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EXPECTATIONS OF A FIRST TIME DOG OWNER

Aug 29, 2024

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Bringing puppy home with puppy bed

Are you thinking about getting a puppy or dog for the first time? Before making a decision, it's important to consider certain factors. The following information will assist first-time dog owners in making the right choice for themselves.


  1. Questions to ask yourself:

    1. Why do I want a dog?

    2. Am I willing to commit 10-20 years to caring for the dog?

    3. Do I have time to feed, exercise, and groom the dog?

    4. Can I train/socialize my dog at least once a day?

    5. Am I willing to lose a few hours of sleep to take the dog to potty in the middle of the night or even a couple of minutes, multiple times a day to let them out?

    6. Do I have the budget for food, toys, medical bills, and other dog-related expenses?

    7. Is it just me responsible for looking after the dog? Will it be by itself for the majority of the day, a few hours, or at a daycare/boarding facility?

    8. Will I accept the consequences of my dog harming others or causing a nuisance in their surroundings?


If most of the questions were answered with a "Yes" or a definite affirmation, showing your preparedness to become a first-time dog owner, then you are starting on a positive note.


It's important to remember that being a first-time dog owner can be challenging and may not always be enjoyable. Here are the reasons why:



Reminder for first-time dog owners:


  • Typically, it requires approximately 3 months for a puppy or new dog to fully adjust and reveal their true personality. (Certain dogs may acclimate more quickly than others.)


  • When you get a puppy, certain breeds and sizes may not fully mature until they are 3 to 4 years old, and will continue to behave like puppies until that age.


  • Introducing a puppy into the family will disrupt the household's routine and atmosphere, as everyone adapts to a new addition and changes their habits.

    • Ex: No more leaving food around, keeping wires or objects away from a puppy’s reach, things will get destroyed by being chewed up or pooped or peed on. 


  • There may be occasions when things become challenging and the thought of giving up the puppy may arise. This is known as puppy/dog blues and can persist for up to a year or two.



  • Training a new puppy or dog will take time and patience. 

    • Some dogs are quick to learn, but some are more stubborn. (Ease into training by only doing 5-10 minutes of training each day)


  • Potty training can be tough.

    • Some puppies and dogs may not grasp potty training immediately. Certain dogs may still have accidents up to the age of 1 year, although others learn quickly. The key to successfully potty training them is consistency.

    • Ex: puppies from ages 8 weeks to 4 months need to be taken out every 30 minutes to an hour - after eating, waking up from a nap or sleep, and after playtime. (the time can be pushed further as they age - rule of thumb: for every month, add 30 minutes to an hour)


Potty Training Puppy


  • It is essential to build the confidence of a puppy or dog through socialization, as it significantly impacts whether some dogs end up being rehomed or surrendered.

    • Introduce them to different people, things, sounds, and environments!

    • If the puppy has not completed its vaccination schedule, you can carry it to explore the surroundings and interact with other dogs or children. Avoid letting it walk on the ground or meet other dogs until it has received at least the second shot. I recommend doing this promptly - on the day following the puppy's arrival, take it out carefully to introduce it to the world.


  • It's perfectly fine for the puppy or dog to be alone for a few minutes to a couple of hours. This can aid in fostering independence and confidence in them. 

    • If the puppy isn’t potty or house-trained, it should be confined to a room, kennel, crate, or playpen.


Puppy in crate


  • New puppies or dogs will need to be seen by the vet until approximately 1 year old then annually afterwards. (Depending on the vet and condition of the dog - it may be more or less.)



Having read the information, being a first-time dog owner may seem scary and overwhelming. However, don't be discouraged! We are here to offer guidance and knowledge to help you navigate this new experience and meet the needs of a first-time dog owner.


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