Welcoming a new dog into your fold is exciting. But it can also be incredibly overwhelming to be a first-time dog owner. You probably have a million questions running through your mind. Such as, what training should you prioritise? What gear is essential, and what’s not? What should you prepare ahead of time?
It’s a lot to consider, so we’ve gathered advice from two trainers and a veterinarian to ease your concerns and point you in the right direction. We’ll hold your hand as you embark on this new journey as a first-time dog owner, covering what you should discuss ahead of time, mistakes to avoid, and tips to make the experience as smooth as possible. Consider this guide your roadmap to successful pup parenthood.
Are You Ready for a Dog?
Dogs require a considerable amount of time, energy, and resources—and you’re looking at a long-term commitment that typically lasts 10-15 years. Before you dive headfirst into dog parenthood, it’s important to carefully consider how a dog will fit into your life.
“Dogs are the best, but caring for one is a big commitment,” says Brett Reynolds, a Fear Free certified trainer and the director of dog care at The Dog Stop in the USA. “Prospective pet parents should honestly consider their lifestyle, travel plans, budget, and housing.”
If you’re still in the initial planning stages, here’s a rundown of some important factors to review ahead of time.
- Your living situation. If you rent or live in a leasehold property, ensure you know your pet-owning rights. Also, evaluate your home’s pet-friendliness. Do you have enough room for the breed you’re considering? Do you have access to a garden or outdoor space? Remember, too, that you may not always live in the same place.
- Your lifestyle. Do you want a running partner or a couch potato? Genetics predispose dogs to different behaviours and energy levels. Think about how much time you have and how that caters to the social and exercise needs of any breeds you’re considering.
- Financial readiness. “Prospective pet parents should not just consider the cost of acquiring a pet and all of their trappings (eg a bed, lead, dishes, etc) but also the expected and unexpected ongoing costs of having a pet in their life,” says Jennifer Sperry, DVM and veterinary advisor to Pets Plus Us Pet Insurance. This can include expenses like food, training, grooming, veterinary care (both preventative and emergency), pet insurance, doggie daycare, and boarding.
- Other household members. Dr Sperry says to consider anyone else you live with. “Will they welcome a pet? Will they help with pet care?” Don’t forget about your current pets—how do they usually interact with other animals?
- Your climate. Dogs differ in their tolerance for hot or cold weather. So, while the UK has a temperate climate, you’ll need to carefully consider any plans to relocate abroad. “Many short-haired dogs, like Italian Greyhounds, need lots of layers to survive cold winters, brachycephalic dogs may struggle if you live somewhere hot, and long-haired dogs may not love living in a desert,” points out Rachel Lane, certified behaviour consultant, dog trainer, and owner of Leash & Learn.
Jennifer Bakken via iStock
Best Dogs for First-Time Dog Owners
You may want to think twice if you have your heart set on a spirited Cattle Dog or striking Afghan Hound. While these are great dogs, they’re not always the best choice for first-time dog owners. Dr Sperry points out that working breeds like Border Collies and German Shepherds require additional training and an experienced handler to provide the stimulation and direction they need. And maintaining a long silky coat can feel like a full-time job!
New pet parents may fare better with lower-maintenance breeds who have an easy-going temperament, minimal grooming requirements, and a trainable attitude. Dr Sperry suggests breeds developed for companionship, such as Maltese, Pugs, and Golden Retrievers. “These breeds bond well with humans and are quite adaptable in homes.”
Other breeds well-suited for first-time dog guardians include:
- Labrador Retrievers
- Shih Tzus
- Bichon Frise
- Papillon
- Greyhounds
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
- Boston Terriers
Common Mistakes To Avoid as a First-Time Dog Owner
One of the biggest mistakes new owners make is failing to be proactive about training and socialisation from the start. “Don’t wait until your puppy is hiding between your legs or growling at other dogs to positively expose them to new things,” says Reynolds. “Don’t wait until you have established behaviour concerns before beginning to train good habits.”
Delaying training
Try to meet with trainers before you even bring your puppy home or shortly after. Involving trusted professionals from the beginning will set you and your puppy up for success and prevent negative habits from forming.
“A competent trainer can even see subtle signs of more serious behaviour problems and intervene early on,” says Lane. “This keeps everyone safer and happier.”
Not socialising early on
Along with proactive training, it pays to deliberately expose your puppy to new experiences, environments, and other animals early on. Some pet parents may wait until their puppy is fully vaccinated before socialising, but Dr Sperry emphasises that there are safe ways to go about this.
She suggests allowing puppies to interact with healthy, vaccinated dogs in controlled environments such as training or socialisation classes. “Just avoid high-traffic areas where dogs of unknown health status may be, such as public parks, until after vaccination is complete,” she says.
Being inconsistent
Another common mistake is failing to be consistent with rules and boundaries. Consistency helps dogs learn faster, says Lane. She suggests holding a family meeting to establish clear rules for your new dog, adding that sometimes you need to be more explicit than you think.
Take puppy biting, for example. Everyone in the household may agree that it’s not acceptable. And yet, there can still be confusion. One person might think that ‘a bite’ means the puppy’s teeth shouldn’t touch skin or clothes, while another family member might think this nipping is okay during play.
“This miscommunication between owners can create a lot of frustration and a lack of consistency that will delay any training goals,” Lane explains.
Helpful Tips for First-Time Dog Owners
To ease you in and calm any first-time dog-owner anxiety, our experts share some real-life advice.
- There will be a period of adjustment. When your dog first arrives, remember that acclimatising them to your life and routine will take time. Many dogs and puppies may be frightened or overwhelmed at first. Be patient, as different dogs will adjust on different timelines. Some will take a few days to feel comfortable, while others may take months.
- The ‘puppy blues’ are common and normal. As you encounter the challenges of life with a dog, you may feel overwhelmed, frustrated, anxious, or depressed. This is known as the puppy blues, and it’s a common experience for new dog owners. “You are not alone,” Lane assures new pet parents. “Ask for help if you need it—whatever type of help that may be.” Consider working with a trainer, hiring a dog walker, or signing up for doggie daycare.
- Quality time together fosters bonding. “Simple training sessions, lead walks, hikes in the woods, and playtime are all great ways to bond and help you discover who your dog is and what they enjoy,” says Reynolds. On the flip side, paying attention to signs of distress and responding promptly will help your dog feel ‘heard’ and build their trust in you.
- Include mental activities in their daily routine. Lane recommends using scent kits, puzzle toys, snuffle mats, and novel experiences to work on your pup’s problem-solving skills, expend energy, and encourage independent play.
- Remember that every dog is different. Like humans, dogs are individuals with unique personalities, and they all learn at different rates. “Avoid comparing your new dog to any other dog,” advises Lane. “Explore and appreciate what makes your dog unique.”
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Preparation for First-Time Dog Owners
With any new pup, being prepared is half the battle. Use this first-time dog owner checklist to get ahead of the game.
Find a good veterinarian
Your vet will manage your dog’s health and guide you on everything from choosing a good diet to troubleshooting behaviour problems. “Do your homework and consider how far the clinic is from your home and whether or not they have weekend, evening, or emergency hours,” says Reynolds. To find a good vet, check online reviews and ask friends for referrals.
Have sitters and boarding options lined up
As much as we’d love to spend every waking minute with our dogs, there will be times when you need to step away. Plus, taking a break from pup rearing is one of the best gifts you can give yourself as a first-time dog owner. Instead of scrambling last minute to find a sitter, identify suitable caretakers beforehand. It’s also helpful to identify an emergency contact who can help with pet care should something unexpected happen.
Consider pet insurance
Life is unexpected. And pet insurance can help you financially prepare for pet health emergencies. Dr Sperry recommends choosing the insurance plan that works best for your intended breed, budget, and anticipated health needs.
Dog-proof your home
As Lane puts it, prevention is always the best course of action. “Before your new dog accidentally gets themselves into trouble, clean your space and make sure all hazards are out of reach.”
To puppy proof your home or ensure it’s ready for a new dog:
- ensure electrical cords are inaccessible
- clear table tops
- keep items you don’t want chewed or slobbered on off the floor (shoes, laundry, etc)
- secure rubbish bins
- install baby gates
- check the security of any fence lines
It may also be helpful to set up a designated ‘dog space‘ with your pup’s crate, bed, and toys.
Discuss expectations with all household members
Before you bring home your new dog, it’s a good idea to have a family meeting to discuss expectations for sharing dog care responsibilities. Will one person be in charge of feeding the dog? Who will oversee toilet training? As mentioned above, this is also a good time to make sure everyone is on the same page regarding training and what behaviour is acceptable and unacceptable.
The following rules are worth discussing with all household members:
- Is the dog allowed on the couch?
- Is the dog allowed on the bed?
- Are there areas of the house that are off-limits to the dog?
- How will walks be scheduled?
- How will you respond to behaviours like begging, barking, or jumping?
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The First-Time Dog Owner Starter Kit
Your first visit to the pet store can be confusing. What does your new dog actually need? We asked our experts and compiled this list of the most important essentials to start with.
- Collar. A standard flat, nylon collar will work for most pets.
- Lead. For training purposes, most experts recommend a lead between 120 and 185 cm (four to six feet).
- Harness. A front-clip model can discourage pulling, and a back-clip harness works well for small dogs.
- Dog food. Your vet can help you choose a diet that’s age-appropriate and meets industry standards.
- Training treats. Small, squishy, and smelly treats are the ultimate motivators. A treat pouch can help keep your pockets clean.
- Appropriate chews. These provide mental enrichment, promote dental health, and alleviate stress.
- Food and water bowls. Speedy eaters may also benefit from a slow-feeder.
- Toys. Start with just a few. As you get to know your dog’s likes, you can add to their collection.
- A crate. If you plan to crate train.
- Playpen and gates. Create boundaries to keep puppies out of trouble.
- Grooming supplies. For bathing, brushing, and nail trimming.
- Poop bags. For dealing with your pup’s little surprises. Also consider pee pads if you’re potty training a puppy.
- Enzymatic stain remover. Pet messes are a fact of life. A pet-safe enzymatic cleaner is the way to go.
- A dog bed. This gives your dog a comfy place to decompress and recharge their batteries.
Living with a dog is one of life’s greatest joys—doubly so when you’re prepared. Enjoy these first days with your new family member and remember, have fun!
Further Reading
