3 Tips for Every First-Time Dog Owner

Welcoming a new dog into your home for the first time can be an incredibly exciting and rewarding experience. You get to enjoy all the fun of having a canine companion by your side and get to make memories with your new furry friend that will last a lifetime. However, if you haven’t owned a dog before, you also need to be aware of the great responsibilities that come with making a pup a part of your life. Luckily, we’ve got a list of all the most important things that you’ll want to keep in mind when preparing for your new dog’s arrival. From making sure that your home is prepped for your pup to finding the right dog leash and bowl set, here are some tips that every dog owner needs to know.

Make Sure Your Home is Ready for a Dog

The first thing you’ll need to do before you bring your dog home is to make sure that your home is ready for a dog. If you live in a house, you’ll want to consider what area you’ll set aside for your dog to sleep and play. If you live in an apartment, you’ll need to do a bit more prep: it’s essential to let your landlord know about your plan to get a dog, as most apartment complexes have rules about what canine breeds and sizes can live there. Additionally, most apartments will have you pay a pet deposit fee in the case that there’s any damage done to the apartment by your dog that needs to be repaired after your move out. 

Another big part of making sure that your home is ready for a dog is considering the availability of outdoor space. If you don’t have a backyard that your dog can play in during the day, you’ll want to make sure that you live in an area that’s close to dog parks where they can go on walks and play with other pups. 

Consider What Breed is Right for You

Breed is an important factor in determining what dog is right for you. For instance, if you live in a small apartment, you won’t have room to house a larger breed like a Golden Retriever or Great Dane. Instead, you’d want to adopt a smaller dog breed, like a Terrier or a Chihuahua. Different dog breeds also have different activity and energy needs. A German Shepherd is going to need a lot more outdoor exercise and playtime than a sleepy Basset Hound would, so it’s important to think about what breed of dog will fit the amount of time and attention that you’re going to be able to give it.  

Be Sure You’re Stocked With Essential Supplies

Before you bring your dog home, you going to want your home to be stocked with the following essential supplies: 

Dog Leash

You’ll need a dog leash to take your dog on daily walks so they can go to the bathroom. When choosing a dog leash, you’ll want to choose one made of material that will suit your style and your dog’s activity level. For instance, if your dog loves going on long adventure walks with you and tends to get a bit messy, you’ll want to get a dog leash made of a washable material, so you can clean it when you need to. If you think you’ll mainly be using your dog leash for quick walks, you could opt for a simple, yet stylish brown leather dog leash to show everyone who the coolest pooch in the park is. 

Dog Bowls

You’ll want to get your dog a set of dog bowls to eat and drink out of. Dog bowls made of durable and dishwasher safe stainless steel are a great long-lasting and easy-to-clean option. 

Dog Bed 

You’ll want to have a place for your dog to sleep, so invest in a cozy dog bed for them. You can also get a crate, which some dog owners use to train their dogs to be less nervous when they’re home alone. By putting a nice bed in your dog’s crate, they’ll be more comfortable in it, and more likely to rest there.

Dog Toys

Dog’s need plenty of stimulation to keep them mentally and physically well, so it’s key to get them a varied assortment of toys to engage with. 

In Conclusion

Becoming a first-time dog owner is an incredibly exciting experience. In order to enjoy every second of it, you’ll want to be fully prepared for your new pup’s arrival. Make sure that your home is puppy-proofed, that your dog’s breed is compatible with your lifestyle, and that you’ve got a good dog leash, set of dog bowls, a comfy bed, and plenty of toys for your dog to enjoy. What’s something that you think all first-time dog owners should know?