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Being prepared to take care of your new dog can help you feel more confident bringing them home. If you know what to plan for or expect, focusing on building a lasting relationship with your pup can take center stage.
We’ve put together a guide to help set you both up for success — from tips for new dog owners to considerations for various situations. You’ll also get a glimpse at some of the expected costs of dog ownership and how dog insurance can help you manage them.
Whether you’ve had a dog before or you’re a first-time dog owner, there are a handful of things you can do to make sure their transition into your life goes smoothly.
Purchase items needed to take care of your new dog. These essential supplies can include:
Then, depending on your budget, you may be interested in buying things like a pet camera, training clicker, treat pouch, pet steps, or pet wipes. You might also consider making a trip to the store with your new pup to get things like toys, beds, and their new ID tag. Let them explore and pick out things they like!
Another essential you need is a veterinarian. If you don’t have one already, ask around, look at reviews online, or call different offices and ask for a quick overview of their practice. It’s important to look for a licensed vet, and if they’re not a 24/7 clinic, look for an emergency vet office, too.
It’s a good idea to pet-proof your home to help keep your new dog safe. Puppies aren’t the only ones who are curious — adult dogs can also get into mischief. Home decor items, stairs, cabinets, and trash cans are just a few items that can be enticing to explore. You may want to:
This can also be a good time to establish house rules for your new dog with those you live with. Decide where your dog’s allowed to go, who’s responsible for caretaking, your training expectations, and more.
Dogs do really well when structure and routine are built into their lives. Setting up a space that’s solely for them can help establish boundaries and help them feel safe in a new environment.1 If you’re using a crate, set it up where it won’t be moved around — a crate is meant to be a space your dog can retreat to and feel a sense of safety and security. Same with their beds. Set them up in designated places and teach your dog that’s their space to relax outside of a crate.
Choose a spot where your dog’s food and water bowls will stay. This way, from day one, your dog knows where to go for feeding time or if they’re thirsty.
All dogs are different. Even if you’re not a first-time dog owner, there’s no guarantee the food and caretaking measures you had for another dog are what’s best for your new pup.
Proper dog nutrition can be tricky. Feeding them the right food, in the right amount, at the right time may require some adjustments along the way. You’ll need to have some food for them when you bring them home, but a great question to ask during your pet’s first vet visit — after your vet has assessed their health — is what food and feeding schedule they recommend for your specific dog. Aside from food, make sure your dog has access to fresh, clean drinking water at all times.
Treats and chews can be helpful for training and enrichment activities. Look for safe, high-quality products, and be mindful of any dietary restrictions your dog might have. If you’re unsure where to start, ask your vet or a certified dog trainer for recommendations.
While it can be tempting to give your dog a little treat from your own plate, certain human foods can be toxic to dogs. Some to avoid giving your dog include:2
There are some human foods you may be able to give your dog as treats or as food toppers — like apples, unseasoned cooked turkey or chicken, plain rice, green beans, and sweet potatoes.2 Dogs can have food allergies, so keep an eye out for any signs of a reaction and get them to a vet if necessary.
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Different dog breeds require different levels and types of physical exercise. Even dogs within the same breed may have different exercise needs depending on temperament or health issues. Generally, it’s good to have at least one exercise or play session per day. Puppies, senior dogs, and dogs with certain health conditions may need more or less.3,4 Ask your vet for recommendations based on your dog’s specific condition and breed.
Being able to sniff, walk or run around, explore, and interact with the world stimulates your dog physically and mentally, which can aid in keeping pups healthy. It’s also a chance for dogs to release pent-up energy or anxiety and reduce boredom.4
Depending on your dog’s breed, they may need professional grooming or just regular bathing and brushing. Keeping your dog clean and well-brushed can help prevent matting, fleas, infections, allergies, and discomfort. Make sure to trim their nails regularly and you have some form of dental hygiene in place. It can also be a good idea to wipe their paws clean when they come inside.
At-home grooming and petting can also be an opportunity to bond with your dog. By using gentle and slow hand movements, you can provide comfort and build trust with your canine companion.5
Whether you prefer to do it yourself or enlist the help of a certified dog trainer, obedience training helps your dog understand how to listen and shows who’s in command. Training can also help your dog learn how to behave around other dogs, animals, and people, which could boost confidence and reduce anxiety or unwanted behavior issues.1 Puppies and older dogs can benefit from training using positive reinforcement, patience, and repetition.5
Socializing is a big part of dog training and learning the right behaviors. Walks outside, meetups, dog park visits, and doggy daycare are great ways to socialize. But not all dogs are great with socializing — it’s important to watch how your pup interacts with other animals and people. Depending on the age of your new furry family member, they may already have some behavior challenges. Take their sensitivities into account to keep everyone safe and happy.6
If your dog needs a little extra help when it comes to behavior and socializing, behavioral training — not just obedience training — with a certified trainer can be beneficial.
Creating a close relationship with your dog might be one of the best feelings for a dog parent. Between bonding activities and keeping up with vet care, let’s look at some ways you can practice responsible pet ownership.
Every dog is unique and has different ways they like to give and receive affection. Some dogs might love being smothered in hugs and swaddled in blankets, while others might like tummy rubs or a gentle pat on the head. Take time trying different types of affection and see what your dog responds well to. Look at their body language for clues about how they’re feeling.5
To create a strong bond, prioritize building trust — especially for dogs who might have had a hard past — and consistency.5 Don’t let quality time be something that happens once a month. Spend intentional time with them every day if you can, even for a short while. Caring for your pet is more than just nutrition, exercise, and vet care, it’s a chance to make memories that last a lifetime.
Consider the following when it comes to keeping your new dog healthy and happy:
Dogs can’t speak for themselves, and it’s your responsibility as their guardian to provide for them. Understanding your pup’s behaviors and needs can help ensure they’re feeling happy, safe, and protected.5
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Dogs can be susceptible to diseases and injuries depending on their breed, age, and lifestyle. It’s important to keep a watchful eye on your dog’s behavior. While they don’t always easily display pain or discomfort, you might notice small signs that are out of the ordinary for your pup. When you notice any, it’s a good idea to take them to your vet for a diagnosis and treatment.
Some of the common health issues your dog might need vet treatment for include:7,8
While some health issues might be easier to manage financially, some come with high vet bills and ongoing medical care.
Part of being a responsible owner is doing some financial planning around the costs you might expect to pay for your new companion. The costs of dog ownership include many different expenses, and could look something like:9
Adoption costs alone could range from $30 to nearly $5,000 or more, depending on where you adopt your pup from (e.g., a rescue, shelter, or breeder). But all of these costs are subjective when it comes to your specific dog. Their health condition, the medical care they need, their age, breed, and size, along with where you live, can all impact the cost of bringing home a dog and their ongoing care.9
On top of planning for regular care costs (like food, treats, training, or grooming), it’s a good idea to figure out how you plan to pay for vet bills. This could be by budgeting for them, setting aside money in a savings account for pet emergencies, or maybe purchasing a pet insurance policy to share the cost of unexpected — and potentially routine — vet bills.
Between unexpected vet bills, preventative measures, training for behavior challenges, or prescription food for dogs in need of a special diet, managing their health care could be overwhelming.
Pet insurance can be a great way to help you manage these types of pet health costs. MetLife Pet offers plans with reimbursements up to 90% on covered expenses.10 We also have an optional Preventive Care plan add-on that can help you cover certain preventive care and wellness expenses up to your selected benefit limit.
Getting your pet the best care possible shouldn’t be dictated by how much it costs. Dog insurance from MetLife Pet can help. Enroll your pup today and take advantage of our 0-day waiting period on accidents and Preventive Care benefits.11 Start with a free quote.
