When you decide to welcome an adorable dog as a member of your family, it is certainly an exciting and anticipatory time. But at the same time, as a new dog owner, you need to be well prepared to ensure that you can give your dog a healthy, happy and safe living environment. Below is a detailed guide to owning a dog for the first time, which will hopefully help you start your wonderful journey with your dog smoothly.
Choosing the right dog for you
When choosing a dog, we can consider several thing. For example one’s own lifestyle, the dog’s character and the purchase channel.
- Consider lifestyle
Think about your daily activity level, living environment and schedule. If you enjoy outdoor activities and have enough time to spend with your dog, an active, sporty breed may be more suitable; if you live in a small apartment and have a busy schedule, a small, low-energy-demanding breed may be a better choice.
- Research the characteristics of dog breeds
Learn about different dog breeds’ personalities, sizes, health issues and care needs. Some breeds may be easier to train, while others may require more socialization and exercise.
- Adoption and Purchase
You can choose to buy from a regular kennel or consider adopting a stray or getting a dog in need of a home from a rescue organization. Adoption not only gives your dog a warm home, but is also a very meaningful act.
Prepare your dog’s necessities
1. Comfortable bed
Provide your dog with a soft, warm and appropriately sized bed so that it can have its own exclusive resting space.
2. Suitable collar and leash
A suitable collar and leash to control your dog’s movement and ensure safety when you go out for a walk.
3. Food and water bowls
Choose good quality and easy-to-clean food and water bowls to maintain dietary hygiene. We suggest to choose PUPPHUB dog water bowl. It does the job without spilling while the dog drinks.
4. Good quality dog food
Choose the right dog food according to your dog’s age, weight and health condition.
5. Toys
Help your dog to expend energy, promote intellectual development and prevent boredom.
6. Cleaning supplies
Such as combs, body wash, towels, etc. for keeping your dog clean and hygienic.
7. Dog crate or enclosure
To give your dog a safe space when necessary, such as when you are not at home.
Creating a Safe Home
1. Eliminate dangerous objects
Keep poisonous plants, chemicals, small objects and other things that may pose a danger to your dog out of your dog’s reach.
2. Protect electrical wires
Prevent your dog from chewing on wires and causing electric shock hazards.
3. Secure balconies and windows
Prevent your dog from falling down accidentally.
Health Care for Dogs
1. Regular veterinary checkups
Take your dog to the veterinarian for a comprehensive health checkup, including vaccination, deworming and parasite prevention.
2. Oral Care
Brush your dog’s teeth regularly to prevent oral diseases.
3. Eye and Ear Cleaning
Keep your dog’s eyes and ears clean with appropriate cleaning products.
4. Health Observation
Pay attention to whether the dog’s diet, water intake, urination, defecation, and behavior are normal, and seek medical attention if there is any abnormality. You might also consider adding omega 3 for dogs to their diet, as it can support their overall health, including joint and heart health.
Training and Socialization
1. Basic command training
Use positive reinforcement to train and reward your dog’s correct behavior.
2. Socialization
Let the dog come into contact with different people, other animals and various environments from a young age to develop good social skills and adaptability.
3. Solve behavioral problems
If the dog shows bad behaviors, such as excessive barking, biting, etc., do not punish, but find out the cause and take the right way to correct it.
Give enough attention and love
1. Companionship
Spend time playing, walking and interacting with your dog to build a deep bond.
2. Petting and hugging
Let your dog feel your love and warmth.
3. Understand your dog’s emotions
Dogs have their own emotions and needs, try to fulfill them as much as possible. Getting a dog for the first time can be a challenging yet blissful experience. As long as you have enough patience, love and responsibility, you and your dog will build a deep and wonderful relationship and spend many happy hours together.
FAQs about the “First Time Dog Owner’s Guide”:
Question 1: What should I do if my puppy keeps barking when I first get home?
A: This may be due to the fact that he is unfamiliar with his new environment and is scared. You can prepare a warm, quiet corner for him and put some familiar objects in it. Appropriate soothing, but do not pay excessive attention to it, so that it can gradually adapt to the new environment.
Question 2: How do I train my dog to poop and defecate at a fixed point?
Answer: First of all, determine a fixed defecation site, observe the dog’s pattern of defecation, and when it shows signs of defecation (e.g. sniffing around, circling), guide it to the designated site. When the dog shows signs of defecation (e.g. sniffing around, circling), guide it to the designated place. After the dog has defecated in the correct place, give it a timely reward. If the dog defecates in the wrong place, don’t scold it, clean it up and remove the smell.
Question 3: How old can I start bathing my dog?
A: Generally speaking, puppies can be bathed at about 2 – 3 months old after completing vaccinations and in good health, but the frequency should not be too high, once every 1 – 2 weeks in summer, and can be longer in winter.
Question 4: What kind of examination do I need to do when I take my dog to the veterinarian for the first time?
A: Usually it includes physical examination, vaccination assessment, parasite check, blood test, etc., depending on the age and health condition of the dog.
Question 5: What should I do if my dog is a picky eater?
A: Don’t give it too many snacks at will, feed it at regular intervals and take away the food if it doesn’t eat within the specified time. If picky eating persists, you may need to check for health problems or consider changing the dog food.
Question 6: Can I give my dog human food?
A: It is not recommended. Many human foods are unhealthy or even toxic to dogs, such as chocolate and onions.
Question 7: Do dogs need to be walked every day?
A: Yes, most dogs need to be walked daily, both to fulfill their exercise needs and to help their mental health.
Question 8: How can I prevent my dog from tearing up the house?
A: Give it enough toys and attention to deplete its energy. If the housebreaking is due to separation anxiety, you can gradually train it to adapt to being alone.
Question 9: How old should I start vaccinating my dog?
A: Generally, you can start the first vaccination at 6 – 8 weeks of age, and then complete the whole vaccination program according to the interval recommended by the veterinarian.
Question 10: How to choose the right collar and leash for my dog?
A: The collar should be the right size, not too tight or too loose, and made of comfortable material that does not irritate the skin. The leash should be chosen according to the size of the dog and your habit of using it. Retractable leashes are more convenient but you should pay attention to the control.
