First Time Pet Parent Tips

When adding a new pet to your family, it can be very exciting and also a little overwhelming. I remember when I became a pet parent for the very first time. I was so excited to have a little dog of my own as a new adult, but there are things I wish I would’ve known before becoming a dog mom.

Believe it or not, there’s a lot that needs to be taken into consideration during the beginning stages of having a pet.

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Don’t worry first pet parent, I got you! To make sure that bonding and transition stages go smoothly, I have some tips to help!

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Give Your Dog Some Space

Dogs can be shy and nervous just like humans especially when entering a brand new home. Feel free to let them explore and get to know their surroundings. Keep an eye on the dog of course, but give him some room to breathe and feel things out.

Introduce Your Dog to Their Space

Now that you’ve let your dog explore his surroundings, let him know where he’ll be sleeping and where he’ll be using the potty. Immediately show your dog where they’ll be using the bathroom, whether it’s outside in the yard, inside on dog pee pads, or artificial grass for dogs.

You can also consider crate training your dog or teaching them how to use dog potty bells so it’ll be easier for your dog to let you know when they have to potty.

Make a Pet Parent Schedule

Your dog has to eat and get his walkies in daily. Don’t forget! Make feeding and walking schedule ASAP so that you can be consistent. Make sure you get the family to help. Feeding or walking the dog is a good chore for kids who are old enough to do so of course. Click HERE to grab a Did You Feed Your Dog reminder to keep track of dog feedings.

Be Flexible

Things don’t always go as planned. Maybe you wanted your dog to eat certain dog food, but that food doesn’t settle well with their stomachs. Your dog could hate his dog bed or not like the area you set up for them because it seems scary to them. Don’t worry, it’s totally fine. Sometimes you have to make adjustments to fit your dog’s personality.

Bond With Your Dog

Bonding with your new dog is so important especially when you first bring them home. Spend as much time as you possibly can with your dog to show them how much you love them. Make them feel like they are apart of the family because they are and show them that they are in a safe place with you.

Let Rover Help!

Some dogs can’t stand being alone and may even have some separation anxiety when you leave the house to go to work or run errands. Being alone can be scary and overwhelming for a new pet especially a little puppy. However, we don’t always have the opportunity to stay home through the beginning period to bond as much as we would like to because of this thing called adulting.

Do you know who can help? Rover®! Click HERE To get $10 OFF your first Rover service.

Rover® is the nation’s largest network of pet sitters and dog walkers. They have lots of different services to help you give your new family member the attention and care they deserve when you’re not able to.

You’ll be happy to know that they are true dog lovers too. Their customer care is absolutely amazing and you can trust you’re getting an incredible pet service.

To help with consistency try booking a daily walk and/or a drop-in visit with Rover. Getting into a routine of having some around that will help make your dog feel safe and comfortable when you’re not there will be awesome for your dog.

You can also tell that dog separation anxiety to kick rocks because your dog will know they won’t be alone for long which will make both you and your dog feel much better.

Good luck on your new journey of being a pet parent! It’s a journey, but it’s one that you’ll love and cherish.

FREE PRINTABLES

Would you like a new pet parent and new dog checklist?

Get access to our new pet parent checklist and new dog checklist printables by signing up below. To use the printables simply print the printable out on regular paper or stock paper. Once you’ve printed the checklist out, simply use a pen or pencil and check the items off your list once you’ve completed or purchased the items for your dog.