Things That Every First Time Puppy Owner Should Know & Do

The Definitive Guide For New Puppy Owners

Having a pet is one of the best joys in life. Bonding with a cute dog can really make your days more colorful. But being a pet owner is also a difficult task. There are a lot of things you should take note of while taking care of dogs. But don’t let this scare you. Once you know all the things you need to take care of your dog, you can enjoy having a furry companion for a really long time.

Important Things You Should Know

We’ve compiled all the things that you should know if you’re a new puppy owner. From their foods to their hygiene, everything you need to know is right here.

Table of Contents

Crate Training

This is the most effective way of potty training a new dog. It teaches them how to live inside your house. This prevents damages your puppy may cause when you are not there to oversee it. Crate training is also essential to keep the puppy safe. It’s also easier to travel with dogs when they’re inside the crate.

Dog music is ideal for crate training as it helps your puppy to relax and feel more calm in in a new space. Click here to read more about dog music.

Step By Step Guide: How To Crate Train Your New Puppy

Collapsible Dog Crate - Portable, Foldable Crate by Diggs
Collapsible Dog Crate by Diggs

Video Guide on Crate Training

Important To Note

You should not overdo confinement. The recommended time spent on a crate is 4 hours a day and all night while they’re sleeping. If you will be gone for longer than 4 hours a day, your dog should be kept in a room where they are safe and can walk around.

Crate Pad (Crate Mat)

As the name implies, the crate mat is a type of dog bed that you insert on a dog crate. A crate mat is a must if you have a dog crate. It will prevent your dog from sleeping on the hard surface of a crate. 

Crate mats are just what your dog needs to keep them rested and ready for their next adventure. Consider buying one if your pet loves to sleep inside.

There are lots of sizes to choose from because it’s designed to go with the various styles of dog crates. Furthermore, crate mats aren’t very thick. Its thickness is just enough for your pet not to sleep on the cold surface of its crate.

Crate pads are great for travels and they are easy to wash.

Enjoy A Comfy Snug Rest In The Crate

Majestic Pet Crate Mat is the perfect way to add comfort to your pet’s crate! The mats are stuffed with super premium high loft, yet soft polyester batting, will provide added support and cradle your pup in comfy rest anywhere in the house.

Orthopedic-Crate-Pad
Diggs Orthopedic Snooz Crate Pad, Water & Tear Resistant
Bolster Dog Bed For Kennel and Crate
Furhaven Crate & Kennel Pad

FurHaven Water Resistant Crate Pad

This water-resistant crate pad features a coated polycanvas exterior that is easy to clean – just wipe it down with a clean cloth. The medical-grade polyurethane foam core will provide your pet with insulating comfort and support. 

Simply place the pad under as a base and give your pet the benefit of extra padding while protecting your furniture and floors.

This water-resistant pad is the perfect base for your pup’s comfort in kennel and crate. Can also be used to provide your pet comfort in your vehicle, home, or garage.

Build-Your-Own Dog Bed with Majestic Pet

Give your furry companion the rest it needs with Majestic Pet dog bed. You can choose from a wide selection of beds, ranging from bagels bed, rectangle bed, round bed, pillow bed, luxury lounge bed to pamper your pup with ultra comfort and luxurious-style bed that promotes better sleep and helps straighten their spines.

Dual-purpose Dog House and Footstool

Seamlessly integrate your pup’s hideout into your daily life in both style and comfort with this innovative Pet House Ottoman and Footstool! Inside the easy-care canvas walls there is a private space and a soft fleece-covered base (removable and washable) for your pet’s comfort. 

This house’s padded top provides extra insulating comfort by trapping your pet’s natural body heat to create a cozy haven for your dog. Not just for your pet – this is a great spot to rest your feet and is sturdy enough to support 130 lbs of static weight! 

Available in three solid colors or two striped options to blend with a variety of home decors, these innovative cubbies are the perfect hideaway for your pets.

Food

Dogs have a specific diet and schedule that you should follow. Messing up their diet can have serious consequences. To ensure that they’re healthy, you must know the basic guidelines on what to feed your dog and how often to feed.

Feeding Schedule

Strict feeding time is necessary so that you can monitor your dog’s health. This also ensures that your dog also poops on schedule. The feeding schedule also relies on how big and old your dog is.

Puppies and adult dogs also need a different amount of food daily. Puppies are growing rapidly and thus need more food. They need to be fed more often and in small amounts. You can start weaning a puppy at 4 weeks old. Slowly introduce them to puppy foods so they can adjust well. By eight weeks old, they should be completely weaned.

  • Puppies below 4 months old require 4 meals a day.
  • 6 months old and above can eat 3 times a day.
  • Adult dogs who are 12 months or older usually only require food twice a day.
  • For smaller breeds, this can be 3 times a day since they burn more energy faster than larger breeds.

Nutrients

best food for puppies

Puppies require a different diet compared to adult dogs. They require good nutrition for their growth. Large breed puppies require a diet that’s well-balanced and contains ingredients known for promoting overall muscle growth and body health. As your dog grows older, you will have to slowly ease them to adult foods.

Puppies require high levels of calcium to avoid diseases in the future. Puppy that did not receive enough calcium growing up can have metabolic bone diseases or orthopedic conditions. If you need help in choosing the best puppy food, check out our puppy food reviews. If you have a large breed puppy, then check out our review on  large breed puppy food.

Water Bowl

While you can take away the bowl of food if they haven’t eaten, make sure that there is an available source of water for your dogs at all times. This is to make sure that they can drink water whenever they are feeling thirsty. Make sure that you regularly clean their bowls and that no other animals can access it. Change the water regularly and refill it if it’s empty.

Vitamins & Supplements

Giving them pet food is not enough. You should also make sure that your pets are receiving proper nutrients by giving them vitamins regularly. But since a lot of dog foods already contain nutrients for our pets, make sure you are not giving them too many vitamins because it may lead to liver damage. It’s always best to ask your veterinarian before feeding your dog vitamins or omega 3 supplements.

Probiotics can help your puppy to develop a stronger immune system and  thus reducing the risk of developing future health issues like allergies and digestive tract issues.  

Dog Treats

Who doesn’t love treats? Dogs certainly them! You can use their favorite peanut butter treats to teach them tricks or to encourage good behavior. However, since treats are usually high in sugar content, make sure that they are not eating too much. Dog treats should only be 10% of their daily diets. Exceeding this recommended amount may lead to complications such as liver damage or diabetes. 

There are also calming treats that can keep your pets relaxed and are great for overly anxious dogs. It’s ideal to feed them these calming treats when they’re traveling or experiencing anxiety. 

Best Dog Treats
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Toxic Foods To Avoid

food that are toxic to dog

There are pet owners who give their dogs table scraps. This is not advisable since humans and dogs require different nutrients. Aside from that, there are certain human foods that are toxic to your dogs. Here are some food to avoid feeding your dogs

  • Chocolate
  • Grapes and raisins
  • Onions
  • Garlic
  • Candies
  • Avocado
  • Caffeine
  • Big or sharp bones
  • Raw eggs
  • Salty foods
  • Yeast Dough
  • Lactose
  • Raw potatoes
  • Alcohol

You should avoid giving your dog these foods. If taken in a huge amount, it can be dangerous for your dogs. If they’re experiencing symptoms of food poisoning and you suspect they’ve digested one of these foods, visit the veterinarian immediately.

Pet Proofing Your Home

Dogs, especially cute young puppies, love exploring their new home. It’s almost a certainty that they will start chewing on things that make them curious. Keep important things out of your dog’s reach. There are many students who have to deal with eaten homework because their dogs became curious.

A shoe cabinet is also necessary if you have a dog. They love chewing on any shoes that they can get their mouths in.

They’re also extra adventurous and loves going out. Make sure that your yard is secured and your little puppies will never be able to go out unsupervised. You should also keep other stray animals away from your dog.

Dog Grooming

Like humans, dogs also need to have good hygiene. Aside from preventing bacteria-causing diseases, it makes their coat shinier and healthier if they’re always clean.

Brushing Your Dog

Dogs shed their fur on the furniture and carpet which can be annoying most of the time. There’s an easy way to lessen the amount of dog hair in your home. Brushing their fur every couple of days. It helps them shed their fur and also distribute their skin’s natural oil that keeps their coat healthy. You should also brush your dog’s hair before bath time to remove any matted hair.

Bathe Time

Bathing your dog depends on how often they need it. When your dog is dirty or has an unpleasant odor, then it’s time for a bath. Other factors such as lifestyle and length of the coat also affect how often you should wash your dog.

Usually, once a month is enough for most dogs. But there are special cases. Short-haired breeds also don’t to be bathed as frequently. Do not bathe your dog more than the recommended times. Over-bathing your dog can irritate their skin. If this happens, a quick trip to the bet can fix any issue. There are various types of dog shampoo available to cater to the needs of your dog. Check out our guide in choosing the right shampoo for dog. If your pets have itching caused by fleas and ticks or yeast infection, then you will need medicated dog shampoo

Image showing cleaning dog's ear

Video Guide For Cleaning Dog's Ears

Dog Ear Hygiene

Most dogs can maintain a clean ear without needing to have it cleaned. However, other dogs require regular cleaning to prevent a buildup of dirt that may lead to infections. Generally, dogs that have longer ears are most prone to ear infections.

You should check your dog’s ears regularly. Dog loves getting rubbed at the back of their ears so you can check without alarming your dog. If your dog pulls away, you should try other techniques of checking.

There are dog ear-cleaning solutions that you can ask your vet to recommend. There are different solutions that have certain benefits that will address your dog’s specific needs.

If your dog is shaking their head more often or there’s a mild odor coming off from their ears, you should have it cleaned. 

Inflamed and red ears might be a sign of ear infection. You should have your pet checked immediately.

Eye Cleaning

Dogs can get a little defensive when you touch them near their eyes. Their face is the most difficult to wash since they move a lot and you have to be careful not to poke anything.

But if you see globs that form around your dog’s eyes, it’s best to clean them before they cause irritation. Use wet wipes to wipe off around your dog’s eyes. You can also use a moistened cotton ball or a soft washcloth. Don’t wipe the eyes itself.

If your dog has excessive tear stains that appear regularly, you should ask your vet about it. There might be an underlying condition that requires immediate attention.

cleaning your dog eyes
best dog toothpaste

Video Guide For Brushing Dog's Teeth

Dental Care

Just like how we need to brush our teeth daily, your dogs also need to have their teeth cleaned daily. There are available dog-specific toothbrushes and toothpaste for dog. You can also try out different treats that can be used to reduce bacteria when your dog chews on it.

Brushing your dog’s teeth as early as they’re puppies is best. They’re more trusting and less defensive at this stage. But if you have an older dog, you might want to take it easy in the beginning.

You can start by putting your fingers in their mouth. When they start to trust your hands near their mouth, then you can start brushing their teeth. Dog toothpaste tastes good for dogs so you don’t have to worry about them not liking it. Never use human toothpaste for them as it may be toxic for them.

Aside from daily brushing, you also need to have your dog’s teeth checked every year. This is to ensure that there are no underlying issues with their dental health.

Obedience Training

If your new pup is driving you crazy with its whining, excessive barking, or chewing, or if your dog is too aggressive and bites or growls at your visitors, you need to learn how to train your pooch to listen to you.

Training a dog to obey your commands is an ongoing process. It is best to start the basic obedience routine after your pup and you have had a chance to bond. 

Trick Training

As soon as your pet knows how to walk, you can start training them to learn new tricks. Puppies are easier to train than older dogs but it doesn’t mean that old dogs can’t learn new tricks.

Can Your Dog Stack Rings, Play Piano, Play Dead, Take a Bow, Roll Over etc?

Teach Ring Stackers 336 x 280 - Animated

Teach Piano 336 x 280 - Animated

Have You Been Brain Training Your Dog?

More intelligent dogs are better behaved and more obedient. Many owners are not aware of this, but when it comes to dogs, idle minds are the devil’s workshop. Yet many owners are happy to leave their dogs bored by the fireplace all day, leading to untold behavior problems. The simple secret to a well-trained dog is engaging their mind and getting them thinking.

Learn from professional dog trainer to skyrocket your dog’s intelligence and obedience using 21 “Brain Games” to turn your dog into a genius, as well as improve their overall behaviour.

Tips In Training Your Dog

Video Guide For Tricks Training

Important To Note

If your pet is displaying behaviors that you don’t want to encourage, you can scold them. But make sure you are not scaring your dog. Just let them know that you are disappointed. You can also take away their favorite toys so they can associate their bad behavior with losing their toy. You can make training fun with both you and your dog. The time you use to bond can really improve your relationship.

Exercising

It’s no secret that our little dogs love going out for a walk. A lot of dogs will appreciate the new surroundings. If you can’t walk your dog in your neighborhood, you can still give them their daily exercises by playing with them in your backyard. A simple game of fetch at least once a week is enough to give them the exercise they need. If you don’t have a yard or don’t want to take your pets out, there are still a lot of indoor activities that you can do with your dogs. Dogs are naturally energetic so making them exercise won’t be a big problem.

walking your dogs

Vaccination

Like humans, dogs also need vaccines to fight off common and preventable illnesses. Different dogs need different vaccinations. You can always ask your veterinarian what shots your dog needs based on their breed and the place you’re in. You should also schedule a regular visit to the veterinarian to make sure that your dog is healthy. There are certain diseases that owners usually miss because their dogs are not exhibiting any symptoms.

Things to teach your pup in
your first 30 days together!

Have a new dog and not sure where to start on training?

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The first 30 days is a critical period – you will need to bond with your new furry kid, establish routines, and to teach your furry pal what being part of your family is going to be like.

Learn how to communicate with your new dog to begin a positive relationship grounded on trust that will last a lifetime.

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Whether you’ve just adopted an adult shelter dog or have brought home a brand new puppy, this online dog training course is a must-have for all first-time dog parent!

30 VIDEO LESSONS:

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GEAR RECOMMENDATIONS:

  • Insider top picks for recommended gear to get your new pooch.

Frequently Asked Questions

They say that there are three types of dogs: the ones who hate fetch, the ones who love fetch, and Golden Retrievers. It’s basically easy to teach fetch to dogs who have an internal instinct to pick up things. If your dog isn’t one of these breeds, there’s still a way to train your dog to play fetch. You just need patience and time to train your dogs.

When a dog is new to its environment, they are a little warry and anxious. You can put down the food in front of your new dog and leave it for ten minutes. Afterward, take the food even though he hasn’t eaten. Don’t try to take the bowl away while they’re eating as it may cause anxiety. Put the bowl of food again for ten minutes on the next eating schedule. Soon, your new dog will learn to eat when food is offered.

A healthy dog should produce a dark brown, firm, crinkly stool. If it’s soft, this is a sign of overfeeding, You can try to feed less amount of food to your dogs. If the issue persists, you can visit a veterinarian.

Mix the old brand to the new brand slowly so that your dog’s digestive system will not have a hard time adjusting to the new brand. A sudden change in their diet can cause a disruption in the bacteria in their stomach.

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Stop bad doggy behavior
Train your pup to obey your every command
Discover all-natural remedies to health problems

Enjoy a more relaxed and stress-free dog with improved joint health, skin health, and less risk of disease and other health issues

Fun Facts: Music Can Help Dogs With Anxiety

Have You Tried Dog Music To Calm Your Dog?

Music designed for dogs who have anxiety problems can help to calm and relax your pet. Dog Music is perfect for any breed of dog at any age, for occasions which potentially  scaring your pup, or for a dog who suffers with separation anxiety.

Dog Music is also ideal for crate training as it helps your puppy to relax and feel more calm in in a new space. 

If your dog has had an injury and recovering from an operation, Dog Music will help them to relax and ease their stress.

Some senior dogs may have trouble sleeping when they start to have vision and hearing difficulty, and cause them to feel disorientated and uneasy. Dog music can aid them in falling asleep within minutes.

Final thoughts

These are just a few things to keep in mind if you’re a new pet owner. Of course, keeping your dog healthy is one of your goals to make sure that they’ll live a long and happy life. With these tips, you can ensure that your dog will enjoy their life with you as much as you enjoy their company.

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