First-Time Dog Owner? Here’s Your Essential Checklist

January 1, 2025

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A woman is holding a dog in her arms and smiling.

Getting your first dog is an exciting milestone, but it can also feel overwhelming as you navigate how to care for and train your new companion. You’ll need to learn how to meet their physical, emotional, and behavioral needs while establishing routines and setting boundaries. By focusing on clear communication and leadership, you’ll develop a strong, trusting relationship with your new furry family member.

Before Getting Your Dog

Preparation is key to making the transition to dog ownership smooth and enjoyable for both you and your new companion. Before bringing your dog home, there are several steps you should take to educate yourself, plan ahead, and create a welcoming environment. This preparation will set the stage for a strong start and a happy, healthy relationship with your dog.

Learn About the Dog

Before choosing a dog, take time to research the breed, age, and history of the dog you’re considering. Different breeds have different energy levels, exercise needs, and temperaments, so it’s important to find one that fits your lifestyle. Consider any potential health concerns associated with the breed or mixed breed, and ask about their history if they are a rescue—knowing their background can help you anticipate behaviors or challenges. Understanding these factors will give you a clearer picture of the care and training your future best friend will need.

Find a Veterinarian Near You

One of the first steps after deciding to get a dog is locating a reliable veterinarian. Routine check-ups, vaccinations, and advice on preventative care are essential to keeping your dog healthy. Look for a vet nearby with good reviews and experience with your dog’s breed or size. Establishing this relationship early will give you peace of mind if health issues arise.

Are They Vaccinated?

Vaccinations are a critical aspect of dog care, especially for puppies or dogs with an unclear medical history. Make sure your new dog is up to date on core vaccines like rabies, distemper, and parvovirus. If you’re adopting, confirm with the shelter or previous owner what vaccinations they’ve received. If anything is missing, schedule these with your vet right away.

Create a Dog-Safe Home

Before bringing your dog home, prepare a safe and comfortable space for them. Start by setting up a designated “dog zone” where they can eat, sleep, and relax. Choose durable food and water bowls, and invest in high-quality dog food suitable for their size, age, and breed. Provide a cozy bed or crate to give them a secure place to rest. Stock up on toys to keep them entertained and mentally stimulated, and remove potential hazards such as loose wires or toxic plants. A well-prepared home helps your dog settle in and feel at ease from day one.

After Getting the Dog

Once your new dog is finally home, it’s time to focus on helping them settle into their new life. The first few weeks are critical for establishing habits, building trust, and integrating your dog into your household. With consistency, patience, and the right resources, you’ll create a foundation for a happy and well-adjusted companion.

Establish Routine

Dogs thrive on structure and predictability. Begin by setting a daily routine for feeding, bathroom breaks, exercise, and rest. Consistency helps your dog understand what to expect, reducing anxiety and making training easier. Feed them at the same times each day, and stick to a regular schedule for walks and playtime. Clear boundaries, such as where they can sleep or roam in the house, are also important to establish early on. A well-planned routine will set the tone for good behavior and a harmonious household.

A woman is playing with a puppy on a leash in a park.

Find a Local Trainer

Training is one of the most important steps in developing a strong, trusting relationship with your dog. A professional trainer can guide you in understanding your dog’s instincts and teaching them how to follow your lead. Look for a local trainer experienced in leadership-based methods that focus on clear communication and respect, like Always Faithful Dog Training. The earlier you begin training, the better your dog will adapt to your expectations, creating a well-behaved and happy companion.

Introduce Walks and Exercise

Exercise is essential for your dog’s physical and mental health. Begin with short, manageable walks to help them get used to the leash and their new environment. Gradually increase the length and intensity as they become more comfortable. Interactive play, like fetch or tug, is another great way to bond while burning off energy. Consistent exercise not only keeps your dog fit but also prevents behavioral issues stemming from boredom or excess energy.

Slowly Integrate Them with Other Pets/Kids

Introducing your new dog to other pets or children should be done gradually and under close supervision. Start with short, calm interactions in neutral spaces, allowing everyone to get used to each other. Reward calm, positive behavior, and separate them if tensions rise. Never force interactions—give your dog time to adjust at their own pace. With patience, your dog will learn to coexist happily with their new family members.

Remember Dog Training Takes Time

Training your dog is a process, not a quick fix. Building new habits, teaching commands, and addressing problem behaviors all require patience and consistency. Dogs learn best through repetition and clear communication, so stay calm and persistent as you guide them. Celebrate small victories along the way and understand that setbacks are part of the journey. 



Plus, every dog is different—some may catch on quickly, while others need more time to adjust. By committing to the process and leading with confidence, you’ll develop a well-trained dog and strengthen the bond between you and your four-legged companion.

Contact AFDT for Professional Dog Training

No matter where you are on your journey as a dog owner, Always Faithful Dog Training is here to help. Our experienced trainers specialize in Leadership Training, using proven methods to teach your dog important skills while strengthening your bond. Whether you’re working with a new puppy, an adopted rescue, or a senior dog, we’ll provide the tools and guidance you need for lasting success. Don’t wait to start building a happier, more balanced relationship with your dog. Call or text today to connect with an Always Faithful Dog location near you and experience the difference real training can make!

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How To Properly Feed Your Dog

By Abe Mashal • February 17, 2025
One of the most common misconceptions in the dog training world is in the feeding routine. This is also an area where humans can get bit if the dog develops dominant behavior associated with the routine. What makes your feeding routine good or bad? Is your feeding routine making the dog think you’re the pack leader or the pack follower? Let’s discuss. The first step of this comes down to one question…how long do you give your dog to eat? Is your dog able to eat whenever it wants? Is the food bowl always full and available? If it is, then your food routine is more like an all you can eat buffet, open 24 hours a day for the dog (aka the free/open feed routine). From a leadership standpoint it gives the dog full power over a vital asset that’s needed to live. From a health standpoint it gives the dog the ability to eat much more than it should which leads to all sorts of health problems. It can also make it nearly impossible to house train a dog. Imagine a human having a bank account that is always full of money…now imagine that food is money in the dog’s world. Hold a piece of chicken in one hand and a one-hundred-dollar bill in the other hand…which one is the dog going to be interested in? Will a free/open feed routine make the dog think it’s the house guest or the homeowner? Step one will always be setting time limits on the feeding routine. Now that you have established time limits let’s discuss the next step…HOW to feed the dog. Hundreds of so-called trainers use how to feed your dog videos to show how good their skills are…why is that? Let’s discuss this, hold a massive bonus check in front of any human and tell them that if they just finish a few minor tasks that day you will hand it to them. You will see that human immediately become the most obedient person on earth. Now imagine that bonus check is food to the dog…see how that works? The best part of these training videos is the fact that the trainer doesn’t show what happens as soon as they put the food down. The dog will charge the bowl and once they get just a morsel in their mouth that same dog will make sure the human isn’t getting any back. The food might even be shown in a slow feeder bowl! Is that obedience? Is that a dog who respects that human as the pack leader? Is that a dog that will eat calmly and not like it’s going to the doggy electric chair later that day? Some of these trainers will even claim they don’t use treats to train and then use a massive bowl of food to reward the dog for sitting before eating! Cringeworthy to say the least! So how do you feed the dog? After the proper time limit has been established you should then focus on having the dog in a calm, submissive state, before, during and after the feeding. No commands are required, no sitting is required. You get the food prepared, put it wherever you see fit as the pack leader, set the bowl down and walk away. The dog should wait and respect your space before it approaches the food. If you walk back into the space where the dog is eating, the dog should either walk away from the food and give you back the food bowl or continue eating at the same pace it was before you came back into the space…if they eat faster just because you are now in their space, this is a big indicator that you are not the pack leader in this situation. Do you hunger on the proper way to feed your dog? Contact your local Always Faithful Dog Trainer today and get real training, real results!

What Is A Dog

By Abe Mashal • February 17, 2025
Humans have MANY ideas on what their dog is. A dog to most people is their “constant companion” and “mans best friend” but what is the true definition of a dog? Let’s discuss. First and foremost, your dog is an animal. A living organism that feeds on organic matter…or in our case a hairy 4-legged friend that feeds on organic dog food. Secondly your dog is a species. A group of living organisms consisting of similar individuals…or in our case a group of living organisms that have different sizes, shapes and temperaments. Lastly, your dog is a breed. A stock of animals or plants within a species having a distinctive appearance…or in our case a stock of animals that humans have evolved into a certain look. Animal, species and breed are the natural influences in your dog’s life . Understanding these natural influences and working with them, not against them, is an important part of having a balanced dog. Find a Dog Trainer Near You Successful dog introductions are just the beginning. Always Faithful Dog Training provides in-home programs that address every aspect of canine behavior, from basic obedience to solving problem behaviors—all without gimmicks like treats, clickers, or shock collars. Our proven methods deliver real results, giving you the resources to create a peaceful, happy home for your dogs. Ready to get started? Call or text today to connect with a certified trainer near you.
Dogs pulling a sled through the snow.

Energy: The Language of the Animals

By Abe Mashal • January 16, 2025
Ever wonder what it takes to interact safely and properly with all animals in the animal kingdom? Check out the audio book below to learn exactly what it takes...
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