This is a collaborative post.
With myself, Jack and Olivia being first time dog owners, getting Buddy has been a steep learning curve. However, with the guidance of Steve who has had dogs all his life, and advice from elsewhere, we finally seem to be settling into the groove of having a dog for the very first time.
Adding a dog to a home can be an exciting yet daunting experience. There are so many different things that yo need to consider. We have now had Buddy for almost six months and whilst we still have a way to go with training him due to lockdown and having to wait until he had all his vaccinations, we finally seem to be getting somewhere. We originally planned to adopt a dog from a rescue but due to having young children, we were unable to. However we would always look to a rescue first to adopt those beautiful dogs that just want a new home.
Lords & Labradors are keen to hear top advice from first time dog owners to new first time dog owners and I thought I’d share a little about what we have learned along the way..
Do Your Research On The Breed You Are Potentially Getting And Keep Yourself Updated
It is so important to do your research. Yes, all dogs are of the same species but they are all different in their own unique ways. I’ve mentioned before that dalmatians cannot digest purines like other dogs can so their diet is a bit different and a lot more restricted than other dogs. Some breeds suffer from certain conditions more than others and some require way more exercise than others. If things like this could be a deal breaker for you, it is important you know before making the commitment. However if you are prepared to deal with any of these issues that arise, then you will be fine.
Once they’re home, join your breed specific FB groups and forums for help and advice whenever needed. I am always checking out the various Dalmatian FB groups and forums for information – it is lovely to get feedback from people who know what they’re
Make Sure You Have Everything Before Your Dog Comes Home
Whether you are getting a puppy or a rescue dog, you will want to make sure that they have everything they could possibly need to come home to. You may get a blanket from the breeder of the puppy that smells of their mum or you might bring something home from the rescue to help your dog settle in. But you will need beds, food, food and water containers, treats, poo bags and so much more. They will love their toys!
Get Dog Training Done Early
Whether you choose to do this yourself or enlist the help of a dog trainer, this really is a must. Buddy is generally quite good although we are still having some problems with him so will be asking a local dog trainer for help. This years events have made it very difficult for a lot of owners and dogs and vets have claimed to see a lot more pups and dogs with separation anxiety and struggling to obey orders than ever before. Buddy is usually very good with listening to commands but sometimes can be quite stubborn and ignorant and just ignore us – especially if there are other dogs nearby. The sooner you start, the easier it will be.
Be Responsible
Sounds silly to suggest this, doesn’t it? But it truly is so important and people have the potential to miss something. Make sure your dog is registered with a vet as soon as you get him or her, is fully vaccinated or get them fully vaccinated and make sure you have insurance. You will also want to make sure your dogs grooming needs are being met so will need to either do them yourself or enlist a dog groomer. If you will struggle to find time to walk your dog, maybe consider if getting one is the best idea right now but, if you do proceed, hire a dog walker to ensure your pooch is getting enough daily exercise. It all sounds super silly and obvious but it is important to remind people.
Have A Routine
Sometimes we do deviate from it but we have a loose routine set in place with Buddy. He will have his food at certain times, walks at certain times and certain places during the week (with longer walks at different times over the weekend when we have more spare time together). We try to keep to it as much as possible!
These are just a few top tips for first time dog owners that I wanted to share with you. If you own a dog, what tips do you have?
Further reading: How dog ownership can help our health
We have two dogs and they are both great. Keeping dogs is a steep learning curve, I feel like I am still learning! But is is also very rewarding and I can’t remember not having them.
This is so interesting! I’ve not really ever considered owning a dog, so this has been very eye opening – I’m going to send it over to my Dad who is thinking of getting a dog 🙂
I generally can’t wait to get a dog, I’ve never owned one so these tips will come in handy!
I’ve never not had a dog in the house. My first dog was a Yorkshire Terrier, then a German Shepherd, then 4 King Charles Spaniels, and now 2 English Springer Spaniels and a cockerpoo. Every one had their own character – but the springers are totally mental!
I say some of the most important things a first-time dog owner should know is to always carry poop bags with them. I don’t know how many times I have seen people walking their dogs and just let them mess everywhere.
Wish I’d known this when I got mr darcy, he was five at the time so might have been a bit different
My son is desperate for a dog but we are going to wait until we move to a bigger house. I think a dog will really be beneficial for him though as he is autistic and has a lot of anxiety
Just because you have young children does not exclude getting a recuse dog, we got a 4 month old german shepherd cross from what was the National Canine Defence League, now the Dogs Trust, when our daughter was two years old.
Actually it does. In my local area and the surrounding areas, they will not let you rescue a dog when you have children under 8 years old. Believe me, we have tried MANY times over the years and they won’t let us. Their reasoning is that they don’t know what trauma the dog has gone through and kids can be a little rough so it’s a risk.
Great article. I’ve had dogs since I was born but I still feel like I learn something new every day! Definitely research your breed first – I grew up with German Shepherds, Collies and Labradors/Lab crosses. They were all vaguely similar in behaviour and temperament. Now I have a couple of Lhasa Apsos and oh my word are they different!
I’ve been considering getting a dog now the kids have flown the nest and I’m on my own. This post has given me a lot to think about before I do.
Great post I’ve had two dogs both Jack Russells my daughter loves dalmations and Cavaliers . The bigger dogs are a bit harder to handle but your doing a great job with him he looks healthy and content
We really want to get a dog at some point but we already have two cats so will have to choose carefully.
Research / Investigate the topic / subjects relevant :- Such as puppy care, dog care, dog breed /s, dog obedience classes / tv programmes, etc. Take the opportunity of learning from others :- Family and friends who have a dog. Dog breeder /s, etc.
Consider the dog and it’s temperament, it’s needs for patience, rest, sleep, play, teething / chewing, etc.
Enjoy! Dog /s can be so loyal, loving and fun.
Lots of fun when you have a dog sounds like their part of the family…
Great insights on the journey of becoming a dog owner!
I have edited your comment to the first sentence simply because I think it is really creepy how you have taken my story of my CHILDREN and turned them into your FRIENDS in order to try and sell your product in my comments?!