So, you’ve taken an incredible step towards becoming a responsible and amazing dog owner. You’re already doing more than many, simply because you’re dedicating the time and effort to become the best pet owner you can be.
Learning the ends and outs of dog ownership, especially if it’s your first time, isn’t a walk through the park. But it’s so incredibly important because you’ll make things easier in your life, in your dog’s life, and for others around you.
Best of all, you’re providing a life for your dog that they deserve.
1. Best Dog Breeds for First-Time Owners
Perhaps the biggest thing you can do to set yourself off on a great journey with your new puppy is finding a dog breed that fits you. This can be difficult for first-time owners because they might not know what breed is best for them. As well, it takes asking yourself some honest questions. What’s your energy/activity level, are you a patient person, how much time do you have, etc.?
Now, just because you’ve decided to look for a certain breed, doesn’t mean you can’t rescue your new pup. In fact, many people find mixed breeds easier to care for because they aren’t bred for carrying out a certain role or task. And that’s often what gets people into trouble.
Often, it’s better to eliminate difficult breeds instead. Siberian Huskies, Beagles, Dalmatian, and hunting/working breeds are all very popular dog breeds but are way too much for first-time owners.
Take the Siberian Husky, for example. They are downright stunning and incredibly unique. And they, without a doubt, put a new spin on owning a dog, making them irreplaceable. But to be honest, they are just terrible dogs for dog owners, let alone a smart choice for a first-time owner.
Huskies are stubborn, love to butt heads, are incredibly independent at times, can be aggressive to small animals, have an ungodly amount of hair that sheds all year, and have energy needs only a few can meet. Dog breeds on the easier side of the aisle include the Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, Poodle, Boston Terrier, and often mixed breeds.
2. CBD Oil for Dogs
Many pet owners have found CBD oil to be an incredible help for caring for their dogs’ daily struggles. CBD oil can help reduce anxiety, which our dogs are no strangers to. This is great news as dog owners frequently struggle to care for their pup’s anxiety.
Derived from the hemp plant, CBD oil works naturally with the body, with research and personal reports showing it can also help reduce pain, inflammation, allergies, and digestive issues.
To get started with CBD, check out a respected brand such as Innovet Pet. Check InnoVet for amazing dog items such as toys, food, vitamins, oil, injections, shampoo etc.
3. New Puppy Checklist
- Food
- Crate
- Bedding
- Food & Water Bowls
- Collar & Leash
- ID & Tages
- Toys
- Grooming Supplies (brush, formulated shampoo, flea & tick control, etc.)
- Research
Taking the time to research all that you can about raising a puppy is one of the best things you can do. Now, it’s important to understand that while we want you to research a lot — and want to thank you for taking the time to do it — don’t let yourself get too caught up in it.
Or better said, don’t expect research to have all the answers or for it to always prevent an issue. Treat research like you would a Liberal Arts degree, which shows you’ve learned how to adapt on the fly and deal with the unexpected in a number of subjects.
This will help you so much, and remember, you don’t have to be the expert, nor are you expected to be. Instead, learn when it is time to consult an expert and who the best authority will be.
4. What to Buy for a New Puppy
You will almost undoubtedly spend more money on your dog the first year than at any other time in their life. You’ll want to get your dog everything on our checklist above. As well, expect to spend money on veterinarian appointments, which may include spaying/neutering and a number of beneficial vaccinations.
Now is the time to decide whether to get insurance or start a savings account where you hold back money every month for emergencies. This is a personal decision, and your dog’s breed can heavily play into it as well.
5. New Puppy Care
Proper nutrition, training, vet visits, socialization, health care, shelter, and love are all essential aspects of caring for your new puppy.
Training and socialization should be high priorities, as these are places where many new dog owners struggle. Enrolling your pup on a training class is a wonderful way for a new owner to learn the best practices for their pup. And you’ll get the chance to meet other dog owners.
Even those who aren’t strangers to dog ownership often provide inadequate training and socialization which comes back to haunt many. Enrolling your dog in a training class is the perfect way to solve both of these major issues.
Proper nutrition (i.e., specificity formulated) is essential as well, especially if you have a medium or large breed. The wrong food during their first two years of growth may leave them more susceptible to mobility conditions like hip dysplasia.
Bonus: New Puppy Anxiety
Whether it’s your first dog or your fifth, it’s perfectly normal to feel anxious when bringing a new pup into your house. There are lots of little things to learn, and you will undoubtedly miss something or mess up somewhere. It’s OK.
Don’t get discouraged because puppies are a handful. With time, training, and love, 99% of puppy issues are solved.
And remember that you’re likely not going to be the only one who is anxious. Whether you’re bringing an adult dog into your house or a puppy, they can get really nervous when discovering their new world. 3 days, 3 weeks, and 3 months are often the biggest milestones in a dog becoming adjusted to their new environment.
We talk about CBD oil above and its ability to help reduce anxiety. CBD is a great choice for helping older dogs become accustomed to their new surroundings. It can help you with your anxiety too!