First-Time Dog Parent Tips: Your Complete Guide

If you’ve recently become a first-time dog owner (or are researching the decision), we know exactly how you’re feeling.

You’re overjoyed at the bundle of fur romping around your house and definitely considering upgrading your phone storage to hold all the photos you’re taking. But you’re also nervous about everything your new pup does—is their behavior normal? Are they OK? Were you really ready for this? And you’re tired—so, so tired.

Being a dog parent comes with a lot of responsibility, and if you’re embarking on pet parenthood for the first time, it may feel overwhelming.

Luckily, there are plenty of people who have had the same experience. They’ve been woken up in the middle of the night by whining; they’ve rushed to the vet’s office for something totally benign; and they’ve cleaned up their share of accidents in the process. But the best thing they’ve experienced? The absolute joy of having their dog become part of their family.

We asked other first-time dog parents to share some of the best advice they’ve learned on their pet parenthood journeys and sprinkled in some dog products that can help you make the most of your experience. Here’s what they had to say:

Tip 1: Don’t skimp on puppy-proofing

Even if your dog seems like they can handle being out of a crate or behaves well enough to be on their own—don’t let them fool you. Puppy-proofing your home is absolutely essential, says Emily Gibson, an account and editorial coordinator for a PR firm in Austin, Texas. She learned the hard way with her recently adopted 2-year-old dog, Otto.

“I didn’t really think I had to do too much puppy-proofing, but dogs have such a keen sense of smell and a never‑ending curiosity,” she says. “In the first week I had Otto, he claimed one of my stuffed animal dogs as his own, ate a few bobby pins, and got sick because he ate cut flowers off our table.”

Otto’s behavior prompted Gibson to make some changes to her habits and her lifestyle. She says the best thing pet parents can do is to double‑check the dog’s environment for safety hazards and read up on potential dangers.

“Make sure there is nothing on the floor that they can eat. Make sure anything you don’t want to be a chew toy is out of their reach, and do research on what plants and foods make dogs sick,” she says.

Our recommendation: Invest in a puppy gate or pen for your dog to keep them out of areas in your home where there may be harmful items.

Tip 2: Be prepared for unexpected expenses

Deciding to bring a dog into your home is a lifelong commitment, and you should be prepared for the expenses that come along with pet parenthood, including food and medical costs.

Kassandra Dassent, a personal finance expert based in Montreal, says that setting aside money for unexpected pet medical care is something she learned after bringing home her first dog, Riley.

“Riley first appeared to be in relatively decent health—although underweight on the day we adopted him,” she says. “In less than two weeks, we discovered he had a major ear and skin infection. This cost us hundreds of dollars in vet visits and medication.”

Dassent recommends that pet parents put money aside on a regular basis to be prepared when they’re hit with a surprise bill. She stresses the importance of determining whether you can take on the long-term financial responsibilities of a dog before welcoming your first pet home.

Our recommendation: In addition to understanding the costs that will come along with routine pet care (think of how expenses for food, toys, routine vet visits and the like may add up), research the cost of pet insurance that could help mitigate the cost of routine and/or unforeseen emergency expenses.

Tip 3: Make time to bond

Taylor Villanueva, a first-time dog parent who lives in Santa Clarita, Calif., never had a dog when she was growing up. So, when she and her sister adopted 2-year-old Simba from a shelter last April, it completely changed her life.

She says that it’s important for pet parents to make time to bond with their new companions.

“The most surprising aspect of having a dog is how quickly they can boost your mood. Giving Simba a little bit of attention will make me feel good in return because I know how much he relies on me,” says Villanueva.

Our recommendation: Explore ways to spend time having fun with your new pet. Try toys that get you both involved, a leash meant for running, or strengthening your bond through Petco Positive Dog Training courses.

Tip 4: Use common and consistent training cues

While you might think it’s fun to use different or cute cues to train your dog, Allison Baron, a public relations consultant based in Austin, Texas, recommends using basic cues from the start.

She used her own terminology when training her two Dachshunds, Tula and Otter, and says that it’s led to some confusion.

“When my dogs were first leash training, I’d tell them ‘slow’ instead of ‘heel,’ and that has worked fine when I walk them, but it’s confusing to other people when they walk my dogs,” she says.

Our recommendation: While having unique cues can be fun, and at times necessary for the safety of your dog, attending group dog training classes with your dog will help establish “standard” behaviors and cues. Classes will also give you an opportunity to practice these cues and behaviors with aid from a trainer while being around distractions like other dogs and pet parents.

Tip 5: Don’t panic over every little thing

Just like babies, dogs can’t communicate when something is wrong. It is easy for new pet parents to jump to conclusions and think the worst. But Adam Muhlenhaupt, owner of a digital marketing consultancy in Philadelphia, explains that it’s important to stay calm and observe your dog closely so you’re aware of their normal behaviors and not always rushing to an emergency vet’s office.

He learned from firsthand experience with his 1-year-old Bernedoodle, Carson. “Every once in a while, paranoia sets in,” he says. “Dogs can’t speak, but if they could, they'd probably just say, ‘I'm good, man. No worries.’”

Keep a close eye on your dog to learn their body language and behaviors early on in your relationship. If something seems out of character or if you have concerns, call your veterinarian to discuss the situation.

If your dog seems sick, is acting differently than normal, or appears to be in need of medical attention, stay calm, gather your pet’s information, and visit your vet’s office or a local animal hospital. Getting worked up and upset does not make the situation better for you or your pet.

Our recommendation: Identify a veterinarian for your pet when you first welcome them home—or even before. Take your pet in for a first meet-and-greet and checkup where your vet can assess your dog, make sure they are healthy, and answer any of your questions about what is “normal.” By building a relationship with your vet and keeping your dog consistent on their checkups, you’ll be more at ease about their wellness and confident in detecting when something may be awry.

Still have new-pet questions? Try visiting a shelter in your area where staff and volunteers can share more specifics about caring for a dog—you may even be able to volunteer some of your time to experience it for yourself. If you’ve welcomed your first dog home recently, a Petco store partner can help you find the right supplies for your newest family member.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to share a life with a dog in the first year? First-year costs for a new dog typically include adoption or purchase fees, spay/neuter surgery, vaccinations, a wellness exam, food, supplies (crate, leash, collar, bowls, bed) and training classes. Estimates vary widely by dog size, location and health status, but many pet parents spend $1,000–$3,500 or more in year one — and that figure can climb significantly if unexpected medical needs arise. Building a dedicated savings fund and researching pet insurance before bringing your dog home can help cushion surprise bills. Always consult your veterinarian to build a realistic first-year wellness budget for your specific dog.

What supplies do I need before bringing my dog home? Before your dog's first day home, gather these essentials: a properly fitted collar with ID tags, a leash, a crate or exercise pen for safe confinement, food and water bowls, age-appropriate food that meets AAFCO nutritional standards, a dog bed or blanket, waste bags, grooming basics (brush, nail clippers), and a selection of chew-safe toys. Puppy-proofing your space — removing toxic plants, securing trash cans and storing small objects out of reach — is equally important before your dog arrives. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control

What foods and plants are dangerous for dogs? Several common household items are toxic to dogs, including grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (found in sugar-free gum and some peanut butters), chocolate, macadamia nuts and certain cut flowers and houseplants such as lilies and sago palm. If you suspect your dog has ingested something harmful, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center immediately — do not wait for symptoms to appear. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control

How do I choose the right food for my dog? Dogs are omnivores, so they thrive on a nutritionally complete and balanced diet. Look for a product that carries an AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement on the label, which confirms the food meets established nutrient profiles for your dog's life stage (puppy, adult or senior). Your veterinarian is the best resource for a personalized recommendation based on your dog's breed, size, age and health status. https://www.aafco.org/consumers/understanding-pet-food/ https://wsava.org/global-guidelines/global-nutrition-guidelines/

When should I call the vet versus waiting to see if my dog improves? Call your veterinarian promptly if your dog shows any of the following: vomiting or diarrhea lasting more than 24 hours, loss of appetite for more than a day, lethargy or unusual behavior, difficulty breathing, suspected ingestion of a toxic substance, limping or signs of pain, or any symptom that feels "off" from your dog's normal baseline. When in doubt, a quick call to your vet's office is always the right move — they can help you decide whether an in-person visit is needed. Building that relationship early, ideally with a meet-and-greet visit before any health concerns arise, makes these judgment calls much easier.

How much of my dog's diet should be treats? Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog's total daily caloric intake. Exceeding that amount can throw off the nutritional balance of an otherwise complete diet and contribute to unwanted weight gain over time. Ask your veterinarian to help you calculate your dog's daily calorie needs so you can portion treats appropriately. https://www.aafco.org/consumers/understanding-pet-food/

This article was created with assistance from AI tools and reviewed for accuracy by Petco's content team.