Advice I Wish Someone Had Given Me When I Became a Dog Pawrent

Looking back at my first years as an dog pawrent, there are so many things I wish I’d done different and advice I wish someone had shared with me. 

So consider us your dog-loving besties ready to share our honest “wish we hads” and “should haves.” Take what you want, leave what you don’t; at the end of the day, this is your dog pawrent journey, and if your dog is loved, well cared for, and safe, you’re doing amazingly. 

Here’s what we all wish we’d known sooner.

⏰ 1. Establish a Routine (and Stick with It)

Dogs thrive on structure. From meal times to walk times, routines give them confidence, a sense of security and comfort.

A consistent schedule helps with everything from potty training to preventing or easing your dog’s anxiety. 

This, alone, has made a big difference in reactive dogs we’ve fostered. 

👩‍⚕️ 2. Find a Vet You Trust

A good vet will listen to you and give you a voice in your dog’s medical decisions. 

Find one who values your input, explains things clearly, and helps you make informed choices for your pup’s care. 

It’s okay to get a second opinion if something doesn’t sit right. It’s okay to ask questions. It’s okay to do your own research and say no to a medication or procedure. 

For example, due to many reported adverse events, we always say no to Bravecto. 

Tip: If you’re really conflicted with a decision, ask the vet what the vet would do if he or she were the vet’s dog. 

🐶 3. Start Training on Day One (And Never Stop)

Start training from the moment your dog comes home, and keep training going throughout their life.

We find our dogs thrive best when they practice what they know daily and learn new things frequently. Mental engagement helps our pack thrive. 

Reward the good, and, remember, your dog is always learning.

🐾 4. Research Your Dog’s Breed(s)

Every dog is different, but understanding your dog’s breed background helps you anticipate their needs, from exercise levels to effective training techniques to mental stimulation.

A Chihuahua typically has different needs than a Golden Retriever, for example. Chihuahuas are often more sensitive to temperature changes and big noises. They may need cozy layers in cold weather and shorter but frequent play sessions. Golden Retrievers, on the other hand, are typically active, social, and thrive on physical activity and mental challenges.

Knowing your dog’s breed traits helps you meet them where they are and prevent training errors and bad habits down the road. 

🐕 5. Build Your Dog’s Confidence

Confidence is one of the most important foundations for a happy, well-adjusted dog.

Dogs build confidence through experiences, and you can help every step of the way. Here are a few simple ways to boost your pup’s confidence:

Explore New Surroundings: Take your dog to different places, a quiet downtown, a shop when it’s not typically busy, and friend’s fenced yard, for example. Let them sniff and explore. Each new environment builds resilience and teaches them that new is fun, interesting and not a big deal. 

Try Gentle Obstacle Play: You don’t need an agility course to help your dog feel crave. Encourage them to walk over a low log, step onto a rock, or hop onto a bench. Celebrating those small moments with praise and treats teaches your pup that challenges are fun and a usual part of life. 

Practice Calm Confidence: Your calmness can help your dog stay calm in new situations. Dogs often look to their guardians for how they should react to a situation. 

🏥 6. Learn Basic Dog First Aid

Knowing what to do in an emergency can save precious time and maybe even your dog’s life.

Here are a couple of first-aid basics we think every dog pawrent should know:

If Your Dog Is Choking: We check our dog’s mouth carefully, if safe, and we try to remove any visible object with our fingers. What we learned in dog first-aid training is to use a gentle sweeping motion. If we see the object, we use a gentle sweeping motion using one or two fingers, we curve our fingers and scoop outward. We want to be sure not to accidentally push an object down deeper. 

If a dog is still choking, we would perform the dog Heimlich maneuver. For small dogs, we hold them with their back against our chest, make a fist, and thrust gently upward under the ribcage. For large dogs, we stand behind them, wrap our arms around their belly, just below the ribs, make a fist, and pull upward.

Dog CPR Basics: If a dog isn’t breathing and has no heartbeat, we lay them on side with their spine toward us. For small dogs, we use one hand or a couple fingers or one hand to compress the chest about 1 inch deep, 100–120 times per minute. We make sure the chest rebounds with each compression. For large dogs, we use both hands, compressing about 2 inches deep. We give two rescue breaths for every 30 compressions by closing the mouth, extending the neck, and blowing into the nose. 

🍲 7. Research What You Feed

Food is one of the biggest factors in your dog’s longevity.

We look transparency in ingredients, identifiable meat ingredients, quality sourcing, and recall history. (We’ve shared some of our favorite brands and ones we personally avoid here: https://www.sitprettypup.com/post/choosing-dog-food.) 

At the end of the day, what works for your dog and your budget is terrific. If your dog is safe and has his or her basic needs met, you’re doing great. 

🚨 8. Know Where the Nearest Pet ER Is

We hope you’ll never need it, but it’s worth having that number saved in your phone. When an emergency strikes, you will not want to be researching then; you’ll want to be on your way. In emergencies, time is often of the essence, and 10 minutes can make a big difference. 

Final Thoughts

Being a dog pawrent is messy, wonderful, and so worth every moment.

So take a breath, learn as you go, and know that your dog wants you happy and wants to make you happy. Remember that you and your dog are individuals and that your journey and what works for you will be unique.  

Enjoy the journey. 🩵

Disclaimer: This post is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute veterinary, safety or medical advice. Always consult your vet for guidance specific to your dog’s health and needs.