12 Essential Things You Need to Know When Owning a Dog for the First Time

29 June

*Essential things to know for first-time pup owners*

I still remember when my human first adopted me. Oh, she was ready – or so she thought. Armed with all the latest gadgets, a bed fit for a king, and more toys than I knew what to do with, she quickly learned that there’s more to owning a dog than meets the eye. From trying to guess my bathroom schedule (pro tip: I’ll go when I’m ready, thanks) to figuring out how to leash train me without turning into a human kite, she had some learning to do. But with a little patience, a lot of love, and a few treats, we both got there in the end.

So, if you’ve always dreamed of welcoming a four-legged buddy into your life, you’re in for a treat! Here's to acing your first-time dog parent adventure without the fumbles!

Quick Sniffs

Routine is Key: Dogs thrive on a structured daily routine for feeding, walking, and sleeping.
Training is Crucial
Basic commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “come” are essential for a well-behaved dog.
Exercise Matters
Regular exercise keeps dogs healthy, mentally stimulated, and happy.
Diet is Important
Feed your dog high-quality food with the right balance of nutrients.
Vet Visits are Essential
Stay on top of vaccinations and routine checkups to keep your dog in tip-top shape.
Grooming is Necessary
Regular grooming helps maintain your dog’s health and keeps them looking fabulous.
Patience is Key:
Training and adjustment take time, so don’t rush the process – consistency is your friend!
Socialisation is Important
Early socialisation helps your dog become confident around people and other dogs.
Dog-Proof Your Home
Make sure your home is safe and free of chewable or hazardous items.
Set Boundaries
Clear rules help your dog understand their place in the home – consistency is essential.
Keep Them Busy
Provide plenty of toys, puzzles, and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and mischief.
Love and Attention
The most important thing you can give your dog is your time, love, and affection.

Digging Deeper: The 12 Essential Tips for First-Time Dog Owners

1. Routine, Routine, Routine: Structure Is Life

We dogs love a routine. Feeding time, walks, and even bedtime all happening at the same time each day make us feel secure. Without a routine, we tend to get anxious – and sometimes creative. A bored dog will find their own fun (and trust me, it’s rarely what you’d expect… or want!). Think of it as giving us a script for our daily performance.

2. Training is a Must: Sit, Stay, Save the Day

Basic training isn’t just about impressing your friends when I sit on command. It’s crucial for keeping us safe and making sure we’re well-behaved members of the household. Commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “come” can prevent a world of chaos (and save you from having to chase us down the street). And hey, training us is a lot more rewarding than trying to get a cat to do anything, am I right?

3. Exercise is Everything: Zoomies Need to Happen

We’ve got energy to burn, and we need daily exercise to stay physically and mentally healthy. Long walks, runs, fetch – you name it. Keeping us active helps avoid behavioral issues like chewing (sorry about those shoes), barking, or digging up your flowerbed. Plus, who doesn’t love a good zoomie session?

4. Diet Matters: Feed Us Right

Not all kibble is created equal. Make sure you’re feeding us high-quality food with the right nutrients. And please, no table scraps – no matter how hard I try to convince you with my “starving puppy” eyes. Cats may be fine dining on the sly, but we need a balanced diet to keep our coats shiny and our tails wagging.

*Training your dog right away - and well - is the ultimate act of kindness*

5. Vet Visits: Stay on Top of Health

Regular vet visits are a must. Vaccinations, flea treatments, and routine checkups keep us in top shape. We may not enjoy the whole “vet” experience (what’s with the thermometer anyway?), but it’s crucial for catching any health issues early on.

6. Grooming: Keep Us Looking Spiffy

Grooming is more than just making us look fabulous. Regular baths, nail trims, and brushing are necessary to keep us clean and healthy. It also gives you a chance to check for any lumps, bumps, or fleas. And hey, grooming us is a lot more rewarding than trying to get a cat into a bath. (Good luck with that one!)

7. Patience is Key: Rome Wasn’t Built in a Day, and Neither is a Trained Dog

Training, potty training, and general adjustment take time. Don’t expect me to be perfect overnight. Stick with it, and we’ll get there. Remember, we want to make you happy – it just takes a bit of time and practice (and maybe a few treats along the way).

8. Socialization is Important: Meet the Neighbours

Introduce us to new people, dogs, and environments early on. The more experiences we have, the more confident we’ll be. Taking me to the park and letting me meet other dogs will make me more comfortable in different situations. And trust me, I’ll be the life of the party. Cats? Well, they’re still hiding under the bed.

*Getting it right will take a bit of time and practice*

9. Dog-Proof Your Home: We’re Like Toddlers With Tails

Before you bring us home, make sure the place is safe. We’re curious creatures, and if there’s something to chew, sniff, or knock over, we’ll find it. So, put away anything you don’t want to become a chew toy (or destroyed in a fit of boredom). Consider us little four-legged explorers!

10. Set Boundaries: Yes, We Need Rules

We thrive on structure and boundaries. If you let us jump on the couch today, don’t be surprised if we claim it as our throne tomorrow. Set clear rules and be consistent. Cats may rule the house like they own it, but us dogs? We just want to know where we fit in!

11. Boredom is the Enemy: Keep Us Busy

A bored dog is a mischievous dog. Keep us mentally stimulated with toys, puzzles, and training exercises. We need entertainment to stay out of trouble (and to keep your shoes intact). A well-occupied dog is a happy dog – and much less likely to redecorate your living room.

12. Love and Attention: The Real Key to Happiness

At the end of the day, what we want most is your love and attention. Spend quality time with us – whether it’s playing fetch, cuddling on the couch, or just hanging out. Your love makes us the happiest pups on the planet. Cats may give you the cold shoulder, but we’ll always be here, wagging our tails and looking up at you like you’ve just brought home the moon.

Downloadable Reference: First-Time Dog Owner Checklist

To make things even easier, I've put together this handy checklist just for you! Download it here and keep it on hand as you embark on your dog-parent journey.

*Always remember, what we dogs want most is your love and attention*

Parting Thoughts

Now, if you’ve ever been around a cat, you’ll know they act like they’ve got everything figured out. Meanwhile, we dogs? We’re here to be your biggest fan, cheerleader, and partner in crime. Unlike cats, we’ll always show up for you – whether it’s to greet you at the door or just to sit with you while you watch TV. Cats may have their quirks, but when it comes to loyalty and love, we’ve got them beat paws down. (Cats, take note!)

So there you have it – the essential guide to rocking first-time dog ownership like a pro. With a little patience, lots of love, and some structure, you’ll be the best dog parent in no time. And trust me, your new furry friend will be forever grateful (even if they chew up one or two shoes along the way).

Truffle 🐾

PS If you’d like to learn more, check out all the topic here, or sniff out my book How To Become YOUR Dog’s Dog Whisperer. You’ll find everything you need to ace first-time dog parenthood.