My first dog: what do i have to watch out for??

You are thinking about getting your first dog? A furball is a great companion in everyday life, but is your first dog also a commitment. A little walking and petting is not enough here. ..

You are thinking about getting your first dog? A ball of fur is a great companion in everyday life, but is your first dog also a commitment?. A little walking and petting is not enough here.

A dog is a pet with demands. Therefore, in this post, I want to show you what to expect with your first dog. Before you decide for your dog, you should think carefully. Be aware that your dog will accompany you for years.

1. Which dog breed suits me?

It is especially important to choose the right breed of dog. Dogs are like people, so each dog has its own character. So no one can tell you in general which dog suits you best – it depends on your person.

An athletic person you will find a different dog than a working person. However, it is important that you always plan enough time for your four-legged friend. Especially puppies need a lot of attention in the beginning.

So be aware that you can't leave your puppy alone for the first six months, or only with difficulty. You should also take this task seriously, because dog training is the cornerstone for living together.

As a dog owner, however, you'll find that it's not just dog training that's a challenge. Even adult dogs have a mind of their own. In our dog guide you will learn everything about the different dog breeds and their characteristics.

It is best to pay attention to the fact that there are dogs for beginners and for advanced breeders. So if you are wondering which dog suits you, then you should consider the following rough classification of dog types:

Watchdogs
Herding dogs
Drift dogs
Herding dogs
Hunting dogs
Great Dane type dogs
Greyhounds
Companion dogs
Dogs of the archetype

2. How to find your first dog

If you are looking for a new pet, an animal shelter or an animal welfare organization is a good option. I know that many people would like to have a puppy. However, dogs in shelters are already there and looking for a loving family.

You can find some puppies, purebred or mixed breed dogs here. So it's best to visit the local shelter and see if there's a dog that's right for you. If that's not the case, you can also contact animal welfare societies or online animal shelters.

If you don't find a puppy or if you have a special wish for a dog, you can also get a dog from a breeder. However, caution is advised here so as not to support an illegal puppy trade.

Avoid cheap offers from classifieds. Often it is illegally bred animals from abroad. These animals are also often sick and you will not do yourself any favors.

Basically, you should buy a pedigree dog best from a reputable breeder certified by a club. So you can make sure that the animals live in proper conditions. It is best to visit the breeder and meet the dam.

Here you will quickly see if the animal is doing well. If the bitch has a dense coat, a good stature, is neither too fat nor too thin, then it is a serious breeding. If there are additional certifications, then you don't have to worry about it.

Often you will not get your puppy immediately and will be put on a waiting list. Experience shows that it takes several months or years until you receive a puppy from the breeder.

As soon as your puppy is eight, better even ten weeks old, it can be separated from the mother. From this point you have your first dog.

3. How much does a dog cost?

Once you're interested in a dog, you should also look into the cost of your new pet.

This is how much time your first dog will cost

A dog is a commitment. Accordingly, you should also plan your four-legged friend into your everyday life. Good time management is a prerequisite for a dog.

A dog will adapt to its family, but you should allow for a certain amount of extra time. Here is no general statement possible, because a social dog needs less attention than a trained athlete.

Also, a long-haired dog requires more intensive care than a short-haired four-legged friend. Hunting dogs should also be exercised sufficiently to satisfy their nature.

With a puppy it requires some time for education. No matter if puppy playtime, dog school or basic training – you have to plan for the time involved.

Finally, you should also consider that a four-legged friend does not like to be alone. Especially young dogs want to be close to humans. You should not leave a dog alone for more than five hours. Are you working, then look for a dog daycare or a dog sitter.

Half-hearted compromises will not satisfy you or your dog.

This is how much money a dog costs

Now let's take a look at the financial costs of a dog. You will of course need to buy a puppy first, as well as the necessary basic equipment.

Additionally, visits to the vet are waiting for:

Vaccinations
Deworming
Routine examinations
Operations
Diseases

In addition, there are other costs during a dog's life. So it requires some bowls, collars, insurance premiums, poop bags, blankets, etc.

How high the individual costs turn out, depends before you. Do you tend to buy cheap equipment or do you want something good for your four-legged friend?

The following table shows you approximately what costs you will incur:

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4. Make preparations for your first dog

Before you welcome your first dog in the apartment or house, you should make some preparations.

It should be clear, for example, who will take care of the animal. Especially puppies need a lot of affection and training. Besides, it is not enough to walk the dog three times a day. Only with sufficient activity can a relationship of trust be built between dog and human.

Let your dog arrive at the new home first. Friends and family can also get to know your new four-legged friend in a few days.

You should also prepare yourself with some initial dog equipment before the new family member moves in.

Basically, you need the following utensils for your dog:

Collar or harness
Fixed leash
Dog basket
Bowls for food and water
Dog food

It is a good idea to give your four-legged friend a central and quiet corner in your living room. Here your darling has a retreat from which everything can be observed.

If you have decided to get a puppy, then you should also consider that there can be some damage, especially in the early days. Whether it's unintentionally loosening the bladder or chewing on furniture, something is bound to get broken.

Puppies like to nibble on things. Be aware that something may get broken in the beginning.

As soon as your four-legged friend has moved in, you should also register him or her. For this you need a liability insurance. In our comparison you will find the best dog liability insurance on the market.

5. Build relationship and educate dog properly

Once your first dog has finally arrived in its new home, you should still pay attention to proper training and build a relationship.

If it is your first dog, then you can take a course from a dog school. Here you and your dog will learn a lot.

Note that you should practice the basic instructions with your dog. Sit, down, stop and bow are basics that every four-legged friend should know.

In addition, you should practice social interactions. A dog that doesn't know how to socialize will quickly become aggressive or fearful if a strange dog gets too close.

There are also many great activities you can plan for you and your dog. For example, there are sports programs to ensure physical health.

Especially important at this point is that you train your dog positively. Punishments do not build a good relationship and do not bring much. In case of wrong behavior it is best to ignore your pet. If your four-legged friend does something particularly well, then it is time to praise him.

Always remember that your dog does not associate their misbehavior with the punishment. Instead, punishment will make your pet afraid of you – you want to avoid that at all costs.

6. Conclusion: Your first dog needs some preparation

If you get a first dog, you should prepare yourself a little for it. A minimum amount of equipment should be ready before you move in. It's best to buy a basket as a retreat and get bowls for food and drink.

Also a leash and a collar or harness are a good purchase. If you bring a young dog into your home, you can directly buy a dog harness. This way you can make sure that your four-legged friend walks safely on the leash and that you always have full control.

When it comes to food, you should see what kind of food your dog likes best. It's best to pay attention to the micro and macro nutrients here to ensure a healthy and balanced diet for your dog.

Personally, before picking up our dogs, I have always looked into the breed. So I already got to know some peculiarities in advance. I also knew what I had to be prepared for. In the first months I always went to a dog school.

How was your experience with your first dog or bitch? Or are you currently planning even with your first pet?

7. Frequently asked questions about your first dog

What breed is suitable for a first dog?

So-called companion dogs are best suited. This includes, for example, Golden Retriever, Havanese, Papillon or Havanese.

What to look for in a first dog?

If you get your dog directly from the breeder, then pay attention to a healthy dam. Do not buy dogs from dubious breeders. In addition, the puppy should already be vaccinated and chipped. In addition, adhesions on the nose and eyes are a warning signal – in addition, the coat should also be shiny.