Top Tips for New Dog Owners: Essential Care and Training

Bringing a new puppy or dog into your home is an exciting and rewarding journey. To help you provide the best start for your four-legged friend, we’ve compiled the top tips for new dog owners in the UK for 2025. This guide covers key care, safety, and training routines to build a loving, happy, and healthy relationship with your new pet.

1. Prepare Your Home and Safe Space

Before your dog arrives, dog-proof your home by removing hazards such as loose electrical cords, toxic plants, and breakable items. Create a comfortable and confined resting area, such as a crate with a cosy bed, where your dog can feel secure and settle down quietly. A safe space helps reduce stress during the adjustment period.

2. Choose a Reputable Veterinarian

Select a UK-based veterinary practice that offers preventive healthcare and emergency support. Meet the vet and staff beforehand to build trust. A good vet will guide you on vaccinations, parasite control, diet, and early health checks tailored to your dog’s breed and age.

3. Understand Your Dog’s Specific Needs

Keep a journal to note your dog’s breed traits, dietary preferences, exercise requirements, and behavioural tendencies. Some breeds have specific care needs or predispositions, so understanding your dog's history, including past health or behavioural issues, is invaluable in personalised care and management.

4. Feeding: Preventing Food Bolting

Many dogs tend to bolt their food, which can cause vomiting or even more serious gut issues. This often stems from experiences when competing for food as a puppy. You can slow down their eating by using specially designed slow-feeder bowls or placing large, clean objects (like food-safe stones) in the bowl so they must eat around them. Avoid small items that could be swallowed accidentally.

5. Basic Health and Grooming Checks

Watch out for signs such as excessive scratching, weepy eyes, sticky feet, or dirty paws. For example, brushing your dog over damp white paper can reveal flea dirt. Weepy or irritated eyes may be soothed with cold chamomile tea applied gently, but swollen or infected eyes always need prompt veterinary attention. When removing sticky substances like chewing gum or tar from paws, mayonnaise or butter can safely help loosen the residue before gentle washing.

6. Manage Shedding and Cleanliness

Shedding is unavoidable but manageable. Use rubber gloves to vigorously wipe fur away from furniture and clothing before hoovering. Regular grooming sessions reduce loose hair, help spot skin problems early, and strengthen your bond with your dog.

7. Encourage Healthy Drinking Habits

Many dogs prefer fresh-running water and are tempted to drink from less clean sources like toilet bowls, which may be toxic due to disinfectants. Always keep the toilet lid down and consider investing in a pet water fountain, as circulating water stays cooler and fresher, encouraging hydration.

8. Establish Early Training and Socialisation

Begin training early with clear, consistent rules that everyone in your household follows to avoid confusion. You can enrol in puppy classes or work with a professional trainer. Gradual socialisation with people, other dogs, and new environments helps build confidence and reduces behavioural issues later on.

9. Introduce Your Dog Gradually to Family and Pets

Slow introductions prevent overwhelming your new dog and reduce stress. Keep initial encounters calm, supervised, and brief, gradually increasing interaction as your dog becomes comfortable.

10. Plan for Future Care and Support

Consider pet insurance to help with unexpected health costs. Also, make arrangements for pet sitting or boarding when you are away to maintain your dog’s routine and wellbeing.

11. Enjoy the Journey of Responsible Ownership

Owning a dog is a lifelong commitment filled with joy and responsibility. Research shows dogs positively influence our mental and physical health. Ensuring you are fully prepared to meet your dog’s needs will result in a happy, healthy pet and a rewarding companionship.

Conclusion

Starting out as a new dog owner can mix excitement with challenges. By preparing your home, understanding your dog, maintaining their health, enforcing consistent training, and loving them responsibly, you set both of you up for a successful journey. Welcome your dog with a warm heart and informed care, and enjoy many wonderful years together!