New Year, new you! In 2022, there was a lot to learn about owning dogs, from feeding to training. We’ve all grown a lot. Great job!
Below, I compile the big points a new pet parent should know before and after bringing a dog into their home in 2023.
Dogs are way more permanent than a New Year’s resolution—let’s help ensure you’re truly ready to adopt a furry friend.
Before Bringing a Dog Home
Research Your New Dog’s Breed
You’ll need to know your furry companion’s breed. As we’ve selected specific traits for our companions throughout history, humans have built up specific categories of dogs. There are herding dogs, working dogs, hounds, and terriers…
To do their intended jobs best, we bred for things like size and intrinsic traits. These traits could be vocalizations (think dogs that are hyper-vocal or baying dogs) or activity levels (a Malinois would demand more exercise than a Basset hound).
A new pet owner should be aware of the breed they’re bringing into their family. Having an idea of the needs genetics predispose them to will allow you to provide an environment catered to a happy and healthy dog.
That said, every dog is different and isn’t necessarily tied to their breed’s expected behavior—there are zoomie-filled labs just as much as there are couch potatoes.
So keep an eye on your dog! But remember this: an ill-behaved dog may just be an under-stimulated dog.
Research Dog Body Language
Basically, you need to get the basic ideas down. “Whale-eye,” “lip-lick,” and tail wags all have specific meanings that a new pet owner should be aware of. Learn how to read your dog’s nonverbal communication so you know when they’re asking for space, for affection, or only tolerating your antics. (My dog wrote that last one.)
It would be helpful to be proficient in dog nonverbal cues, however, you’re a new pet parent. You can’t be fluent so quick. Establishing foundations prior can allow you to pick up on a tense situation and respect your dog’s wishes.
Check out books, blogs, your local pet shop’s classes, or newsletters… The internet is all around you, too. There are plenty of certified professionals online who break apart dog body language, as well. One certified trainer I follow myself is on Tiktok, @fivebyfivek9. I know another in real life through my local pet store, where she teaches classes.
There are older TV shows as well, however, their philosophies have largely fallen out of line with more contemporary teachings. We have learned much more about how a dog thinks and communicates (yes, the “alpha dog” mentality if teaching is defunct).
When researching, pick certified and active trainers and classes so you have an idea of how to read your furry best friend.
Prepare your Home
There’s two phases you should go through when preparing your home to receive your new dog. “Put away” and “Provide.”
Put Away
If there’s anything you don’t want eaten, peed on, chewed on, dressed in dog hair, knocked over—put it away.
Think of personal belongings. Shoes and bags are a common victim of a dog’s curiosity. The corners of couches are prime for scent-marking. That one rug you really love? Perfect to throw up on. If your dog mess with it, it will happen.
In some cases, the reason for putting it away is beyond personal value. When a dog is able to get at chemicals like cleaning supplies or medication, it can kill them. It’s also pertinent you remove as much access to wires as possible.
Available online are some bite-resistant wire protectors for cords you simply can’t put away.
It may happen that your dog has no interest in those boring old things, and they’d rather be chewing on a stuffed toy. Awesome! But it’s better to expect the worst. Put away the dangerous stuff.
Provide
Give your dogs stuff to do when they get home.
Chews, dog food, toys, water bowls… Everything on a dog checklist. Certain things may need to wait (a harness that fits your dog around the neck and chest), but more universal items can be brought into your home.
You want everything to be ready so your dog can transition comfortably. Plus, providing your dog with enrichment will show them an acceptable avenue of entertainment. You’re basically saying “chew on this, not that.” Set your dog up for success.
Also… consider styptic pencils. There are dog medical kits that have important dog-friendly fixes, but many things can be found individually in larger amounts. Smaller kits are good to keep in cars or in case of emergency during travel.
It’s better to be prepared before an accident than to rush to the vet while your dog is hurt.
Make a Family Plan
An important aspect of dog-owning is consistency. If you’re attempting to teach your dog “leave it” but your family is tossing them treats left and right, your dog may get confused. They aren’t misbehaving, they’re simply receiving mixed messages.
Sit down with your family and discuss what everyone’s role is with the dog.
If your new pup is a family investment, then everyone should be involved with determining expectations. With everyone working together to train and exercise the new family member, you’re building an environment conducive to everyone’s growth.
If you’re getting a dog and your parents are insistent that you are taking care of it, or you have roommates or you’re co-parenting this dog, then be clear in what your intentions are.
Some items to discuss are who takes the dog out when, who cleans up after the dog, how the dog will be trained… and for those with children, be sure to explain how to appropriately pet and handle a dog.
(No choking, hair-pulling, petting the wrong way, getting up in their face, hitting, or giving them your legos even if you’re “sharing.”)
Establish A Routine and Stick to It
A routine will make your life easier.
Your dog will appreciate it to—as I said, consistency is key. Knowing what to expect every day will help in a less stressful transition for your dog, with the added benefit of keeping up with their needed exercise.
These routines also force you to schedule active bonding time with your pup. It doesn’t have to be physically active, as it encompasses mental engagement.
An example routine might look like:
AM
- Potty / play
- Walk
- Food
NOON
- Potty
- Hour of focused training session / play
PM
- Potty / play
- Walk
- Food
BEDTIME
- Outside one more time
- To crate
This may be different if your dog is a puppy and needs to be housetrained. In that case, going outside more times a day is best (timing dependent on age).
The outline above is also incredibly condensed; many people take the time to train whenever they’re interacting with their dog. I left it out for simplicity’s sake; but there’s always an opportunity to teach and enforce your dog’s repertoire of tricks.
After Bringing a Dog Home
Patience is a Virtue
Dogs can be nervous in an unfamiliar place. There’s new sights, smells, sounds, and not to mention possibly new people! It would make sense they’re overwhelmed.
No matter how cute and cuddly they are, be aware that you’re a stranger to them. They’ve likely only met you a few times before, after all. When you first get your dog—especially an adopted dog who may have had negative experiences in the past—try to get a feel for them first before diving into doggie hugs.
Don’t go straight to a dog’s face either. Let them have some space and approach you.
Of course, they are dogs, and dogs can be friendly. If they know people give pets, then they seek out your affection and comfort. In that case, they may be giving you permission to pet them… just be aware of body language at all times and don’t let it get to you if your dog wants some space.
They’ll likely sniff around and run themselves ragged. If they get overwhelmed, toss a treat or two into what you want their bed to be. If they choose to sleep somewhere else, though, moving them forcefully might not be the best idea.
For the first few days, you’re learning about one another! Appreciate that and play with your dog, but be aware they have boundaries too.
Pick Your Dog’s Dedicated Vet
Locate your local vet if you haven’t already. It’s also good to know where the closest emergency vet is as well, so you aren’t panicking trying to find it beforehand. See who around you is accepting new patients and schedule your first appointment (if you know enough about your adopted dog, you might be able to call in ahead of time).
Unless recent vet records are given to you at the time of adoption, it can’t hurt to do a check-up to make sure your pup is healthy and up-to-date with their vaccines.
My current vet is my emergency vet. It’s truly helped, as they have all my dog’s records on hand, like his medications and chronic ailments.
Some of these entities may be more costly due to their specialization, so that is something to keep in mind.
Ensure Vaccinations are Up-to-Date for Your Dog’s Age
If you’re adopting from a shelter, you should have records of vaccinations administered to your dog. If you’re buying from a reputable breeder, they should also test their puppies for their health and have their litter vaccinated at the proper age.
That said, as a new pet owner, you need to be aware of what shots they need and how often.
The core shots are generally administered at six, twelve, and sixteen weeks. Additional shots may be required either on a yearly basis or less. Ask your vet what they recommend in relation to your specific dog. They’ll be better equipped to answer the “how often” question!
Also check for procedures like neuters or spays. Sterilizing your dog and help limit organ- and hormone-related issues (such as prostate issues for male dogs or uterine infections in female dogs), and can improve bad behavior (like hormonal marking).
Your dog won’t miss their extra bits, and taking care of it early can save you extra treatments in the future.
Preventatives
Your dog will likely need heartworm and flea preventatives, which you can get directly from your vet. Getting that medication from them can be expensive, though, so you can also ask for a recommendation for a safe brand that you can get yourself, either online or in pet stores.
A vet can also help you pick out a diet suitable for your pet, as well—seriously, a dedicated veterinary clinic is indispensable. Find yours.
Pet Insurance
Don’t forget to shop around for pet insurance, too! They may help cover costs of medication, vaccines, check-ups, or surgeries.
Schedule a Training Class
If you’re a new pet parent, you likely don’t have experience training a dog. As I mentioned above—training is good for your dog, as it mentally stimulates them. They can’t read books or play video games like we do! Obedience can be fun and facilitates a healthy human-dog bond.
Without prior experience, it’s possible to feel intimidated at the prospect of teaching your dog. At times, it can be frustrating.
In my experience, frustration usually stems from miscommunication. You have expectations that the dog isn’t privy to, and they have their own thoughts, feelings, and desires.
You, as a new pet parent, need to be taught how to teach. A session with your dog and a trainer guiding you can help you both feel confident and heard, and reduce instances of confusion.
Professionals are also offering online advice and training sessions, for when you get more experienced but still need third-party support. Get it! There’s no shame in need help. Reaching out makes you a great pet parent.
Love them!
It may seem like a challenge at first, or a lot to take on—and it is. A dog is another living, breathing creature. Don’t let that new pet parent fear get to you, though.
Dogs are living, breathing creatures with a lot of love to give. We all make mistakes, and they’ll forgive you for your accidents as much as you will. You’re two beings growing together, and that’s something to be excited about.
Best of luck, best buddies.
Pet Parent Pointers 
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