Checklist tips for new dog owners

The sheer prospect of having your own pet is an exciting one, but it does require some thought. But taking time to assess and prepare can help towards a paws-itive outcome!

We look at what you should think about before you bring a dog home. 

1. Is giving a dog a home right for you?

It's an important starting point, but you need to be confident that getting a dog is right for you and your potential furry friend.

You may have heard the phrase 'a dog is for life, not just for Christmas', so it's important you weigh up certain commitments before proceeding. The cost of living crisis and the aftermath of Covid-19 are major reasons why there has been a rise in abandoned pets as of late.

There are two major factors that can inform you whether you'll be able to offer a dog the best life possible:

Your living circumstances

Some dogs need a larger environment based on their size alone. Other high-energy dogs may also be better suited to a home with more space.

You have to think about the practicality of your living situation. If you're renting, does your landlord permit you to own a pet? Can you offer a safe outdoor space for your dog to run around? Do you have enough space at home to provide a comfortable bed or crate and eating area?

You might not live alone, and if you don't, you should check with others if they're comfortable with a dog in the home. If you already have other pets, you'll need to consider how you can make a smooth introduction and transition.

Your working situation

This ties into your living situation, but dogs thrive with a regular routine. You have to work out whether you or another household member can maintain a daily routine that involves feeding, exercise, training and more. This is especially important if you have a puppy.

Ideally, someone will be with your dog at all times. But working commitments mean you might need to consider day care options.

2. Do your research

If there's anything worth stating, it's that no dog is the same as the next. There are over 200 dog breeds recognised in the UK, and within that, a number of behaviors and traits specific to each dog - just like humans!

As we've already discussed, finding a dog that suits your home and lifestyle is beneficial for both you and your new canine.

Take some time to research different dog breeds. There are a number of factors to consider, such as:

• How much exercise they need
• What food they need (and any dietary requirements or restrictions)
• Any breed-specific health issues
• How much grooming they require
• What type of behaviors and temperament you can expect
• The best methods of training to consider
• How they react to other people and animals

You should avoid getting a dog based on appearance or behavior alone.

"The key thing is for people to pick a breed of dog that matches their lifestyle. It's so important to thoroughly research the breed you're thinking of getting and really consider the time commitment that is needed to fulfil the breeds individual needs. 

"A common mistake people often make is picking a highly trainable breed, for example, the Border Collie. People think they will be an ‘easy’ dog as they are so smart but fail to meet their breed specific needs for mental stimulation on a daily basis."

3. Prepare for some dog admin

Getting on top of admin early when it comes to your dog can make life easier later on. There are a few boxes you'll need to check, some are required by law, others ensure your dog is healthy and protected:

Make sure you're registered with a vet practice

If you've brought a puppy home or adopted a dog, it's a good idea to register with a local vet. It might be that they've already visited a vet, in which case you should ask for any details.

By registering with a vet, you can complete a health check and discuss details such as their optimal weight and any other health concerns. It means that should you ever need an appointment, your vet will already be accustomed with your dog and have all of their details to hand.

Confirm your dog's vaccination and neutered or spayed status

Your dog must have certain vaccinations depending on their age. From the age of 6-8 weeks old, dogs should receive initial vaccinations against common diseases such as:

• Parvovirus
• Distemper
• Infectious Hepatitis
• Leptospirosis

Adult dogs will need booster top-ups over time.

You'll also need to consider worm and flea treatment. You can buy this  over the counter, but it's always best to check with your vet in case certain treatments don't suit your dog.

Finally, the terms 'neutering' and 'spaying' might seem unfamiliar, but they're pretty straightforward! These are common surgical procedures that prevent your dog from being able to breed. 

You should check your dog's status before you take them home, if they require a procedure, it's best to speak to your vet.

Check if your dog is microchipped

You're required by law to ensure that your dog is microchipped by the age of 8 weeks old. If you're buying from a breeder, they should have already done this for you, but you should still check this is the case. If you're adopting a dog, check these details with the shelter or charity.

If you have details to hand, you can typically check a database to ensure your dog's details are correct. It's worth noting that you'll need to update your record if you change address or contact details.

Consider pet insurance

Having pet insurance for your furry companion could ensure you're financially protected against various expensive vet bills.

There are four common types of pet insurance policies, these vary in terms of what you're covered for and the features they offer. We'll explain what you can typically expect from each one:

Accident only: Generally the policy that offers the lowest level of cover. It could offer you cover for treatment costs in the event of an accident, but there might be a cap on how much you can claim per injury. Illnesses or pre-existing medical conditions aren't usually covered with this type of policy. 

Time limited: Also known as annual pet insurance, illnesses and accidents are covered for a period of 12 months. You can claim for any condition your pet develops, but once your policy ends, this will be regarded as a pre-existing medical condition when you renew. 

Maximum benefit: Similar to time limited pet insurance, the key difference is that there's no set time period in which you need to claim. Crucially, there is a cap on how much you can claim for each illness or injury. Once you reach the limit for a particular condition, you won't be able to claim for it again. If you need further treatment, you'll have to pay for it out of your own pocket.

Lifetime: Regarded as the most comprehensive pet insurance policy. You'll receive cover for the duration of your pet companion's life, if the policy is renewed each year. Any conditions are continually covered under this policy, but if you decide to switch insurer, a new policy would consider these as pre-existing medical conditions.

It's important to consider what you'll need from a pet insurance policy. You could get additional cover for different policies, but usually this is at an extra cost. 

As with most insurance policies, exactly what cover you receive can depend on your provider, so it's best to check over your policy documents.

4. Make sure you have all your dog essentials in place

As a new member of your family, your dog requires food, water, training and enrichment - just like you!

Some dogs like to chase a tennis ball, some don't. Some dogs love all kinds of food, some have specific dietary requirements or allergies.

Getting to know your new companion inside out is key to an easy introduction and transition. There might be certain needs depending on the breed of dog you bring home. But remember, each dog will have their own quirks, behaviours and needs!

There is a financial aspect to owning a dog, so it's important you can provide for your new furry friend. You can expect a number of costs, including:

• Food and dog treats
• Equipment such as food and water bowls, leads, harnesses, poo bags and potentially a muzzle
• A bed or crate
• Coats and accessories
• Toys
• Pet insurance

Understanding what you need, and having everything in place early can help you avoid any surprising unaccounted for costs.

5. Spend time helping your new furry companion adjust to their forever home

It should go without saying, but dogs are a bit different to humans! So, whether you're buying a puppy or adopting a dog, you'll need to anticipate a transition period where they gradually become comfortable in their new home.

It's important you show a lot of patience, especially early on. Setting clear boundaries is important, this can be restricting certain areas of your home, for example.

You may, or may not have heard of the '3 rule of thumb'. Essentially, this refers to the 3 stages of transition: 3 days, 3 weeks and 3 months.

Initially, dogs may be anxious and have trouble settling in their new environment. Don't be alarmed! This is common, but helping to accommodate your dog and showing plenty of patience is helpful.

Over time, with training and establishing a routine (such as set meal times), your dog will begin to come out of their shell and become more comfortable.

Remember, it takes time for a dog to truly adjust to a new environment. But spending time to train and support your new companion goes a long way!

Where can I get a dog?

If you're looking to rehome a dog, there are many national and local rescue centres all over the country. You typically need to register by applying through your chosen rescue shelter. In many cases you'll be matched up with a dog that suits your lifestyle based on your experience owning a dog and living circumstances.

Rehoming dog shelters can provide you with key details such as vaccination status, history and behavioral traits. Some even offer additional training and free pet insurance for a set period.

You need to be mindful if you decide to buy a puppy. It's always worth researching reputable breeders, knowing what you should look for can offer security and peace of mind.

A sign of a responsible breeder is a keen waiting list for their puppies. There are several red flags to watch out for in avoiding a scam or irresponsible breeder, such as:

• A reluctance to meet on more than one occasion, particularly with the puppies and mother together
• Any pressure to pay or send a deposit up front
• Scarce or little information about the puppies they're selling
• Suggesting on meeting away from the mother and other puppies in the litter

Keep in mind that in England and Wales, it's illegal to sell any puppy under the age of 8 weeks old or take them away from their mother too. 

"If you are looking to adopt a great starting place is the Association of Dogs and Cats Homes that has a database of registered rescue centres.

"When buying a dog owners should be looking for an ethical breeder that has carried out health and genetic screening on the parents. 

"Avoid breeders advertising the colour of dogs with fad names in a breed that doesn’t traditionally have this colouring. For example, champagne, latte or merle. If a breeder is advertising these things it is a good indicator that the breeder is breeding for looks rather than the health and temperament of the dog."

How much is pet insurance?

According to Confused.com data, the average cost of annual pet insurance for dogs in the UK between January and December 2024 was £243*.

Exactly how much you're likely to pay for a policy is usually determined by several factors, including:

The type of policy you buy: Of the four common types of pet insurance policies available, lifetime cover is typically the most expensive. This is because it offers the highest level of cover and offers the most features.

The breed of your dog: Certain breeds of dogs are likelier to develop conditions than others. Because of this, insurers could increase or decrease premiums based on the risk profile of your dog towards a claim.

The age of your dog: As dogs age, they become more susceptible to illnesses and conditions compared to when they were younger. Insurers could raise premiums for older dogs, some providers set an upper age limit when offering a policy.

Any pre-existing conditions: Lifetime policies cover your dog if they develop a condition or illness. But if you change provider, this is then classed as a 'pre-existing condition'. You can still find insurance policies but insurers are unlikely to offer cover for any claim relating to the condition or illness.

Buying the right level of cover is important. Opting for too much cover might leave you with a policy you can't afford. Not buying enough cover could leave you at risk of having to spend thousands on unexpected vet bills.

"Insurance is a vital aspect of dog ownership and something that we would always advise as it is there to help you should the worst happen. 

"We often see dogs who are surrendered due to owners not having insurance and being unable to afford their veterinary fees. I would advise people ensure the level of cover they have is adequate and to check if the policy covers dental treatment as many policies do not cover dental."

^{*Prices based on Confused.com data taken between January 2024 - December 2024. Costs shown are based on the average annual price paid for one dog across all policy types, ages, breeds and in all locations.}

How to train your dog

Training can take time, so having patience is key! Whether you're training a puppy or adult dog, many principles remain the same. It can take many forms, but some of the most common training methods work on improving:

• Recall
• Taking up positions such as sitting, laying down, waiting and giving a paw
• Not 'begging for food'
• Walking on a lead
• Reacting to other dogs or animals

Taking a reward based approach to training can lead to effective results along with positive reinforcement. Find out what the most appealing incentive could be for your dog, tasty treats are generally a popular reward!

Some dogs don't respond to long sessions, so short and sweet could be the best way to go. If you can, it's important to eliminate distractions during training sessions, especially in the early stages.

Remember, keep consistent with the words, markers and phrases you use when training your dog. They'll associate these with the action you're trying to train, so avoid using different variations. If you're considering additional professional training, there are many in-person or virtual accredited courses available.

Introducing a new dog to other dogs

You might love the idea of bringing a second (or multiple!) dog(s) home to keep each other company. But the reality is that you'll need to make sure introducing another dog is the right move for your home.

Some dogs don't tend to socialise well with others. Older dogs for example, might prefer their established routine and independence - not a new puppy bundling around!

Rehoming centres sometimes offer behavioural support and set up meetings. They can also advise whether their dogs would be receptive to a home with an existing dog.

Making sure both dogs are up to date with their vaccinations can prevent any infections passing on.

In the early stages of introductions, giving each dog their own space and taking things slowly is important. To be on the safe side, you should always watch over each interaction and keep them on lead. 

Over time you should begin to see a degree of comfortability, but try not to force things too soon. A budding friendship between two dogs takes time, so it should form naturally at each dog's pace. If you have any concerns, you could speak to the seller or breeder of your puppy, or a qualified behaviourist or trainer.