D.O.G. - Dog Owners Guide

Getting a new puppy or dog can be full of endless excitement and surprises, but can also be intimidating for a first timer. You will not be a pro instantly and it is okay to have some ruff days. Remember practice makes perfect! To make this adjustment as smooth and of course fun as possible use the following tips to help start the process with your furever friend 🐶

Starting with the basics, what will your new pup need?

Bowls

Water

Make sure to refresh their water daily and check to make sure it is always accessible. This is key to making sure your pup is hydrated, especially after a long walk or during the hot summer months. 

Food

Deciding what kibble to give your dog can be overwhelming as there are so many different brands, sizes, flavors, and different nutrients in each bag. When you are adopting your dog you can stick with the food and brand they have been giving, or you can slowly wean them off to one of your choosing. Setting a routine where you feed them the same amount at the same time everyday helps create a habit that benefits everyone!

If you wish to ever give your pup a piece of human food make sure that it is safe for them to eat before treating them. Giving them the wrong piece of food can create complications and can even lead to an emergency visit to your veterinarian or animal hospital. You will pick up the hang of things they can/ can’t eat, but if you are ever unsure do your research! See below for a list of safe and unsafe foods from the American Kennel Club.

Collar/ Leash

Selecting a collar and leash can help keep your pet safe, but can also be a fun adventure for the both of you! There are so many different colors and patterns where you can express your personality or what you think your dog would like best.

Check out our custom matching collar and leash sets that are made to order with love, and can even be personalized ❤️ 

Not sure if your collar is a good fit? Once the collar is secured on their neck use the two-finger rule. Take your pointer and middle finger together and slide them in between their collar and neck. This is so important as you do not want the collar to be too tight or too loose!

Crate

Crate training is essential for giving your dog boundaries and a safe place while also creating less accidents around the house. When purchasing a crate make sure it is not too small, your dog should have enough room to stand up and turn around comfortably. Replace your crate accordingly or purchase one with a divider so your pup can grow into it. Having the right amount of space will eliminate your pup from using it as a potty area and will help speed up the process of housebreaking. Never leave your dog for hours in a crate, it will cause issues such as anxiety and will no longer be a safe place for your dog.

If you need to be away for a longer period of time, create a gated off area that your pup may leave its crate to stretch and move around without causing anxiety by being caged. Leaving a radio on or TV helps break the silence of being alone.

Comfy Bed or Crate Mat

Dogs can sleep from 12-18 hours per day so they need a dedicated comfy area where they can snuggle up. You’ll want to purchase a bed that is appropriate in size and provides comfort, while also choosing one that is accessible to easily clean. Many dog beds are spot clean only and this can make the lifespan of your pups bed short lived. Using a leakproof or fitted sheet from Pet-ticular Petz can help lengthen the integrity of your pet’s bed.

If you’re in search of a high quality, comfy bed for your pup check out our therapeutic pet beds- along with our form fitting ped bed sheets that are adjustable and easy to remove for washing! It’s a win-win for you and your pup 🐶

Dog Toys

Dog toys are a MUST and have more of a purpose than just to be thrown around or chewed up. They help relieve your dog from stress and anxiety, develop new skills, promote dental health, and help prevent destructive chewing of objects that shouldn’t be chewed around the house 😬

The toys should be appropriate in size to your pup and should avoid any objects that could easily become a choking hazard. 🎾 If your pup really loves stuffed toys- meaning they could rip it up in 5 minutes- be on the lookout that they do not decide to snack on the stuffing or squeaker. This can quickly lead to a harmful situation and if you are unsure about the situation call your vet.

Always supervise your pet with chew toys.

Training Treats

Positive reinforcement is the best and quickest way your dog will tell right from wrong. In the beginning when they are a puppy you want to start with treats when they have done what you asked, while also giving a vocal praise. As time goes on and they have picked up the command that you ask, you want to stick with a vocal praise or a nice pet. Constantly giving your dog treats each time will create a bad habit where they will expect one each time 🦴

Timing is key when rewarding your pup on something good they have done. For example, If you are teaching your pup to sit you want to reward them with a treat while they are still sitting. Being too slow or giving them a treat after the act they had accomplished is over will cause confusion and lead to slower learning.

When to reward your pup:

• Sit
• Stay
• Down
• Come
• No
• Leave it
• Drop it
• Kennel (This term can be swapped out for what you would like to call their crate)

You can even get really creative with commands to teach your pup some paw-some tricks 🐕 Some examples are provided below or you can even create your own. The paws-sibilities are endless!

Tricks

• Paw
• Roll-over
• Speak
• High Five
• Dance

Please note: These are only suggestions and Pet-ticular Petz will not be held responsible for you or your pet. Thank you for reading!