Are you a first-time dog owner? Here is what you need to know

So, you have finally brought home a dog. Congratulations, you have entered the realm of awesomeness. But as a first-time dog owner, it can be an overwhelming experience because you don’t know a thing about dogs or how to take care of them. It can be scary for both you and the dog.

Well, it is natural to feel a little anxious. You may get upset that your dog is showing signs of fear and is always hiding. Let give him some time to acclimate to your house and surroundings, and while you are at it, go through this informative guide that is specially designed for first-time dog owners.

In this ultimate guide, we have discussed some tips and tricks for new dog owners to make the experience a little less overwhelming.

#1 Learn about the dog breed

The first thing you should do before you bring home the dog is learning about its breed. There are numerous dog breeds out there, and each breed is special in its own way. Dogs cannot be easy. They must be trained; else, you will be dealing with a spoiled brat. In order to raise the dog or pup the right way, it is important that you gather all the information you can find about your fido.

From what foods they prefer to what are their training needs, are they good with children and other dogs, how much exercise will they need, and more, you will have to research a lot. This is vital because it will allow you to meet your dog’s basic needs as well as allow you to ensure this particular dog is first for your house. You can always search the internet or ask other dog owners about their experience of owning a pup.

#2 Find a reliable vet

Every pup needs a great veterinarian. Before you bring home the pup, make sure you visit the vet first and get your dog inspected and get him all the necessary vaccinations. The vet will help you a lot in getting information about the dog, check its health, and educate you about how to be a good dog dad or dog mom.

In short, the vet will guide you through the world of dog ownership. He/she will recommend the best dog foods, best bathing products, best toys, and when to get the next vaccinations, among other things. Also, it is always handy to keep your vet’s number always with yourself because you never know when your dog might act strangely.

#3 Stock up on necessary dog supplies

Now, depending on the dog size and breed you have, you have to make a list of things that you should bring in. Your dog is going to need all kinds of stuff from toothpaste to toothbrush, winter clothes, a doggy bed, crate, dog pool, food and water bowls, leash, collar, medications (if prescribed), bathing essentials, and more. It is just like you are having a baby. Always go with the quality product.

If you find that things are expensive, you can try online. There are some great online stores that sell pet supplies at reasonable prices. Or you can also consider bringing home supplies in installments, like bringing home the essentials first and slowly adding to the supplies as per your convenience.

#4 Start with training and exercise

Every fast dog breed needs training and the best time to give training is when it is still a pup. Pups are easy to discipline, and they catch up commands quickly. Training gives the dog a sense of structure and helps you control your dog in any situation. Untrained dogs tend to cause a lot of chaos inside the house. For example, if you bring home a Great Dane, they have the tendency to hop on humans with their front legs.

Now, imagine if you have a child at home. A Great Dane hopping on your child is a serious injury risk. While they do it to show their love, this behavior must be contained with proper training. Similar to this, your dog will need to learn to react to particular commands. Training pups is easy, and with some YouTube videos and delicious treats, you can do that. Nevertheless, you can also hire a professional dog trainer

#5 Spend quality time together

Do you know dogs can suffer from separation anxiety? Yes, it is a lot common in dogs. So, you have to schedule your time in a way that you don’t spend too much time with your dog, nor you leave your dog alone for prolonged periods. Always staying with your dog will make him grow attached to yourself even more. So, if you are not there for even a minute, this can make your dog anxious.

If you live alone or everyone in your house goes to work, make sure that you have another pet like a dog or cat as a companion. Or you can invest in some quality toys and a good crate. A crate can be of great help if your dog has separation anxiety. Whenever your dog feels anxious, he can get inside the crate. A confined space can relax your dog. Talk to your vet about the possibilities of your dog having separation anxiety.

Final Words

These are the most prominent factors that you need to keep in mind if you are a new dog owner. The rest, you will learn with time and experience. Bringing home a dog is a big responsibility. So, everyone in the house has to play their part in taking care of the dog.

The primary factor that keeps the majority of dog lovers from bringing home a furry friend is ‘space.’ People living in apartments and cramped quarters think that they won’t be doing any justice to their fido friend if they cannot provide them with ample space. While it is true that active dogs like German Shepherd, Husky, Russell Terrier, etc. need enough space to roam around and play, there are dog breeds that would be more than happy to live with you in a tiny apartment.

So, if you always wanted a dog and the thought of less space and apartment living was bugging you, keep them aside because we are going to help you choose the perfect dog that will be a happy apartment dweller.

Let’s get started.

#1 French Bulldogs

Frenchies top our list as the best apartment dog. Over the years, the popularity of French Bulldogs has skyrocketed, especially among the metropolitan millennials. This is because they like to spend most of their time relaxing on the sofa rather than roaming around the house and being curious about the outside world.

Even a brisk 30-minute walk is enough to keep the Frenchies in shape, and they don’t ask for much. They are fantastic with children, and they don’t often bark (a boon to the neighbors). However, they thrive for human contact all the time. So, they may suffer from separation anxiety if you happen to be not around for a prolonged period.

#2 Pug

A pug has all the attributes to be a perfect apartment dog. From the size to temperament and exercise needs, they will just sit around and watch the birds through the window. As long as you provide them with delicious food, they won’t bug you much. They are basically four-legged couch potatoes. They love eating food.

However, they cannot tolerate extreme temperatures. So, whether it is hot or cold, make sure the temperature is managed. Please bear in mind that like Frenchies, pugs are also very social. They like to meet new dogs and humans. So, if you want to bring home a pug, be prepared for the daily walks at the dog park.

#3 Greyhound

Surprised? You may be thinking, why’s the fastest dog in the world listed as one of the best apartment dogs. Well, as energetic and agile they sound, greyhounds truly like to lounge most of the day. While they do love running at warp speed, their favorite hobby is sleeping.

A good exercise session at the dog park and they are done for the rest of the day. You will most likely find them snuggled up on their dog bed watching you or the TV. This makes them perfect for apartment living. And the best part is that they don’t eat much. But it is necessary to provide them with nutrient-dense dog food that supports their muscles and bones.

#4 Dachshund

Dachshunds are excellent family companions. Their small size and not-so-bigger needs make them perfect for apartment living. They are active both indoors and outdoors and will keep themselves engaged for the most part of the day, exploring the house, watching over the window, and snuggling you on the bed.

Since they belong to the hunting breed, they do love some activities that involve other dogs or toys. So, taking them to the park is a must and also invest in some quality chew toys for them to play with. Most importantly, make sure that they have their separate space in your house, like a crate or a dog bed. They do love their personal space.

#5 Bichon Frise

If you have allergies, there is a hypoallergenic dog for you – Bichon Frise. These hypoallergenic dogs are utterly charming and often mistaken for poodles. If you live in an apartment with not that much space, this is an ideal dog breed for you. They are also show dogs as you can groom them into desired looks. They have a great temperament, are excellent around kids, and won’t ask for much.

You can train them with ease. This breed is highly intelligent and will only take up a little space on your couch. They love to be a part of everything you do inside or outside the house. Bichon Frises are incredibly curious. So, they might feel left alone if you do not make them take part in activities. A daily walk to the dog park is a must.

#6 British Bulldog

While they look all muscular and grumpy, bulldogs are lazy loungers. They don’t ask for much and are loyal. They don’t love exercise either, but you have to be vigilant when it comes to ensuring they move their joints and muscles thoroughly.

A half-an-hour stroll in the park will do the trick. Exercise is important for dogs, especially for bulldogs. This is because they are prone to joint diseases and diabetes if they lack enough activities. So, only bring them in if you can take them out for a good exercise.

Tips for raising a dog in an apartment

First and foremost, make sure that the dog is raised in the apartment. Don’t be careless and leave the door open. They can easily get lost and find it hard to get back home. Now, there are a few things to keep in mind when raising a pup in the apartment.

• Research the breed before bringing in
• Exercise often – if you cannot take them out, hire a dog walker
• Provide them with their own little space like a crate where they can feel relaxed
• Make training a priority
• Invest in some extra chew toys and other dog toys
• Add a balcony potty

Closing Thoughts:

So now you don’t need to worry about getting a furry friend while living in an apartment. The above-mentioned were a few dog breeds who are just the best for small spaces. You can choose any one of them. Also, the given tips will help you in raising your new companion without any hassle.

Dogs make such great companions. Many dog owners have a favorite breed, however, there are also numerous owners who just love dogs and will have different breeds. Perhaps you’ve decided to get a dog, but you just don’t know how to pick the right dog breed.

Factors to Think About

There are a number of factors that you need to think about before selecting a dog breed to join your family. You need to ensure that the breed you choose will fit in with your lifestyle, living arrangements, and family life.

Are you a first-time dog owner? If so, you will want to have a breed that is relatively easy to take care of, such as a Labrador Retriever or Golden Retriever. Some breeds, such as German Shepherds and Rhodesian Ridgebacks, might be a bit much for a first-time dog owner as they tend to need more time with training and need a strong leader.

What is your living situation? Do you live in an apartment or a house? If you live in a house so can take dog breed that can  run fast. If you live in an apartment you will want to ensure that you have a dog that doesn’t need a lot of room to roam throughout the day. Small dogs like Yorkshire Terriers and Chihuahuas are great if you don’t have a lot of space.

Do you have an active lifestyle? Or are you more of a homebody? If you are more of a homebody then you wouldn’t do very good with an Australian Cattle Dog, or any of the herding breeds as they have a lot of energy and need to have a lot of exercise and activity throughout the day.

There are some dog breeds that do ok during the day if you leave them to go to work, but there are many who don’t like to be alone for long periods of time. Dogs can become anxious and this could lead to destructive, and other unwanted behaviors.