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Home » Home & Garden » First Time Dog Owner Tips

First Time Dog Owner Tips

Following are some things to think about BEFORE bringing your new dog home -- like whether you should get a puppy or an older dog, some facts about different dog breeds, what you should do during the first days home with your new dog, and some fun ways to get to know your dog better and begin the bonding process. Not sure where to begin? Start here --> Puppy Care 101.

Best Dog Proof Trash Cans + DIY Ideas For Keeping Your Dog Out Of The Garbage

It can be difficult to outwit a smart dog that is determined to get into the garbage one way or another. These are the best dog proof trash cans (including DIY dog proof garbage cans!) and tips for keeping your dog out of the trash once and for all!

Dog Halloween Safety Tips: 7 Things You Might Not Think Of… Really!

Obviously, you wouldn’t want your dog to become ill or injured due to your own negligence. Your dog trusts you to keep them safe. Your best bet is to keep your dog indoors and away from the commotion on Halloween night — to prevent them from becoming frightened, anxious, or injured. Here are some ways to include your dog in Halloween, without stressing out your dog!

Puppy Proofing 101: Things You Need To Do Right Away To Make Your Dog’s World Safer!

Here is a list of common everyday objects we all have in our houses that I’ve learned firsthand (and while working at a vet) can be deadly to a dog. See what you can do to modify these things to keep your dog safe. Plus, my own DIY puppy proofing tips that I use to keep my dogs safe at home.

A Dog Routine For New Dog Owners: Why & How To Come Up With A Puppy Feeding Schedule And Potty Routine For Your Dog

Trying to find the right puppy feeding schedule and puppy potty routine for your new dog? See why it’s important to get your dog peeing and pooping on a regular schedule every day — and timed perfectly with your dog’s feeding schedule. Plus, how to tell when your dog needs to go outside — specific signs to watch for. I’m going to show you how to set up a daily dog feeding schedule and a dog routine for going outside.

Can You Rename A Dog? (Yes!) Here’s How To Change A Dog’s Name + How To Get A Dog To Learn Its Name

Wondering if changing a dog’s name is something you should do? And can you change a dog’s name regardless of age? Here’s WHEN it makes the most sense to change a dog’s name, the times when you should NOT change a dog’s name, a few things you should do BEFORE renaming a dog, HOW to change a dog’s name now to avoid problems later, and how to get a dog to LEARN its name quickly!

Dog Crate Training Mistakes: 10 Important Things I’ve Learned That Make Crate Training A Dog Easier

The usual simple steps to crate training are practical and helpful — but they overlook the day-to-day troubles that you’re likely to face in the process of crate training a dog. Here are some important things I’ve learned about crate training dogs. I did it differently with my first dog (a Labrador) than I did with my second dog (a French Bulldog). See the 10 mistakes I’ve done when crate training dogs — and how to avoid making those same mistakes.

List Of Hybrid Dogs & Their Unusual Mixed Breed Names

Have a mixed breed dog? (Me too.) Here’s a list of mixed breed dog names — so you’ll know what to call cross breed dogs other than mutts! According to the American Canine Hybrid Club, this is the official list of recognized hybrid dog breeds and their unique mixed breed dog names. These are all cross breed dogs with unique names that were created by combining 2 popular dog mixes. (Some call them designer dogs or designer dog breeds.) Pictures included!

Dachshund Dog Characteristics: Temperament, Grooming & Health Issues A Wiener Dog Is Likely To Experience

If you’re considering adding a Dachshund dog to your family, then you should know that there are 3 different sizes and a wide variety of colors, markings (and hair lengths!) to choose from. In fact, the Dachshund has more coat, color, and pattern combinations and varieties than any other dog breed! Beyond that, here’s what you need to know about Doxies shedding, digging, back issues, stubbornness, potty training, grooming & exercise needs. Plus how they are around kids.

Older Dog Is Aggressive With Puppy? (Mine Was Too) My Best Tips For Dealing With Dog Agression

Have you ever dealt with dog aggression issues? I have! We went from 2 dogs to 3 dogs and the middle dog immediately became aggressive toward the new puppy. Here are my tips for adding another dog into your household and how to deal with dog aggression — especially when it’s an older dog playing too rough with a new puppy.

My Puppy Hiccups A Lot… Is This Normal? Here’s What You Need To Know About Hiccups In Dogs

Yes, puppy hiccups are normal. Here’s what causes hiccups in dogs, why they’re so common in puppies, how long dog hiccups last, what you can do to stop them, and how to prevent them from happening in the first place.

The Pros & Cons Of Teacup Chihuahuas

As if full-size Chihuahuas weren’t already small enough — think Taco Bell dog — there’s been a rise in the popularity of Teacup Chihuahuas! Here are the Pros and Cons of Teacup Chihuahuas and some of the people who love ’em and hate ’em. By the way, if you’re looking at a miniature Chihuahua or a mini Chihuahua, then it’s probably a Teacup Chihuahua.

Teacup Dogs Are So Cute, But Is A Teacup Dog Right For You?

Pocket-sized dogs or miniature dogs are referred to as Teacup dogs. There’s a huge market for small dogs – the smaller the better. But is a Teacup dog right for you?

Want To Adopt A Bichon Frise Dog? Pros & Cons Of Bichon Dogs

Getting a Bichon Frise dog? Here are the best things about Bichon Frise dogs, plus some of the health & household issues that are common with this breed. Read this before adopting a Bichon dog.

Thinking About Rescuing A Greyhound Dog? My Advice: Try Greyhound Fostering First!

Before you adopt a rescue Greyhound, read this! Here’s what you need to know about a Greyhound dog’s temperament, appetite, friendliness toward other animals… and people.

10 Best Toys For Dogs With No Teeth (Or Few Teeth) And Senior Dogs

The best toys for dogs are those which match your dog’s needs the best. If your dog has no teeth, or few teeth, these are the 10 best dog toys to consider.

Pet Costs: 21 Clever Ways To Save Money On Everyday Dog Care

See the true cost of owning a dog — in hard dollars — plus how to save money on pet costs. These are tips that you can use when you get a new puppy all the way through your dog’s adult life. If you’re getting a new dog soon, start here to save big bucks!

The #1 All-Time Best Name For A Dog… Ever!

Whether you’re trying to come up with a clever name for a female dog or a male dog, it’s guaranteed – this is the absolute best name for a dog! It’s incredibly unique… and cool. But the best part: it’s such a conversation starter! You’ll amaze your friends — and your vet — if you name your dog this…

Photos Of Dogs And Bunnies – Yep, Our Dog Found Some Rabbits… Again!

dogs-and-rabbits

It has happened again!… Our dog discovered a rabbit hole in our backyard and his attention could not be diverted away from the bunnies until the last one left the nest. Here are photos of dogs and bunnies.

Dog Potty Training Tips: How To Get Your Dog Used To A Daily Routine

dog-potty-training-routine

You want to get your dog on some sort of a schedule so he always knows when he’s going to be allowed outside to pee & poop, when he’s going to be fed, and when he’s expected to go to sleep for the night. Setting these types of boundaries and expectations for your dog will make potty training — and other things — so much easier. Here’s how to get your dog to adapt to a daily routine.

Shelter Dogs – How To Find The Best Animal Shelters & Dog Adoption Facilities Near You

if-you-cant-adopt-foster

It’s becoming more popular to adopt a dog from an animal shelter rather than buy a dog from a pet store. However, the different types of animal agencies that provide homes for dogs are often confused. We will point you in the right direction and help you find the best places to safely adopt a dog in your area.

Dog Barking 101: Dog Breeds That Don’t Bark + Dogs That Bark A Lot!

barking-dog

Certain dog breeds tend to bark a lot — usually with good reason though. Other breeds of dogs have a reputation of barking less. There are many different lists of barking dog breeds — and deciding which dogs to place on which list can be rather subjective — but THIS is one of the best lists of dog breeds that don’t bark.

Senior Dog Food Tips: How To Meet The Nutritional Needs Of A Senior Dog

Senior dogs have different nutritional needs as they begin to slow down. photo by normanack on Flickr

As dogs age, their nutritional needs change. To keep your dog healthy through old age, you’ll need to make some adjustments to your dog’s diet. Here’s what to watch for and how to meet your dog’s needs with senior dog foods.

Mixed Breed Dogs – The Pros & Cons Of Choosing A Designer Dog Or A Hybrid Dog

This is a Goldendoodle - a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. photo by Donnaphoto on Flickr

Hybrid dogs and designer dogs are canines that have purebred parents, but each parent is from a different breed. Here are the downsides of owning a designer dog, and some advantages.

Money-Saving Tips To Replace Invisible Fence Batteries In Your Dog’s Collar

Invisible fence batteries keep your dog safe at home within the invisible fence system. photo by Rev. Xanatos Satanicos Bombasticos (ClintJCL) on Flickr

Here are the best places to find replacement batteries for your pet containment system, plus time- and money-saving tips for replacing the batteries yourself.

How To Find Your Lost Dog When He Disappears Unexpectedly

Lost dog poster. photo by Aine D on Flickr

Save this list in case your dog goes missing one day! These tips will help to reunite you with your lost dog in the quickest way possible.

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About Me

LynnetteI like to help Dog Parents find unique ways to do things that will save time & money -- so I write about "outside the box" Dog Tips and Dog Hacks that most wouldn't think of. I’m a lifelong dog owner -- currently have 2 mixed breed Golden Aussies that we found abandoned on the side of the road as puppies. I've always trained my own dogs and help friends train theirs, as well. Professionally, I worked at a vet and have several friends who are veterinarians -- whom I consult with regularly. (And just because I love animals so much, I also worked at a Zoo for awhile!) I've been sharing my best ideas with others by blogging full-time since 1998 (the same year that Google started... and before the days of Facebook and YouTube). My daily motivation is to help first-time dog owners be better prepared from the first day your new puppy enters your home. I like to help dog owners understand what's 'normal' and what you can expect in terms of living with and training your dog -- how to get through the ups & downs of potty training, chewing, teaching commands, getting your dog to listen, and everything else that takes place during that hectic first year! When I'm not training, walking, grooming, or making homemade treats for my dogs, you will find me at the corner of Good News & Fun Times as publisher of The Fun Times Guide (32 fun & helpful websites). To date, I've written over 500 articles for dog owners on this site!

Lynnette: View My Blog Posts

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