Tips for First Time Dog Owners: 10 Basics You Should Know!

So, you just became a first-time dog owner? Oh hooman… welcome to the chaos!

I’m Mochi—your fluff-coated guide through the jungle of squeaky toys, pee pads, and existential zoomies. So, buckle up, because I’ve got all the tips for first-time dog owners you didn’t know you needed!

1. What to Buy for a New Puppy Owner? Essentials for Your Furry Friend!

Cozy Dog Bed
Your pup needs a throne for all those dramatic naps. Bonus points if it’s softer than your couch cushions—because apparently, humans don’t need comfort.

Food & Water Bowls
Sturdy bowls, because spills happen. And they will happen… a lot. Your hardwood floor is not a slip ‘n slide, but your pup doesn’t care.

High-Quality Puppy Food
No mystery meat experiments, please. Your puppy deserves food that actually looks like it came from something edible.

Leash & Collar or Harness
To keep them alive on walks. Adjustable is key because tiny humans weren’t the only things that grow fast.

Puppy-Safe Toys
Chewable, destructible, and preferably more entertaining than your expensive shoes. Puppies have standards!

Chew-Proof Crate / Dog Crate
A safe zone for puppy tantrums and human sanity. It’s like their little apartment, minus the rent.

Puppy Pads or Poop Bags
Because accidents happen, and you will need a front-row seat to the great indoor mess-making show.

Grooming Kit
Brush, comb, dog toothpaste… or just embrace the fur tumbleweeds rolling across your living room like a fluffy apocalypse.

ID Tag & Microchip
In case they decide to audition for “Escape from the Backyard: The Sequel.” Safety first, drama second!

Treats for Training & Bonding
The bribe that actually works. Your puppy isn’t ignoring you—they just have very high snack expectations!

Puppy-Proofing Advice for First-Time Dog Owners

Before I officially moved in (I mean… took over the place), my humans had to make some changes. Think of it as baby-proofing, but for a fur missile with zero impulse control — and avoid the common mistakes new dog owners make while you’re at it.
To get started, try this:

✔️ Wrap up those tasty-looking cords because puppies think they’re spaghetti.
✔️ Ditch poisonous plants. For example azaleas, lilies, philodendrons, dieffenbachia, and oleander. Some greenery is just asking for trouble.
✔️ Hide your socks, earrings, and paperclips — if it’s smaller than a tennis ball, it’s probably going in a puppy’s mouth.
✔️ Install baby gates. That way, your puppy won’t turn the toilet into their personal spa.

2. Daily Routine for New Dog Owners

One of the most important tips for first-time dog owners? Keep a routine. Predictability is our comfort zone. When we know what’s coming next, life feels a whole lot less scary (and a lot more nap-friendly).
So, if you’re just starting out on this wild puppy adventure, here’s a rookie daily schedule (and don’t forget to check out puppy breeds that are easy to train if you’re still choosing your new furry friend).

Routine = calm dog. Random chaos = couch shredded.

3. Puppy Feeding Tips for First-Time Dog Owners

Food is serious business. So please, don’t feed us weird brown nuggets full of mystery dust.

Here are a few advice for new dog owners on feeding your tiny fluffball safely.

• First of all: real meat as the first ingredient (chicken, beef, salmon—yum).
• Next, healthy fats for coat and brain.
• Also, no unpronounceable chemicals (seriously, what is butylated hydroxy… something?).
• And finally, Proper levels od protein & calcium.

Read Puppy Food Labels Like a First-Time Dog Owner Pro

If “meat by-product meal” shows up first, run. Seriously — unless your dream dinner includes mystery organs, beaks, or „unidentified poultry parts,” that’s not something you want your pup living on.

The first ingredient on the label should be something you’d feel okay tossing on your own plate (okay, maybe not raw, but you get the idea). Think real chicken, beef, lamb — not „animal digest” or „meat derivatives,” which sounds more like a science experiment than a recipe.

Here’s a simple rule:
If you can’t pronounce it, Google it. If Google cringes, pick a different bag.

Best Puppy Food for Your Puppy’s Size and Breed

Tiny fluffballs ≠ large breed wolves. Their dietary needs are as different as a teacup poodle and a Great Dane in a tutu (see our guide to the best large dog breeds for families if you’re considering a bigger pup).

Small breed puppies have lightning-fast metabolisms — they burn calories like toddlers on espresso. They need energy-dense food in smaller portions to keep their tiny engines running without crashing into a nap pile every hour.

Large breed puppies, on the other paw, grow fast — but feeding them like small dogs can lead to too much growth too quickly, which increases the risk of joint issues and long-term health problems. They need specially balanced formulas with controlled calcium and phosphorus levels.

In short:
Feeding all puppies the same is like giving a toddler and a linebacker the same lunchbox. One’s getting hangry, the other’s getting orthopedic surgery.

Expert Advice for First-Time Dog Owners – Ask Your Vet!

Gut health isn’t a DIY project! You can’t just wake up one day, toss a new brand of food in the bowl, and expect your pup’s tummy to throw a party. That’s a one-way ticket to Gas City… or worse

Switching dog food too quickly can lead to upset stomachs, diarrhea, vomiting, and a very unpleasant morning surprise on your rug. Instead, follow the golden rule of gradual transition: mix the new food with the old over 7–10 days, increasing the ratio slowly.

Not sure which food to switch to?
Ask a vet, not your neighbor’s cousin’s dog walker. Every pup has different needs, and your vet knows best how to avoid turning dinnertime into digestive drama.

4. Training Tips for First-Time Dog Owners

Training = bribery with structure. Let’s be honest: most dogs aren’t ignoring commands out of spite — they’re just not impressed by your “sit” unless it comes with a little… incentive. We’re talking chicken jerky, liver bites, or that high-value treat you swore was “only for special occasions.” To keep things effective, keep training simple:

–> Simple Puppy Training Commands That Work

Keep it simple, no need for a Shakespeare play. Dogs get confused by long speeches—say it quick and clear!

–> Reward-Based Training for Puppies

Reward your dog with a treat every time they do it right. It motivates them and speeds up learning.

–> Short Puppy Training Sessions for Maximum Focus

Training doesn’t need to be long—5 to 10 minutes is perfect to keep your pup’s attention and avoid boredom (and skip the common training mistakes new owners make).

–> Consistency in Puppy Training

Always say commands the same way and hold a tasty treat to help your dog associate the command with a reward.

Dogs thrive on clear expectations and positive reinforcement. That doesn’t mean we’re slow learners — it just means motivation matters. Think of it as a deal: “You do the trick, you get the snack.” Simple. Effective. Delicious.

Bonus? Once a pup starts associating good behavior with rewards (treats, praise, or play), the habits start to stick — and you’ll soon need fewer bribes

5. How to Socialize Your Puppy Safely

Socialization is all about taking it slow and steady—no need to throw your pup into the dog park chaos right away. And be prepared for small accidents with a dog first aid kit! Start with chill, quiet walks near calm, friendly dogs. No zoomies, no barking contests—just peaceful sniffing sessions. When a weird noise or spooky shadow shows up, whip out a treat like you’re bribing a tiny emotional support gremlin (because honestly, that’s exactly what your pup is). The goal? Make “new” feel safe, not scary.

As time goes on, let your furry friend explore at their own pace. No dragging or rushing—think of it like watering your favorite houseplant. With patience, that shy pup confidence will bloom into a bold, tail-wagging superstar ready to take on the world (or at least the neighbor’s cat).

6. Grooming Tips for First-Time Dog Owners

Sure, looking like a show dog is great, but regular grooming does more than boost fluff appeal. It keeps skin healthy, coats tangle-free, and helps spot weird bumps or bugs early. Oh — and let’s not forget the biggest win: less stink. Because no one wants to cuddle a pup that smells like week-old socks.

So, what can you do?

Puppy Brushing Tips for a Healthy Coat

Got a fluffy friend like me? Then grab that brush, because daily grooming is your first line of defense against mats and tangles rolling across your floor like it’s the Wild West.

Long-haired breeds (goldens, doodles, and glorious spaniels) need that daily brush-out to keep things smooth, comfy, and knot-free — especially if you’re considering hypoallergenic dog breeds. Plus, it’s a great bonding time — and maybe your pup will stop trying to eat the brush after a few sessions. Maybe.

Short-haired pup? You’ve got it a bit easier. A good brushing once or twice a week should do the trick — just enough to whisk away loose hair, dirt, and mystery crumbs from under the couch. It keeps their coat shiny and your furniture slightly less… furry.

Trimming Puppy Nails Safely

When you start hearing that click-click-click on the floor, it’s probably time for a nail trim! Most dogs need it every 3–4 weeks. If nails get too long, it’s not just annoying — it can actually hurt. Long nails mess with how your pup walks and can make things uncomfortable. So keep those nails trimmed regularly to keep your furry friend happy and your floors safe!

Puppy Ear Cleaning Tips for Healthy Ears

Floppy ears? Super cute, but they’re like little moisture traps, which means they can get infections easier. So, check ‘em once a week. Look for red spots, yucky dark wax, or any funky smells that say “uh-oh.” When cleaning, use a vet-approved ear cleaner and skip the Q-tips—they just push stuff deeper and make things worse!

Dental Care Tips for Puppies

Yep, dogs get nasty plaque just like humans do. So, try to brush those teeth at least 2–3 times a week at minimum (daily is even better). Just make sure you’re using a doggy toothbrush and toothpaste made for pups (no human stuff, please!).

You can also throw in some dental chews or add water additives to their bowl to help out, but let’s be real—nothing beats a good old-fashioned toothbrushing session.

Always end grooming with a treat, a cuddle, and a few photos of how ridiculously cute we are, because grooming without bribery is illegal.

7. Mental Stimulation & Playtime Tips for Puppies

Remember, a bored dog is a destructive dog. I once chewed a corner of the couch out of sheer boredom — sorry, not sorry! When there’s nothing to do, we get creative… and not in a good way. So, keep us busy with

1. Snuffle mats and puzzle feeders
2. Hide and seek with treats
3. Walks with lots of sniff time
4. Fun tricks like “spin” or “give paw” to make us feel smart
5. Playdates with other dogs
6. Rotate toys to keep things fresh
7. Interactive play with laser pointers or bubbles

Tired dog = good dog. It’s basic math.

8. First Vet Visit: What First-Time Dog Owners Should Know

We don’t exactly love the vet, but hey, it’s gotta happen. For your pup’s first visit, pack some treats—it’s the secret sauce. Stay chill yourself, no need to freak out. Remember, we’re the brave ones sitting on that cold metal table!

The vet’s gonna poke and prod: shots to keep nasty bugs away, a microchip so we don’t become “lost dog” stories, plus flea and tick stuff so we don’t turn into scratching machines. Oh, and deworming — because worms are NOT the fun kind of pet.

Ask about how much food your pup really needs, and seriously, think about pet insurance (our dog age chart can also help you understand care by age). We’re gonna eat something weird at some point — maybe your sock, or that weird thing under the couch…

To keep the whole experience stress-free: get your pup used to the carrier and car rides early—short, fun trips around the block help build positive associations. Regularly touch your puppy’s paws, ears, and mouth in a calm way so they get used to being handled during the exam. Bring favorite treats and toys to the vet, and most importantly — stay calm and confident. Puppies pick up on your vibes!

Scheduling a “meet and greet” visit with the vet can build trust, and if your pup is nervous, products like dog-appeasing pheromone sprays or calming collars can help them feel more at ease.

Make sure to set up regular check-ups!

9. What to Buy for a New Puppy: Dog Bed & Safe Space

Dogs need space. Not just any space — we’re talkin’ soft, squishy, snuggly space. Preferably located in a warm sunbeam that hits the floor just right around 2 p.m. That’s prime real estate.

The bed itself? Totally depends on our drama level. Some pups curl up like tiny croissants — donut beds, please. Some prefer to disappear into cozy caves for maximum introvert vibes. And then there are the sprawlers… we need orthopedic thrones to support our royal limbs in full stretch-mode.

But the setup isn’t just about the bed. Toss in a fluffy blanket, a well-loved toy (preferably one missing a face), and — most importantly — an old T-shirt that smells like you. Eau de Hooman is our favorite scent in the world. Calming, comforting, and way better than lavender.

Oh, and placing the bed near you at night? 10/10 would recommend. You sleep better, and we get to gently stare at you while you dream. Romantic, right?

10. How to Be the Best Dog Owner: Building a Strong Bond With Your Dog

Follow these tips for first-time dog owners and enjoy happy zoomies, belly rubs, and zero mystery chewing. It’s not about watching 37 hours of expert training videos or buying a collar that syncs with NASA. Seriously, we don’t care if our gear has Bluetooth—we care if you’re sitting on the floor with us tossing a slobbery toy for the hundredth time like it’s the finals of the Puppy Olympics.

What really matters? Time. Attention. Belly rubs.
Just show up. Every day. Rain or shine, busy or bored, even if your coffee hasn’t kicked in yet. We don’t need a dog whisperer — we need our person. The one who celebrates when we finally „sit” instead of jumping like a popcorn kernel. The one who uses their serious adult voice to say things like “who’s a good baby?!” in public (yes, we noticed).

Talk to us like you do your bestie.
Sure, we don’t understand all the words, but tone? Vibes? Treat crinkle sounds? Oh, we get it. And when you say “I love you, fluffbutt,” our hearts basically explode.

Snuggle like there’s no tomorrow.
Not just for us — but for you too. Studies (and dog noses) prove that cuddling your dog boosts serotonin, reduces stress, and may even lower the risk of punching a printer at work. We’re emotional support potatoes. Use us wisely.

And here’s the best part:
You don’t have to be perfect. You don’t need to know every command, follow every rule, or own aesthetic dog gear that matches your living room. We just want you. The slightly chaotic human who knows where the treats are stashed, who sings us made-up songs about our ears, and who makes time for one more walk, even when the couch is calling.

That’s how you raise a great dog. With love. With time. With snacks.
Mostly snacks.

Now, seriously…
Where’s that treat you promised?

Mochi’s Bonus FAQ for New Dog Owners: Questions You Didn’t Know You Had

Alright, hooman — duty calls. Gotta go bark at absolutely nothing for 10 minutes straight.

Sniff ya later!

~ Mochi ~