Exciting Tips for New Pet Owner 2025

So, you’re a new dog parent. Congratulations! Bringing a new dog into your home is an exciting and rewarding experience. Whether you have a playful puppy or an adopted adult dog, there are some important things you need to know to make this transition smooth for both of you.

These tips for new pet owners will help you understand the basics of dog ownership, including 13 helpful tips for new pet parents and a checklist to ensure your puppy has everything they need.

How to Be a Responsible Pet Owner

Owning a dog is a big commitment that requires time, patience, and lots of love. Whether this is your first pet or you’ve had dogs before, caring for a new dog can feel overwhelming. But don’t worry, this guide will help you get started on the right path.

But choosing the right wellness products for your dog doesn’t have to be difficult. With Pet Friendly, get a subscription box of the wellness products your dog needs to stay happy and healthy.

---

1. Learn about your new dog

A new dog can take many shapes and forms. Every pet is unique, and many factors play into how you’ll train and care for your new puppy. Consider starting a journal to keep track of your dog’s:

• Breed 
• Origin
• Age or birthday (estimated)
• Size and weight
• Past experiences
• Location
• Health issues
• Behaviors

If you’ve adopted an older dog, you may want to consider the behaviors they learned from a previous owner. And puppies are learning, growing, and changing all the time.

2. Seek out a good veterinarian

A credible veterinarian will help you ensure your dog lives a long and healthy life. Here are a few steps for choosing the right vet.

First, be clear about your pet care rules. Do you prefer to prevent issues before they start? Are you looking for more natural or holistic solutions? Do you plan to order medicine or food from the vet or search on your own?

Then, ask trusted friends or family members for recommendations. Make sure your preferences align with theirs and ask questions about how they handle emergencies, prescriptions, and even nutrition.

Lastly, meet with the veterinarian and their staff. Tour the office, ask questions, and bring your new pup for a visit.

3. Ensure their vaccinations are current

When dogs are young puppies, they will need a few different vaccinations within their first year. If you’ve adopted, fostered, or rescued a dog, you might need to meet with your vet to find out what they need.

Some common vaccinations for dogs include:

• Bordetella bronchiseptica
• Canine distemper
• Parvovirus
• Leptospirosis
• Rabies
• DHPP (covers distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, and parvovirus)

4. Check for health concerns

Beyond vaccines, your vet can also help determine a plan for:

• Neutering or spaying your dog
• Choosing the right flea and tick prevention
• Recommending local dog trainers and groomers

They can also administer certain tests to determine if your pet has any current or existing health conditions or allergies.

5. Prepare your home and yard

Like a newborn baby, a new pet is a big responsibility. Old or young, most dogs will spend a good amount of time getting used to their new environment. So, before adopting or purchasing a new pet, make sure your house (and yard) are puppy-proof.

• Remove clutter on floors and furniture that your dog could get into.
• Put food away in cabinets or far enough away to not be in reach of your pup.
• Secure electrical cords, appliances, and trash cans.
• Choose houseplants that are non-toxic to pets.
• Make sure to fence your yard and trim grass and shrubs.

6. Create a dedicated “dog zone.”

To ensure your dog feels comfortable in your new home, create a designated space just for them. This area will be great for training, sleeping, feeding, and playing.

Use baby gates to secure your pet in a clean, open area. Place potty pads down if your new puppy is still potty training or a soft bed and blankets to keep them comfortable. Be cautious about leaving chew toys with your dog unattended.

7. Pick nutritional dog food

There are many options when it comes to dog food today. From kibble to freeze-dried, it’s important to ensure your pet maintains a healthy appetite. But the right dog food depends on your pup’s life stage and past experiences.

New puppies go through a lot of change in their first few months. If you have a young puppy, your vet may suggest a diet just for them. These are packed with the right nutrients for growing into a big, strong, and healthy dog.

But if your dog is familiar with food, it’s a good idea to slowly transition to one that’s right for them.

8. Gather toys, treats, and supplies

There are a few essentials that you’ll need to collect before bringing your dog home. These include a dog bed, kennel or dog crate, and food and water bowls. But dogs need lots of activity and stimulation. As you begin training, there are a few things you need for your new pup. Here’s a quick list:

• Chew toy(s) for teething puppies
• Interactive dog toy(s) puzzles and balls
• Lots of training treats on hand
• Sturdy leash and harness for walking
• Adjustable collar for your dog’s tags
• Brush for combing / removing dog hair                       
• Trimmers for your dog’s nails
• Toothbrush and gel
• Enzyme cleaner for accidents
• Anti-chew spray
• Water bottle or clicker for training
• Poop bags for pet messes

9. Know how to groom your pet

Each breed has unique requirements for grooming. Most breeds can last about 6–8 weeks in between grooming. But you may need a quick bath or damp washcloth after muddy adventures.

Consistent grooming ensures your dog stays healthy and free of pests, infections, and more. Pay close attention to your dog’s skin, eyes, ears, fur coat, nails, and paw pads.

10. Select the right pet care products

As pets age from puppies to older dogs, their pet care will also evolve. Great pet parents stay up on their pet’s medications and daily routine. Here are a few necessary pet care products for new dogs.

Flea and tick protection

Your furry friend can pick up all kinds of pests from other pets, doggy daycare, and more. The right flea and tick treatment includes certain active ingredients. Look for a formula that kills and repels ticks, mosquitoes, lice, and all life cycle stages of fleas.

Heartworm prevention

Heartworm prevention requires a prescription from a vet in addition to some blood work. There are more options out there, but the best cover all life cycle stages of roundworms and hookworms.

Multivitamins and supplements

Your dog deserves the best, but they might not be getting all the nutrients they need to stay healthy. Many dogs (especially bigger dogs) need help in a few different areas.

Dog supplements are a convenient way to pack in the vitamins and minerals your pet needs. Find one that covers indications like skin and coat health, hip and joint support, gut and digestive support, and general immunity.

Dental care

One common misconception about dogs is that if they are good chewers, then their teeth are good to go. But dogs need help with their teeth to prevent dental disease just like people. There are many dental products out there, so find one that works for your dog and be consistent!

11. Start training your dog

You’ve heard the phrase, “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” But that isn’t always true. Dogs are smart animals who are capable of learning and developing their brains throughout their lives. Here are a few tips for each life stage:

1 to 6 months	6 months to 1 year	1 year or more
House & crate training	Socialization	Separation anxiety
Name recognition	New habits	General behavior
Basic commands	Long-leash, off-leash	Maintenance

12. Protect your pet

Like other valuable possessions, pets are a big part of your life.  Pet insurance is a responsible way to ensure they get the care they need to keep your pet safe. Most policies cover illnesses and injuries and can help you offset the cost of expensive prescriptions.

Some companies may offer pet insurance plans in a bundle with your other policies (like home or car). There are also lots of specialized pet insurance companies that even offer coverage for:

• Prescription food
• Microchip implantation
• Alternative therapies
• Behavioral issues

13. Socialize and set boundaries

Once you’ve created a safe place for your new dog to roam at home, it’s important to expand their habitats. This includes new people, pets, locations, activities, and experiences.

Socialization means introducing your dog to new things. Puppies need to socialize most, but all dogs can benefit from continuous training. This helps them with their interactions with strangers and strange environments.

With an adult dog, setting boundaries is a great way to ensure your dog knows who’s boss. Establish those guidelines early for:

• How you approach new people and vice versa
• Who can interact with your dog (e.g., young children)?
• Where you take your dog and when
  

---

Tips for New Pet Owners Wrap-Up

Welcome a new dog into your life is a rewarding experience that comes with its set of challenges and joys. By following these tips for new pet owners, you’ll create a loving, safe, and happy environment for your furry companion. Stay patient, be consistent, and cherish every moment your journey together is just beginning.

Read next: Simple Training Tips for a Well-Behaved Dog 2025