First-Time Dog Owner? Here’s How to Set Your Pup Up for Success
Getting a dog for the very first time? We’re excited for you (and a little bit envious!), as there’s nothing more thrilling than bringing a dog into your home. If you’ve chosen to go for an adorable puppy, you’re in for a lot of fun as well as a few challenges along the way.
Whilst you will no doubt be thinking about all the exciting parts of dog ownership, you’ll need to be sure you and your home are prepared for your new pup’s arrival. From puppy-proofing rooms to getting them into a good routine, socialising and training them, and the all-important regular trips to the vet, there’s lots to remember. To help, below are a few tips we’re sure you’ll find useful.
Preparing Your Home – Safety First!
Before your dog even sets one paw indoors, your home needs to be safe and secure. Just like having a toddler in the home, dogs (especially puppies) are curious and love to explore. If there is something of interest, they’ll be sure to follow their nose and investigate.
· Start by puppy-proofing your home to ensure anything dangerous or toxic for them is well out of reach. Also, shut any windows or doors they can easily access.
· Keep electrical wires tidied away, store any chemicals and cleaning products in a secure cupboard, and any human food they are not supposed to have securely away from them.
· If you have anything valuable or fragile you’d rather not have chewed or accidentally knocked over, store these away too.
· One top tip to help keep them out of rooms is to use stair gates, as these can help limit access to certain areas, making it much easier to keep them in one place.
You also want to create a cosy space where your dog can relax that’s just for them. A comfy bed in a quiet corner or a crate that becomes their safe haven are a good idea, so that if things get overwhelming for them in a new environment or they simply just need some sleep, they can easily do so.
Make sure you’ve got the essentials ready too – food and water bowls, a collar and lead, an ID tag with your name and address on (which is a legal requirement along with microchipping), a few suitable chew toys, and of course plenty of patience! It can feel like a whirlwind, but a safe, calm environment makes those first few days much smoother for both you and your pup.
Vet Visits & Preventative Care – Starting on the Right Paw
If you haven’t already, be sure you have registered with a vet local to you. Do your research before choosing and find a vet clinic that offers everything you need. As per the Blue Cross, choose a practice close to your home so if there is an emergency, you can get to your vet quickly. If you know any other dog owners in the area, ask them for recommendations or advice. If you’re unsure, you can check the vet you’ve found is registered on the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) website.
Book a check-up with your vet shortly after bringing your dog home, ideally within 48 hours. This is because they can ensure your pup is in good health and so they can set up a schedule for vaccinations, flea and worm treatments, and any other essential care. If your dog hasn’t been microchipped yet (check with the breeder if unsure), your vet can do this too as it’s a legal requirement from 8 weeks old.
While budgeting for your dog’s food, essential items and vet check-ups is essential, keep in mind that unexpected illnesses or accidents can always happen. Going to the vet for this can get expensive, so having insurance will offer peace of mind. Be sure to compare different policies to find one suitable for your needs and budget.
Getting Into A Good Routine – Feeding, Walks & Toilet Training
You’ll want to get a routine in place for your puppy as soon as you can as this will help them feel comfortable and settled. Everything from consistent mealtimes to walks (once they can go outside after their vaccinations) is important, as well as the always fun aspect of toilet training.
Meals – Feeding them at the same times each day will hopefully already be something the breeder was doing, so if you can keep this similar it can be ideal. However, if you do need to adjust this based on your working hours or routine then do so otherwise you may struggle. It’s also a good idea to keep them fed on the same food the breeder was giving them, at least for the first few days until settled. If you do change the food after this, be sure to use only high-quality dog food suitable for their age and breed.
Toilet Training – Consistency with their mealtimes can also make toilet training that much easier, as you’ll start to notice when they typically need to go out. Toilet training (just like with young children) takes patience, so hopefully you’ve got plenty! Taking them into the garden, especially after meals, naps, and playtime needs to be consistent and will eventually create a good habit. Praise them for doing their business in the right spot too, and remember, accidents will happen. Stay calm and keep encouraging the right behaviour.
Walks – Daily walks are equally important for providing exercise and stimulation, but they also build a bond between you and your dog. As mentioned above, you’ll need to ensure your dog has a collar with ID, and they are vaccinated and microchipped. Keeping a consistent walk time is good for your dog, whether it’s in the morning, afternoon, or both.
Socialising & Training – Raising a Confident Dog
Socialisation is one of the most important things you can do for your new dog, especially in the early weeks and months. It’s the most effective way to ensure they grow up to be happy and confident around other people, animals and new environments.
· Gradually introducing them to family members, sounds around the home (washing machine, vacuum cleaner, TV etc.) as well as outside like traffic will help to normalise these things. Introducing them to other dogs helps build their confidence and reduces the chance of behavioural issues later on.
· Take things slowly and try not to introduce too many things too quickly. Meeting a group of new people can be stressful enough for us humans, so you can imagine a small puppy can feel just as anxious with lots of attention.
Training is just as crucial, so start with basic commands like ‘sit’, ‘stay’, and ‘come’, using treats and praise to help with positive reinforcement. Keep early training sessions short and fun and don’t force your dog to be obedient – they’re young and they will get distracted easily!
Puppy training classes can be a great way to build these skills while socialising with other dogs in a safe setting, so seek out local classes you can attend together. It’s both fun and good exercise for your dog, getting them used to being around other people and dogs.
Understanding Your Dog’s Needs – Breed Matters
Every dog is unique. A high-energy breed like a Border Collie will need much more physical and mental stimulation than a laid-back Bulldog. If you know all about your breed, you can ensure they get the right mix of exercise, stimulation and care throughout their life. Don’t worry though, you don’t have to be a dog breed expert, so speak to your vet or local trainer for more advice.
Be patient as your dog settles into their new home and routine. With the right support, they’ll soon show you exactly who they are!
Every dog owner’s journey is different too, so don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. The early days can feel overwhelming at times like any new experience, but with patience and plenty of love, you’ll soon settle into a rhythm. Most of all, enjoy it – it will be the start of a wonderful bond.
