First Time Dog Owner Guide: My Personal Experience and Complete Tips

When I purchased my Shih Tzu last year, I was so confused about what to get, how to care, and what routine to follow. I searched endlessly online, but most articles only covered the basics. There was no single detailed guide that could actually prepare me for the daily challenges of being a first-time dog owner. That’s why I decided to write this first time dog owner guide for you all so that I can share everything I wish I knew back then.

This guide covers the essentials: what products to buy, how to train, what routines to set, and even which breeds are easier or harder for beginners.

Preparing Your Home for a Puppy

Before you bring your puppy home, get your house ready:

Remove toxic plants and cleaning supplies from reach.
Hide wires and secure cabinets.
Create a cozy corner with a soft bed, bowls, and toys.

I made the mistake of not puppy-proofing early, and within the first week, my Shih Tzu chewed on charging cables and slippers. Trust me, prevention saves a lot of stress.

Puppy Care Guide for the First 60 Days

The first two months are the most delicate. Puppies are like babies—they need proper food, hygiene, and sleep.

Feeding: For 45–60 days, feed puppy cerelac or starter feed as suggested by your vet. After that, move to puppy kibble or wet food.
Potty training: Use potty training sprays and pet sheets in the same spot daily. Praise them every time they use it correctly.
Routine: Puppies need 16+ hours of sleep, multiple meals a day, and small play sessions.

When I first brought my Shih Tzu home, I didn’t know about pet sheets. The result? Accidents everywhere. Once I added sheets and spray, things got 10x easier.

Essential Products for First Time Dog Owner Guide

Every new owner asks: what do I actually need? Here’s my tried-and-tested list:

Absorbent pet sheets for accidents
Puppy cerelac or starter feed for the first 45–60 days
Puppy food (kibble or wet food) for growth
Potty training spray to teach bathroom habits
Food and water bowls
Comfortable bed and blanket
Chew toys to reduce teething damage
Grooming brush and nail clipper

Start with these, and you’ll have 80% of your daily needs covered.

Dog Training Basics and Socialization

Training is the foundation of a well-behaved dog.

Start with sit, stay, and come.
Use rewards like treats or toys.
Keep sessions short but daily.
Never punish—patience works better.

Also, socialize early. Take your dog to meet people, see other pets, and explore new environments. My Shih Tzu was aggressive at first, but with regular park visits, he became much more friendly and confident with other dogs as well as humans.

Establishing a Routine

Dogs feel secure with a schedule. Plan fixed times for:

Walks and bathroom breaks
Meals
Play and training
Rest

A clear routine reduces anxiety and prevents behavior problems.

Grooming and Health Tips

Health is more than just feeding.

Brush your dog’s coat regularly to avoid tangles.
Clean ears weekly and brush teeth often.
Trim nails once a month.
Visit the vet for vaccinations and check-ups.

For my Shih Tzu, grooming is almost daily because of their long coats. If you pick a breed with heavy grooming needs, be prepared for that commitment.

Managing Separation Anxiety in Dogs

The first time I left my puppy alone, he barked non-stop and chewed my shoes. This is common & it’s called separation anxiety.

Always get a puppy at least 35 to 40 days old.
Start with short absences and build up.
Leave toys or treats to distract them.
Don’t make a big scene when leaving or returning.

Over time, your dog learns to feel safe even when you’re not around.

Best Breeds for First Time Dog Owner Guide

Not all dogs are equally beginner-friendly. Some breeds are easier to train, more adaptable, and less demanding. Others may be aggressive, stubborn, or require intense grooming and exercise. Here’s a simple comparison:

Breed	Good for First Time Owners?	Temperament	Grooming Needs	Weather Suitability	Training Ease
Labrador Retriever	✅ Yes	Friendly, loyal	Moderate	Adapts well	Easy
Golden Retriever	✅ Yes	Gentle, social	Moderate	Adapts well	Easy
Shih Tzu	✅ Yes	Loving, calm	High (daily)	Better indoors	Moderate
Beagle	✅ Yes	Playful, curious	Low	Warm to moderate	Easy
Pug	✅ Yes	Affectionate	Low	Indoor, avoid heat	Easy
German Shepherd	❌ Not Ideal	Protective, intense	Moderate	Cold climates	Hard for beginners
Siberian Husky	❌ Not Ideal	Energetic, stubborn	High	Cold only	Very hard
Rottweiler	❌ Not Ideal	Strong, aggressive	Moderate	Cold to moderate	Hard
Chow Chow	❌ Not Ideal	Aloof, stubborn	High	Cold only	Very hard

If you’re a first time dog owner, stick to friendly, trainable breeds like Labs, Goldens, Pugs, Shih Tzus, or Beagles. Avoid Huskies, Rottweilers, or Chow Chows unless you’re ready for advanced training and commitment.

Common Mistakes New Dog Owners Make

Overfeeding or giving human food
Skipping training sessions
Neglecting exercise and mental stimulation
Ignoring grooming needs
Not scheduling regular vet visits

I made some of these mistakes early, but learning fast made the journey smoother.

Conclusion

Being a first time dog owner is not easy, but it’s one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. With this first time dog owner guide, you’ll know what products to buy, what routines to follow, and which breeds are right for you.

Remember, patience, consistency, and love go a long way. Every small effort adds up to a lifetime of joy with your furry friend.

FAQs: First Time Dog Owner Guide

1. What is the best food for a puppy under 60 days?

Puppy cerelac or starter feed recommended by your vet.

2. How many times should I feed my puppy?

3–4 small meals a day for puppies, 2 meals for adult dogs.

3. What breeds are easiest for beginners?

Labrador, Golden Retriever, Pug, Beagle, and Shih Tzu.

4. How do I start potty training?

Use pet sheets and potty spray, take your puppy to the same spot, and reward success.

5. Can I leave my puppy alone all day?

No, puppies need frequent care. Gradually build independence to reduce separation anxiety.

Disclaimer: At PawWiki, we always encourage adoption over buying. Thousands of loving dogs are waiting in shelters and rescue centers for a forever home. While this first time dog owner guide shares tips for anyone welcoming a dog into their life, we strongly recommend visiting your local shelter or rescue first. Adopting not only gives a dog a second chance but also makes space for more animals in need.