• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
DogsBestLife.com logo

Dog's Best Life

The information you need to keep your dog happy, healthy, playful and loyal.

  • Top Stories
  • Blog
  • What We Do
  • About Us
  • Contact Us

Essential tips for first-time dog owners 

Posted February 18, 2021

Collection of puppies includes bulldog, Bernese Mountain Dog, German Shepherd, Australian Shepherd, and St. Bernard. Tips for first-time dog owners include stocking up on the products that you absolutely need for a new dog. 
Tips for first-time dog owners include stocking up on the products that you absolutely need for a new dog.

If you have decided to enrich your life by adopting a four-legged furry friend, you are certainly not alone. The adoption of dogs has skyrocketed to record highs in the past year, as people look for companionship and love during these long stretches at home. If you are a first-time dog owner, you may have a lot of questions.

You are probably asking “what do I need for a new dog?” and “what do I need to know before getting a dog?” Owning a dog is an undertaking that requires effort, responsibility, and care. However, properly caring for a dog is not as difficult as you may think. Read on to find out the essential tips for first-time dog owners.

Stock up on essential gear 

There are plenty of products for new dog owners that are absolutely essential, and some that are less so. Let’s stick with the products that you absolutely do need for a new dog. 

  • Dog food: Always make sure that you buy dog food that is suitable for the breed, age, and health needs of your dog. 
  • Leashes and harnesses: Dogs need lots of walks, so make sure to get a leash or harness that is comfortable, flexible, and easy to attach. 
  • Toilet training equipment: You may need to house train your puppy, which means getting training pads and lots of newspaper. To cover up the smell and health hazards from the inevitable indoor accidents, make sure to invest in industrial pet odor remover. 
  • Bowls: Your dog needs to eat and drink, so pick up some bowls that are easy for your dog to eat and drink from whenever they need to. Stainless steel bowls are really common because they’re durable and easy to keep clean.
  • Safety gear: You may need to take extra steps to keep your furry friend safe and comfortable, which means getting warm dog jackets, indoor safety gates, and pet-proof door stops. 
  • Toys and treats: Your puppy needs treats! Make sure to pick up some chew toys and plenty of treats to reward their good behavior. 

Secure your dog’s healthcare needs

Happy beagle puppy. Getting a new dog means that you are now responsible for the health, safety, and wellbeing of your pet.
Getting a new dog means that you are now responsible for the health, safety, and wellbeing of your pet.

When it comes to tips for first-time dog owners, healthcare is the most important consideration. Getting a new dog means that you are now responsible for the health, safety, and wellbeing of your pet. First, you will need to book your dog’s immunizations and vaccinations if they do not already have them.

This can easily cost several hundred dollars, but you can keep costs down by investing in pet insurance to cover the cost of vet bills. You may also wish to sterilize your pets, which will usually result in out-of-pocket costs regardless of your insurance.

Make sure to find yourself a local vet that you trust and can rely on. Unfortunately, almost every dog will encounter an injury or health problem at some point in its life. If and when this does happen, you want a vet that you can turn to treat your four-legged best friend. 

More tips for first-time dog owners 

If you are looking for more tips for first-time dog owners, you have come to the right place. We offer expert puppy training tips, dog care guidance, and product reviews to ensure that you can offer your dog the best start to its new life possible. For any puppy questions you might have, we can provide the answers. 

Puppy training 101: 10 tips to prepare your dog for success

 

Related Posts

  • 3 tips for first-time puppy owners

    It can be confusing for first-time puppy owners to know…

  • Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
    The 6 best dog breeds for first-time puppy parents

    Before becoming a first-time puppy parent consider the breed before…

  • Siberian Husky puppy plays the touch bonding game with owner.
    4 bonding games you should play with your puppy every day

    Use puppy bonding games to strengthen key skills that every…

  • French bulldog puppy eats from aqua food bowl. Do research to ensure you are feeding your puppy not only the best food but also the right amount.
    7 helpful tips for proper care and feeding your puppy

    Feeding your puppy: Knowing when and how much to feed…

Share this post:

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Pinterest Share on Email Share on Reddit

Filed Under: Puppies Tagged With: Pet parents

« Previous Post
Next Post »

Primary Sidebar

Follow Us

Categories

  • Adoption
  • Dog Breeds
  • Dog Facts
  • Dog Fun
  • Dog Grooming
  • Dog Health
  • Dog Inspirations
  • Dog Training
  • Dog Travel
  • Holidays
  • Home Page
  • Puppies
  • Top Stories

Featured Posts

  • Tricolor Australian shepherd in front of white background. Take steps to stop dog pawing.

    Canine body language: What’s your dog saying with his paws?

  • Cute corgi puppy wrapped in a blanket. Talk with your vet about starting your dog on medication to protect him from parasites including flea and tick prevention, as well as heartworm prevention.

    Puppy training 101: 10 tips to prepare your dog for success

  • Thinking of getting a furry friend? Use the DogsBestLife.com perfect dog breed quiz to find the perfect canine companion.

    Take our dog breed quiz to discover the perfect breed for you!

Tags

Rescue dogtraining tipsSheddingSmall dogsThanksgivingPuppy kindergartenPawPandemicOutdoor activitiesPet parentsSocializationValentine's DaySeparation anxietyPetfinder.comPomeranianOld dogsPit bullTicksRottweilerWorking dogsVeterinarianWaterPuppy-proofPet sitterYorkshire terrierPoodleService dogsVacation dog carePotty trainingTwo dogs

Footer

Quick Links

  • Home
  • Top Stories
  • Blog
  • What We Do
  • About Us
  • Contact Us

Recent Posts

  • 5 benefits of canine massage therapy
    Canine massage therapy helps keep your pup happy, healthy, and relaxed. It can improve digestion, reduce anxiety, and more. […]
  • Sleeping with your dog? Strengthen your bond with cuddle time
    Sleeping with your dog provides comfort, but it's important to consider the potential risks and benefits. Explore both sides of the debate. […]
  • Does my dog show love? Understand 12 signs of affection from dogs
    But how do dogs show their love? Let's take a closer look at some of the most common signs of affection from dogs. […]
  • Is a smart, loyal, hard-working wolf dog your dream dog?
    Wolf-dog breeds like Siberian Huskies and Alaskan Malamutes are loyal, smart companions that make ideal family dogs. […]

Get Our Newsletter

Get more news to help keep your dog healthy delivered right to your inbox. Sign up for DogsBestLife.com's monthly newsletter.

© Copyright 2023 DogsBestLife.com online magazine · All Rights Reserved · Privacy
Get Our Free Monthly Newsletter

Get more news to help keep your dog healthy delivered right to your inbox. Sign up for DogsBestLife.com's monthly newsletter.