From coming home to a wagging tail to feeling the comfort of their head on your lap, dogs are more than just pets — they're companions. With unwavering loyalty and a sense of humor that any dog owner will attest to, it’s no wonder they’re the most popular pet.
Whether you’re a first-time dog owner, or just want to learn more about your pet, this guide is for you! We will cover how to choose the right dog, puppy-proofing, grooming, wellness, training, and more. Read on as we walk you through every step of the journey.
1. The History of Dogs
Historians estimate that dogs were domesticated over 15,000 years ago or even as far back as the Paleolithic Era. However, the exact timeline and location of where wolves evolved into domesticated pets is still contested among scientists. What we do know for sure is that dogs were a valuable asset to our ancestors, keeping guard and helping to take down both large and small prey.
According to the World Animal Foundation, researchers estimate that there are 471 million pet dogs worldwide — and for good reason! Dogs have served as our companions and even taken roles such as police K9s, detection dogs, and therapy animals.
2. Choosing the Right Dog
So you’re ready to take the leap into pet parenthood — how do you pick a dog?
Lifestyle Factors
Choosing the right dog isn't as simple as picking the cutest pup in the litter! You'll need to consider their energy level, grooming needs, size, and health to decide what is best for your lifestyle.
Take an honest look at your lifestyle, living situation, and activity level to decide which breed, age, and size is right for you.
For example, a high-energy (and very vocal) husky probably isn't the best match for apartment living, just as an exhaustion-prone flat-faced dog, like a frenchie, isn’t ideal for very active families. Similarly, if you have a demanding work schedule, a short-haired dog might be a more suitable choice than a breed needing regular grooming.
Mixed Breed vs Purebred Dogs
Purebred dogs from reputable breeders have the benefit of more predictability when it comes to size, appearance, and general temperament. It can also give insight into the dog's lineage and possible health issues.
However, purebreds are far more costly and are prone to genetic problems. Mixed breeds are often celebrated for their "hybrid vigor," with less predisposition to genetic problems and longer lifespans.
They’re also unlikely to suffer from extreme conformational issues in purebreds, like Frenchies. On the other hand, you typically have no added insight into their adult size or lineage.
Shop or Adopt A Dog?
When you buy from a breeder, it often comes with higher costs, limited options (mostly puppies), and potential risks of unknowingly supporting unethical breeding practices.
Adopting from a shelter or rescue, on the other hand, is more than just a budget-friendly choice — it’s a life-saving one. You’ll find dogs of all ages, sizes, and personalities, from goofy puppies to calm seniors who already know their manners. Many rescue pets come spayed/neutered, vaccinated, microchipped, and sometimes even trained, which means they’re ready to settle into your home right away.
Yes, some shelter dogs may carry emotional scars from their past — but with patience, kindness, and consistency, they often become the most grateful and loyal companions you’ll ever meet.
When you adopt, you’re not just getting a pet; you’re giving a dog a second chance. And that’s something you simply can’t buy.
Puppies vs Adult Dogs
Finally, consider the life stage that best fits your lifestyle. Puppies are adorable, offer a "blank slate" for training, and you get to experience their entire life. However, they demand constant supervision, frequent potty breaks, and you might have to sacrifice your shoes to teething.
With an adult dog, what you see is what you get. Their personality is settled, their energy levels are often calmer, and you can skip the most labor-intensive parts of puppyhood, making them an excellent but often overlooked option.
3. Dog Breeds at a Glance
Dog breeds can be divided into 7 classes recognized by the AKC. These include:
- Toy Breeds: Small dogs bred to be lap-sized companions that include Chihuahuas, Mini Poodles, Shih Tzus, and Maltese, to name a few.
- Working Breeds: These breeds do best when they have a job to do! For example, Alaskan Malamutes, a working breed, were bred to pull sleds, whereas the Bernese Mountain Dog was bred to pull carts. Other jobs include guarding livestock and water rescue. Other breeds in this category include Boxers and Mastiffs.
- Herding Breeds: These high-energy breeds were classically used for herding livestock; these include Collies and German Shepherds. Herding breeds need plenty of exercise and room to roam or they might find their own "job" to do (like herding children — a common practice among bored herding dogs).
- Sporting Breeds: These breeds include Pointers, Retrievers, Spaniels, and Setters. They were bred for centuries as hunting companions. These dogs are generally active but also make great family dogs.
- Hounds: Tracking dogs, these would include Beagles, Bloodhounds, and Coonhounds. These are still common hunting companions and are also used as detection dogs.
- Terriers: These breeds include Bull Terriers and Airedales, and they were initially used to control rodents.
- Non-sporting Breeds: Non-sporting is a catchall category that encompasses dogs with a wide variety of behavioral and physical traits, including Standard Poodles, Dalmatians, and French Bulldogs.
4. Preparing for a Dog
New dog owners may feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of items they need to purchase to ensure both their and their dog's success. To simplify this, we've created convenient lists to help guide you.
Essential Supplies:
- Enzymatic pet stain remover and potty pads (if they are still working on house training)
- Food and water bowls (stainless steel bowls can prevent tear stains and chin acne)
- Grooming products (shampoo, brushes, a Hair Buster Comb, and scissors for mats)
- Leashes (preferably a slip lead for dogs just learning to walk on a leash)
- Toys (make sure to get some chew toys for destructive-prone dogs)
- Waste products (pooper scoopers, poo bags, potty pads, etc.)
- Flea and tick products (like Pestavert Spray and Pestavert Gel!)
- Mobility aids (like stairs) for older or very short dogs
- Clicker (optional for clicker training)
- Dog food and treats*
- Walking harness
- Dog bed
- Crate
*Pro tip: Find out the food they are currently on and gradually mix in the food you want to feed them to prevent stomach upset.
Puppy Proofing Supplies:
- Cord covers (like Small Pet Heavy Duty Cord Covers)
- Locking trashcan
- Cordless blinds
- Cabinet locks
- Doggy gate
- Toilet lock
Additional Puppy-Proofing Tips
Puppies are very clever and their curiosity often gets them into trouble. Besides installing the above puppy-proofing supplies, here are some additional tips to keep your fur baby (and your belongings) safe.
- Store any remotes, children's toys, or small electronics with button batteries in a safe place (these can be highly toxic).
- Don't leave toxic foods out, such as chocolate, xylitol (in sugar-free gum), grapes, and onions.
- Move any toxic plants outside or to an inaccessible area.
- Lock up medications, batteries, and toxic cleaners.
- Keep small items out of your pet's reach.
5. Nutrition & Feeding
Now that your house is ready to bring home your new dog, let's cover what to feed them and what you shouldn't.
First and foremost, at least 90% of your dog's food intake should come from a complete and balanced dog food that’s intended for their life stage, and no more than 10% should come from treats and scraps.
Puppy, adult, and senior foods all contain different nutrient profiles. For instance, keeping an underactive adult dog on puppy food could cause weight gain. Feeding a puppy, a senior or adult formula, could prevent the young pup from getting the DHA it needs for its developing brain.
Some people choose to give their pets table scraps. While a few bites of human food occasionally can be acceptable, you should never feed any of the foods listed below.
Do NOT Feed Your Dog These Toxic Foods:
- Xylitol-containing products (found in gum, toothpaste, and sugar-free products)
- Alcohol-containing products
- Uncooked bread dough
- Macadamia nuts
- Cooked bones
- Chocolate
- Salty foods
- Grapes
- Walnuts
- Caffine
- Onions
- Garlic
How Much Should I Feed My Dog?
Portion control is essential for preventing excess weight gain in dogs (which can cause major health problems). For this reason, free feeding on a regular basis is not recommended.
Follow the serving size recommendations on your chosen food to see how much your pet should eat for their age and size, and, if in doubt, consult your vet or a pet nutritionist for advice.
6. Training & Behavior
A well-trained dog is a well-behaved dog! Let’s talk about the basics of training and behavior.
Crate Training:
Crate training is a fantastic way to keep your pet safe and fast-track potty training. Not only will it prevent destructive and harmful behaviors like eating your belongings, but it can also help in the event of an emergency when you need to keep your dog contained.
Crate Training Tips:
- Choose the correct size crate — it should be big enough for them to turn around comfortably, but not large enough for them to designate a potty area.
- Feed your dog its meals in the crate, with the door open to begin with, to create a positive association with the crate.
- Over time, start closing the door while your pet eats inside the crate.
- Once your dog is comfortable inside the crate with the door closed, gradually increase the time they stay in it, starting at 5 to 10 minutes and working up to a few hours.
- Add blankets and safe toys to help your new dog feel more comfortable. You can also spray their bedding with calming pheromone sprays to help with anxiety, and add a treat puzzle to keep their mind busy.
Potty Training Basics
For many dog parents, potty training is arguably the most difficult part of bringing home a new dog. Implement the following tips to help make the process smoother.
Stick to a schedule
Like human kiddos, dogs do best when they have a set routine. Try to offer meals and potty breaks at the same time every day, so your dog will learn what to expect.
Strategic potty breaks
To prevent accidents, always take your dog out to relieve themselves immediately after waking up and after meals, as these are the times when accidents most commonly occur.
Know your dog's limits
New puppies need frequent potty breaks, at least every 1-2 hours, to help them learn their routine because they have small bladders and cannot hold their urine for extended periods like adult dogs.
As for how long they can "hold it," experts say a dog can hold it for 1 hour for every month of age, capping out at around 8 hours (e.g., a 6-month-old puppy should be able to hold their bladder for 6 hours). However, every dog is different, and breed size can also be a factor.
Socialization
Socialization is vital for any dog, but especially puppies between 3 and 14 weeks (this is known as the critical socialization period and greatly influences their adult behavior!)
To ensure your new dog is well-adjusted and to prevent the development or worsening of fears, introduce them to a diverse range of people, other animals, environments, and noises.
Set Boundaries and Use Positive Reinforcement
If you already know that you don't want your dog on the couch or aren't willing to tolerate jumping up from a full-grown dog, don't let them get away with it as a puppy. And this goes for barking, chewing, or nipping, too.
Give them a firm no and ignore them until they demonstrate the desired behavior; then immediately offer a treat for complying.
Positive reinforcement will help solidify the desired behavior and make your dog more likely to repeat it, unlike punishment, which can cause fear or even aggression.
7. Exercise & Enrichment
Exercise and daily walks are crucial for physical and mental health and can prevent destructive boredom behaviors.
The length and frequency of your walks will depend on your dog's breed and age. For instance, a Border Collie may need over an hour of vigorous activity, whereas an exhaustion-prone flat-faced breed may require shorter, gentler strolls.
Essential playtime, like fetch and tug, are a great way to bond with your dog and help them burn energy.
Incorporating puzzle toys, DIY games like a muffin tin "treasure hunt," or short training sessions challenges your dog's brain, preventing the boredom that can turn into problematic behaviors.
8. Grooming & Hygiene
Grooming needs vary widely by breed. Short-haired breeds like Beagles can get away with weekly brushing. Long-haired breeds, on the other hand, require more frequent brushing and dematting.
Single-coated long-haired breeds like Poodles and Shih Tzus will also need shaving, whereas double-coated breeds like Huskies should not be shaved down. Shaving double-coated dogs can cause temperature regulation issues and permanent coat damage, leading to painful matting.
Beyond coat care, regular maintenance is crucial: this includes monthly nail trims, weekly ear checks and cleaning, and daily teeth brushing.
Bathing should be done only every few months or when dirty to avoid stripping natural skin oils. While many tasks can be managed at home with the right tools, owners of high-maintenance breeds or those uncomfortable with tasks like nail clipping will find professional groomers helpful for keeping their dog in top shape.
9. Health & Wellness
Checkups, vaccines, and monthly parasite medications can prevent many future issues. The same goes for spaying and neutering, which not only prevents unwanted litters but can also combat roaming, territorial tendencies, marking, and even reproductive cancers.
Plus, building a relationship with your veterinarian through regular checkups will give them insight into your pet's health history and allow them to see their behavioral baseline.
What Warrants a Visit to an Emergency Vet?
If your dog displays any of these signs, do not delay treatment:
- Prolonged diarrhea or vomiting (especially if they can't keep down water)
- Neurological symptoms or changes in behavior
- Loss of consciousness for any amount of time
- Problems with urination
- Refusing food or water
- Seizures or tremors
- Abdominal swelling
- Difficulty breathing
- Severe bleeding
- Trouble walking
- Bloody stools
Remember These Tips:
Bringing home a new pet is such an exciting time. To ensure this process goes smoothly, remember these five essential tips:
- The most crucial step is choosing a dog whose energy level, size, and needs fit your lifestyle. An honest assessment prevents frustration and ensures you can provide the home your dog deserves.
- Puppy-proof your home and gather essential supplies before your pup arrives. A safe space, proper nutrition, and the right tools; from a comfortable crate to engaging toys, set the stage for success.
- A solid routine and positive reinforcement (not punishment!) are the most effective ways to tackle potty training, teach basic commands, and socialize your dog.
- Prevent destructive behavior by meeting both physical and mental exercise needs. Daily walks, playtime, and brain games like puzzle toys will help combat boredom and stress behaviors.
- Regular grooming, routine veterinarian checkups, vaccinations, and parasite prevention aren't optional—they are investments in your dog's long-term health and happiness.
There you have it, a complete starter guide to man's best friend! We hope you and your furbaby have a wonderful life together.
Still need to stock up before the big day? Head over to our collection of dog supplies for all your canine necessities!
