coonhound
• Vizsla

Buying Vs Adopting: Should New Dog Owners Buy or Adopt?

Another factor to consider is whether to buy or adopt. 

Responsible dog ownership includes getting your puppy from a reputable source. 

If you're searching for a certain dog breed, reputable dog breeders and breed-specific shelters and rescues can be great sources. 

An animal shelter or rescue organization will probably have both puppies and full-grown dogs available for adoption. Just make sure to learn as much as you can about the breed to ensure it suits your lifestyle. 

Adopting an adult dog or young puppy has several benefits. Full grown dogs are probably already housebroken and might have undergone obedience training. Additionally, you can determine if a dog's temperament and personality traits are a good match for you and your family. 

Shelter owners or volunteers are excellent resources and aim to match the best dogs with suitable dog owners. They can help you choose the best dog for your lifestyle, depending on each dog's personality, temperament, and/or needs. 

Preparing Your Home for a New Dog

New Dog Owners’ Checklist 

Whether you decide to adopt or buy, you need to get new dog supplies before adding them to your family. 

Use the following checklist for the most recommended first-time dog owner supplies and necessities as a general guide to help keep your new canine friendly, happy and healthy. 

• Collar: get a personalized dog collar for your new pet.   
• ID tag  
• Leash 
• Harness 
• Dog crate  
• Dog bed: Get a high-quality dog bed to help keep your dog safe and comfortable while relaxing after their daily adventures. 
• High-quality dog food 
• Food and water bowls 
• Dog treats 
• Dog toys  
• Brush to help maintain your dogs coat in tiptop condition 
• Dog toothpaste and toothbrush (make sure to buy a dog-specific toothpaste, toothpaste for humans can be dangerous for dogs)
• Nail clippers  
• Doggie shampoo
• Deodorizing wipes for dogs 
• Flea and tick preventatives 
• Dog-safe shampoo 
• Dog gates or pet gates
• Cleaning supplies
• Poop scoop
• Poop bags  
• Dog first aid kit

Puppy-Proofing Your Home

Consider the following dog-proofing tips to make your new canine friend safe and comfortable in their new environment: 

Living rooms 

• Secure wires and cables. 
• Make sure air ducts and air vents are properly covered. 
• Clean the room after any art and craft activities. 
• Make sure toxic house plants are inaccessible. 

Bedrooms

• Keep medicines and cosmetics away from your dog's reach. 
• Make sure wires are inaccessible to prevent chewing hazards. 
• Keep laundry and shows in a safe place. 
• Kitchens and Bathrooms
• Place medications and chemicals on cabinets or high shelves. 
• Keep food away from your dog's reach. 
• Close toilet lids 

The Garage

• Place toxic chemicals and cleaners on high shelves or other high places. 
• Keep all sharp tools and objects away from your dog’s reach. 

Set Up a Dedicated Area for Your New Dog

Having a designated space in your home for your puppy will help keep them safe and comfortable. Follow these tips for selecting an dedicated area for your dog:

• Pick the right location; Choose a low-traffic area to avoid disturbing your dog while they are resting or taking a nap. 
• Choose a high-quality dog bed. Ensure the dog bed is comfortable depending on your dog’s size, shape, and sleeping patterns. 
• Put food bowls and water bowls to ensure your dog has access to their food and fresh water at all times. 
• Provide bones, chew toys, or interactive dog toys to help keep them mentally stimulated. 
• Keep the designated space clean. 

Training and Socializing Your Dog

Training and socialization will not only strengthen the bond between you and your puppy but also transform them into a well-behaved companion. 

From basic obedience training to advanced training, a properly trained dog will listen to you, follow commands, and behave well in different situations. 

Additionally, training can prevent harmful behaviors such as running away, aggression, and destructive behavior. Training your dog not only ensures their safety, but also saves you stress and trouble in the future. 

Obedience Training

Obedience training teaches your puppy or adult dog to listen to you and obey instructions. It helps establish you as the pack leader, allowing you to prevent behavioral issues and keep your pup under control.  

For effective obedience training, we recommend hiring a professional dog trainer. Familiarize yourself with the potential dog trainer's techniques first before hiring their services. 

Socialization with Different People, Other Dogs, and Animals

Socialization is an integral part of a puppy’s development. Start socializing your dog with new people, and other animals when they are still young puppies. 

Puppy socialization should ideally start at 3 to 12 weeks old. This includes introducing your puppy to new people, stimuli, and environments to teach them how to interact accordingly. 

To properly socialize your puppy, take them to nearby cafes, dog parks, and other places where they can interact with different people and make friends with other dogs. Just make sure to supervise them as they socialize with strangers and unfamiliar dogs.

Dealing with Behavior Problems

Behavioral issues such as chewing, barking, biting, and agression may be a result of underlying issues like boredom, anxiety, and pent-up energy. A professional dog trainer can help you determine the root cause of behavioral issues and address them before they get out of hand. 

Exercise and Feeding 

Exercise Needs for Various Dog Breeds 

For most dogs, daily walks are an important part of their routine. Roaming, sniffing, and exploring around helps to keep them mentally and physically healthy.  

Exercise also helps to reduce common behavioral problems such as digging, chewing, and barking, which are often caused by stress, anxiety, and boredom. It also helps establish trust and strengthen the relationship between you and your dog. 

Selecting the Right Dog Food

Once puppies reach four weeks old, they can start consuming commercial dog food that is ideal for their age. Their regular diet should include at least 25 to 30 percent protein. Avoid feeding your dog too many treats as this can lead to obesity and health problems later on.  

Dogs are carnivores in nature, and therefore, meat should form the majority of their regular diet. High quality ingredients containing grains, fruits, and vegetables can also be incorporated into their diet. 

Foods that are toxic to dogs

Many human foods are dangerous to dogs. Avoid the following foods because they are harmful to dogs: 

• Alcohol
• Avocado
• Bones
• Caffeine
• Chocolate
• Citrus
• Chives
• Coffee
• Eggs
• Garlic
• Grapes
• Raisins
• Milk and dairy
• Nuts
• Onions
• Raw meat
• Salty snacks
• Xylitol
• Yeast dough

Each dog is unique and may have different nutritional needs. Ask your vet for the best diet for your dog. 

Establishing a Feeding Schedule

Unlike us humans, dogs do not get to choose the food we give to them. Instead, they eat whatever we give them. Since what they consume impacts their health, it's important to choose high quality dog food for your dog and establish a proper feeding schedule. 

Here are some tips for developing a proper feeding routine for your dog: 

• Feed puppies at least three times per day.
• Feed adult dogs two to three times per day. 
• Feed your dog in a single place. 
• Avoid feeding your dog where you cook or prepare the food. 
• Feed your dog a given amount all the time.
• Consider giving treats in moderation. 

Health & Wellness

Hygiene and Grooming  

Dogs require bathing at least once every 6 to 8 weeks, but this figure varies based on where you live and your dog's circumstances. 

Brushing should be done frequently, especially if your dog sheds a lot or has long hair. Consider taking your dog to a professional dog groomer if they have long hair. Establish a consistent grooming schedule to help you dog get used to it. 

Regular Vet Check-ups 

Keep up with vet visits to ensure your dog remains healthy. Generally, a comprehesive physical checkup needs to be performed at least once a year. 

Choosing a vet before bringing your puppy home can help you keep up with vaccinations and to manage any surprises, especially if your pup becomes ill. 

If you are adopting a dog from a shelter or rescue, you may want to take them to a vet as soon as possible.  

Common Health Issues to Watch Out For

• Dental diseases
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Hip dysplasia
• Skin infections
• Ringworms
• Eye problems 
• Ear infections
• Cancer

Conclusion

As a first time dog owner, you may have to make a lot of sacrifices, including adjusting your schedule and priorities. 

With the proper resources and guides, you can welcome your puppy into your home and build a strong bond with them in no time.