The Ultimate Guide for New Dog Owners in 2024

Congratulations on welcoming your new furry family member! Being a dog owner is one of the most rewarding and fulfilling experiences in life. Most dog lovers will agree — having a loyal, loving companion brings endless joy and happiness.

But bringing your new pet home is just the beginning. Responsible pet ownership means taking proper care of your dog and ensuring their long-term health and well-being. For first-time dog owners, it can feel overwhelming at first — but with the right knowledge and commitment, it’s an incredibly rewarding journey.

To help you get started, we’ve put together this comprehensive guide packed with essential dog care tips and advice on how to care for a dog, so you and your furry friend can enjoy a happy and healthy life together!

1. Getting Your Home Ready

Take a look around your home and make sure to dog-proof everything. Dog-proofing your home will ensure your pet won’t get hurt as they explore their new environment. This not only prevents accidents but also emergency vet trips. Here are some steps you can take to make your home more welcoming and safe for them:

Remove Potential Hazards

Check your home for items that could be harmful to your dog, such as toxic plants, small objects they could swallow, and medications. Keep these safely out of reach.

Secure Trash Cans

Dogs are notorious for rummaging through the trash. Make sure all bins have tight-fitting lids to prevent access.

Store Chemicals and Cleaning Supplies Safely

Many household chemicals and cleaners can be toxic to dogs. Keep bleach, herbicides, pesticides, and rodent poisons properly stored and out of reach.

Protect Your Furniture 

Use protective covers or barriers to guard against scratching, chewing, or other damage from curious paws.

Secure Electrical Cords 

Puppies and even adult dogs may chew on electrical cords. Use cord covers or position cords out of reach to avoid accidents.

Use Gates or Barriers

Restrict access to certain rooms or areas—such as nurseries or home offices—by using pet gates or barriers.

Keep Small Items Out of Reach

Everyday items like slippers, remote controls, and gadgets (yes, even AirPods!) can be irresistible to teething puppies, especially between 3 to 8 months of age. Keep small or chewable objects safely stored away.

2. Buy Necessary Dog Supplies

Just like having a new baby, a new dog comes with an extensive shopping list of items that your pet will need. Here are some must-have items for first-time dog owners:

Bed

Provide your dog with a comfortable, designated space to rest. Choose a dog bed large enough for them to stretch out and move around easily.

Bowls 

Opt for food and water bowls made from durable, easy-to-clean materials like stainless steel, ceramic, or silicone. These are also ideal for giving supplements or medications (such as Antinol for dogs or RX Vitamins for pets).

Brush

You won’t need anything fancy to start, but as your dog’s coat grows in, you can select the appropriate grooming tools for their coat type.

Cleaning Supplies 

Accidents are bound to happen, so it’s best to be prepared. Keep enzyme-based cleaners like 3M Scotchgard Rug & Carpet Cleaner or Douke Fabric Stain Cleaner on hand to tackle stains and keep your home fresh.

Collar, Tags, and Leash 

A collar with ID tags and a sturdy leash are essentials for your dog’s safety. They help others identify and return your dog if you ever get separated.

Crate

A crate serves as both a training tool and a safe space for your dog when unsupervised. It should be large enough for them to stand, turn, and lie down comfortably.

Nail clippers 

Choose the type that best suits your dog’s size and nails—options include guillotine clippers, scissor clippers, and grinders.

Poop Scoop and Poop Bags 

You'll need a scoop suited for your yard (grass or concrete) and plenty of poop bags for walks and outings.

Shampoo 

Pick a gentle, dog-specific shampoo that matches your dog’s skin sensitivity and coat type (long, short, or oily).

Toothbrush and Toothpaste 

Use a toothbrush and toothpaste made specifically for dogs—never human toothpaste, as it can be toxic for pets.

Toys 

Provide a variety of dog safe toys to keep your dog mentally stimulated and entertained. Avoid toys with small parts that could break off and pose a choking hazard.

3. Keeping Your Dog Healthy

Go For Regular Vet Visits

Regular vet visits are crucial to keeping your dog healthy and happy. Routine check-ups allow your veterinarian to catch potential health issues early, helping to improve your dog’s overall quality of life.

During these visits, your vet can also recommend dietary supplements and preventative medications to protect your dog from diseases, parasites, and joint problems. For example, if your dog experiences joint discomfort, your vet may suggest Antinol, a supplement that supports joint health. To help boost your dog’s immune system, they might recommend Immuno Support from Rx Vitamins for Pets.

Regular veterinary care also helps to prevent parasite infestations in your dog, such as fleas, ticks, and heartworms. Left untreated, these parasites can cause serious health issues, including tick fever, lung disease, heart failure, and organ damage. To protect your dog, your vet may suggest Heartgard Plus, Nexgard Spectra, Bravecto, or Simparica Trio, which are all effective medications to kill and prevent parasites.

By ensuring your dog receives regular veterinary care and following your vet’s guidance, you’ll help your furry friend enjoy a long, healthy, and happy life.

Get Vaccinations

Vaccinations are also an important part of keeping your dog healthy and protected from serious diseases. There are several core and non-core vaccines that are considered essential for dogs, depending on their age, lifestyle, and location. Here are some of the most important vaccinations for dogs.

• Canine distemper vaccine: Protects against a viral disease that attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems. The virus spreads through contact with body fluids (saliva, urine, blood) from infected animals. Distemper is highly contagious and can be fatal, especially in puppies and immune-compromised dogs.

• Canine parvovirus vaccine: Protects against a highly contagious and potentially fatal virus affecting the gastrointestinal system. Parvovirus is most common in puppies and unvaccinated dogs, and spreads through contact with infected dogs or contaminated objects (food bowls, bedding, surfaces).

• Leptospirosis vaccine: Protects against Leptospira bacteria, often spread through the urine of rats and wild animals. Dogs can become infected by licking contaminated surfaces or grass. If left untreated, leptospirosis can cause serious and potentially fatal kidney and liver damage.

• Canine hepatitis vaccine: Protects against canine adenovirus type 1 (CAV-1), the cause of infectious canine hepatitis. The virus spreads through contact with infected dogs or their urine, feces, and saliva. It is highly contagious and can lead to serious illness if not prevented.

• Canine influenza (also known as "dog flu") vaccine: An annual vaccine that protects against highly contagious strains of canine influenza. It is recommended for dogs that visit boarding facilities, dog parks, grooming salons, or any environment where they come into contact with other dogs.

• Rabies vaccine: Protects against a deadly virus that affects the nervous system, typically transmitted through bites from infected animals. While Singapore is considered rabies-free, this vaccine is optional unless required for overseas travel.

You may arrange a housecall vet visit or an online teleconsultation to determine which vaccinations are best suited for your dog. The timing and frequency of vaccinations will vary depending on your dog’s age, overall health, lifestyle, and risk of exposure.

In general, puppies should begin their vaccination series around 6 to 8 weeks of age. Puppies typically require 3 to 4 core vaccine shots, administered at 2 to 4 week intervals. The final shot should be given at or after 16 weeks of age to ensure full immunity.

After completing the puppy core vaccination series, it is recommended that dogs receive yearly core vaccine boosters to maintain protection. Adult dogs may also need periodic booster shots, depending on their health status and vet’s advice.

It’s also best to wait about 1 to 2 weeks after your puppy’s final core vaccine before introducing them to social environments (dog parks, puppy classes, group playdates). This ensures that their immune system has had enough time to fully develop and protect against infectious diseases.

Spaying/Neutering

One important decision every dog owner faces is whether to spay or neuter their pet. While this is ultimately a personal choice, there are many well-documented health and behavioural benefits to having your dog undergo this sterilisation procedure.

Spaying: The removal of a female dog's reproductive organs can significantly reduce the risk of certain cancers and eliminate the chance of unwanted litters. Spaying your female dog before her first heat cycle greatly lowers her risk of developing breast cancer and prevents serious infections such as pyometra (uterine infection).

Neutering: The removal of a male dog's testicles also offers key health benefits and helps prevent unwanted behaviours. Unneutered male dogs are more prone to roaming, urine marking, and showing aggression toward other dogs. Neutering often reduces these behaviors, making your male dog a calmer and more manageable companion.

Provide Your Pet with Good Nutrition

A balanced diet is essential for keeping your dog healthy and thriving. Dogs require the right mix of protein, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals—but their nutritional needs vary depending on their life stage. Always choose a dog food that’s specifically formulated for your dog’s age, size, and activity level.

For puppies, it’s important to feed a high-quality puppy food designed to support growth and development. Puppy formulas typically contain higher levels of protein, fat, calcium, and phosphorus to help build strong bones and muscles. Because puppies are prone to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), they should be fed several small meals throughout the day.

For adult dogs, choose a balanced, complete dog food that lists a named meat source (such as chicken, beef, or lamb) as the first ingredient. Avoid formulas that contain unnecessary fillers or by-products. Make sure the food matches your dog’s age, breed, and activity level to help maintain a healthy weight and overall well-being.

It’s also important to avoid overfeeding. As tempting as it may be to indulge your pet, overeating can lead to obesity and increase the risk of many health problems. If you’re unsure about how much to feed, consult your veterinarian or follow feeding guidelines provided on the food packaging.

4. Grooming Your Dog

You'll want to groom your dog on a regular basis to keep their hair and skin in good condition. Grooming helps remove dirt, tangles, excess fur, and dirty nails, which can prevent skin irritation and infections. It can also help to identify and address any health issues, such as fleas, ticks, or matted fur. Keeping your pet clean also improves their appearance and makes them feel more comfortable. 

5. Training Your Dog

Good manners make a well-loved dog—but they don’t come naturally! In most cases, you’ll need to teach your dog how to behave appropriately. The best approach is reward-based, positive reinforcement training: when your dog behaves well, you reward them with treats, praise, or affection to encourage that behavior.

Here are some essential types of training every dog owner should consider:

Feeding Training

Once you’ve chosen the right food bowl, teach your dog to use it calmly and consistently. Place treats or food in the bowl and encourage your dog to eat on command. Over time, positive reinforcement will help your dog develop good mealtime manners.

Crate Training

A crate can be an important safe space for your pet, helping them feel secure during stressful situations (like thunderstorms or fireworks), or when travelling to the vet.

1. Place the crate in a familiar room

2. Encourage your dog to explore it with treats and toys

3. Gradually increase the time they spend inside

4. Reward calm, relaxed behaviour in the crate

Never use the crate as punishment—make it a positive, comfortable space!

Potty Training

Teaching your dog where to go potty is key to a happy home life!

1. Choose a designated potty area (outdoor or indoor with pee pads

2. Stick to a consistent routine (after meals, naps, or play)

3. Use a clear command like "go potty"

4. Always reward success with treats and praise

Patience and consistency are key—accidents will happen, but your dog will learn.

Leash Training

Learning to walk nicely on a leash is an essential skill for every dog. Start by:

1. Introducing your dog to the collar and leash indoors

2. Practicing short sessions in quiet areas

3. Rewarding them for walking calmly beside you

4. Gently discouraging pulling with consistent redirection

A well-leash-trained dog makes walks safer and more enjoyable for both of you.

Socialisation Training

Socialisation helps your dog learn how to interact calmly and appropriately with different people, animals, and environments. It also provides important mental stimulation and an outlet for exercise, especially through safe play with other dogs.

The best time to begin is during the critical socialisation period (3 to 12 weeks of age), when puppies are more receptive to new experiences. Early, positive exposure to a variety of people, places, sounds, and other animals helps puppies grow into confident, well-adjusted adults.

Once your dog is fully vaccinated and protected, you can bring them out to explore and interact with other dogs. Puppy schools are an excellent, hygienic place to start socialisation in a controlled environment. Dog parks can also offer opportunities for free play—but always choose a park that suits your dog’s size and temperament, and follow basic dog park etiquette and park rules to ensure a safe and positive experience.

Consistent socialisation builds a dog’s confidence, reduces the risk of fear or aggression, and makes outings with your furry friend more enjoyable for everyone.

6. Providing Regular Exercise and Routine

Dogs need regular exercise to stay physically and mentally healthy.  Regular exercise helps keep your dog's muscles strong and their joints flexible.  Plus, it reduces stress and anxiety in dogs, helping to improve their overall mood.

Take your dog for walks, runs, or play fetch in the park. Not only will these activities keep them in great shape, but it’s also a great way to bond with your pet, keeping you both active and happy. 

While owning a dog can be a lot of work, the rewards of having a furry friend can make it all worth it. By following these tips, you can help ensure a happy and healthy life for your pet.

Pawkit connects Singapore pet owners to a variety of pet-related resources and services. Get everything you need in one place, from the latest pet care tips to your pet’s details and medical history, as well as a directory of on-demand pet services in your area, such as veterinarians, groomers, and daycare.