We heard you’ve got your very first dog! Congrats on that, by the way! Dogs are amazing companions and will quickly bond with you to give you an awesome friendship. But, as all new things do, getting a dog can come with a set of questions. No need to fret, though, as we’re here to help. We’ve prepared a few frequently asked questions that we (and other people) have noticed new dog owners seem to ask. We’re sure our list will answer at least one of the questions you have, so follow along with our list. 

What things should I buy for my new puppy?

You probably already have the basics in mind, but it never hurts to have a ready list to check. So here are some of the essentials you need even before bringing your dog home.

The list of things they may require is lengthy, but here are the most important to get you started: 

• Dog Bed & Blankets - keep him comfy
• Dog Collar - don’t forget the dog tag with essential information 
• Dog Leash
• Doggie pee pads (especially if you’re bringing home a puppy that’s not potty trained. 
• Food and water bowls  (and don’t forget the food - duuh, you’ll want to keep the pupper fed and happy)
• First Aid kit (you never know what your dog will be curious about trying once he gets there or what he’ll bump into, so you better be prepared.) 

Of course, this list is not exhaustive, but it does have the most essential of essentials. 

What should I know about my new dog? 

Once you’ve decided to get a new dog, especially if it’s your first one, you’re probably going to be very excited about it.  This is exactly why it’s important that you do your thorough research as every dog has their own unique personality and needs. So the first encounter, or even the first few weeks, might not be exactly what you had imagined. And that’s okay. Try to be flexible and adapt to your dog’s current needs. This will help you two form a bond that will become unbreakable in the end. Have lots of patience and low expectations and let things evolve slowly and in the right direction. 

What about the vet?

Ah yes - the dreaded vet! Your dog’s probably not going to be the biggest fan of the vet, but that doesn’t mean you don’t need to put in the best effort to research the best veterinarian you can find in your area. Make sure he or she has good credentials and at least some experience with your god’s specific breed. This way, you will know for a fact that the vet will be able to make the best recommendations in order to keep your dog healthy or to make him better in case he gets sick. 

Do some research

This step should be crucial before choosing the dog, but it’s welcomed at any stage in the process as well. Doing your research about your dog’s breed will help you better understand their needs and requirements. For instance, if you get a Border Collie or a German Shepherd for instance, you should know that these two are breeds that require a lot of excercise. They need both physical and mental stimulation to thrive. Whereas a breed like Bulldogs or Great Danes will be better suited for people who can’t do as much activity. 

Keep your dog in check

Remember to show your dog who’s the alpha in your newly formed pack. You don’t need to do this through fear though, but rather by reinforcing certain behaviours and a lot of training. Teaching your dog the basic commands is a must and so is making sure that your dog listens to you. During walks or social situations this type of knowledge and control will help you keep both your dog and everyone else involved as safe and happy as possible. 

So you see, things may need a bit more attention on your end, but once you’ve learned all of this, know that your experience will be a good wine and your life will change for the better once that dog arrives in your life. Enjoy every minute of this new adventure you’re embarking on with your new canine companion, as a lifelong bond gets created and you will have common experiences.