If you're new to pet ownership, several things are helpful to know. For example, certain breeds may be more suitable than others for first-time pet owners. Specifically, some of the most popular dog breeds make great companions for beginners because they have qualities like intelligence and patience.
What to consider before getting a dog
There are a lot of things to consider before getting a dog, especially if you're a first-time pet owner. Here are some things to think about:
- What kind of space do you have for a dog?
- How much time are you willing to spend walking and exercising your dog?
- Do you have any other pets that could potentially get along with a new dog?
- What kind of personality do you want in a dog?
- Are you prepared to deal with some amount of shedding and/or barking?
These are just some of the things to consider before getting a dog. Doing your research ahead of time will help you find the best breed of dog for your individual needs and lifestyle.
Dogs that are good with kids
Looking for a family-friendly dog breed? These popular pups are known for being great with kids.
Golden Retriever: One of the most popular dog breeds in the U.S., Golden Retrievers are intelligent, friendly, and great with kids. They need plenty of exercises, but their mellow temperament makes them ideal for families with young children.
Labrador Retriever: Like Golden Retrievers, Labs are outgoing, friendly, and good with kids. They're also one of the most popular dog breeds in America. Labs are active and need plenty of exercises, but they're also happy to curl up on the couch with their family at the end of the day.
Beagle: Beagles are small, energetic dogs that love to play. They're friendly and good with kids, but their hunting instincts can sometimes get them into trouble (they have a tendency to chase small animals). Beagles need plenty of exercise and a lot of patience from their owners.
Poodle: Poodles come in Standard, miniatures, and Toy sizes, so there's one to fit every home. They're smart, active dogs that need regular grooming. Poodles are good with kids and make
Dogs that don't shed
If you're looking for a low-maintenance dog that doesn't shed, there are a few breeds that come to mind. The Bichon Frise, Maltese, and Yorkie are all small dogs that are known for being hypoallergenic and low-shedding. If you're not set on a small dog, the Standard Poodle is another good option. For a medium-sized non-shedding dog, the Australian Terrier is a good choice. Whichever breed you choose, be sure to do your research so you know what to expect in terms of grooming and maintenance.
Easiest dogs to train
There are several factors to consider when choosing a dog breed, but for first-time pet owners, training ease should be near the top of the list. After all, no one wants to deal with a disobedient pup, and a little extra help in the training department can go a long way.
So, which dog breeds are the easiest to train? Here are a few of our top picks:
- Labrador Retrievers – Labradors are intelligent, eager to please, and very food motivated – all qualities that make them easy to train. They excel in obedience and agility trials and make wonderful therapy and assistance dogs.
- Golden Retrievers – Like Labradors, Golden Retrievers are intelligent and eager to please. They’re also known for being patient, gentle, and good with children, making them ideal family pets. Golden Retrievers excel in obedience, tracking, and retrieving trials.
- Poodles – Poodles are highly intelligent dogs that learn quickly and retain information well. They’re also playful, energetic, and affectionate, making them great companions. Poodles come in three sizes (toy, miniature,
Smaller dogs for apartments
If you're looking for a smaller dog breed that will do well in an apartment setting, consider one of these breeds:
Poodle: Poodles are highly intelligent and easily trained, making them ideal for first-time pet owners. They come in Standard, miniatures, and Toy sizes, so you can choose the size that best fits your living situation.
Yorkshire Terrier: Yorkies are friendly and energetic little dogs that make great companions. They don't require a lot of exercises, so they're well suited for city living.
Chihuahua: Chihuahuas are spunky little dogs that are full of personality. They're loyal companions and make great lap dogs. Because of their small size, they do well in apartments and other small spaces.
How often should I walk my dog?
Assuming you would like tips for first-time dog owners on how often to walk their dog:
The general rule of thumb is that puppies under the age of six months should be walked three to four times a day. However, some puppies (and small breeds in general) may be able to handle up to five short walks per day. If your puppy is full of energy and seems restless, it’s probably a good idea to up the number of walks.
As your puppy grows older and becomes less active, you can reduce the number of walks. Adult dogs generally need two walks per day, although some may be able to get by with just one. If your dog is very active, you may need to increase the number of walks. Senior dogs usually need just one or two shorter walks per day.
Of course, these are just guidelines – every dog is different and you should adjust the number of walks based on your dog’s needs. If you’re not sure how often to walk your dog, ask your veterinarian for advice.
What type of food should I feed my dog?
There are a lot of different types of dog food on the market, and it can be hard to know which one is right for your pet. If you're a first-time pet owner, you may not be sure what type of food to feed your dog. Here are some tips to help you choose the best food for your furry friend.
The first thing you should do is talk to your veterinarian about what type of food is best for your dog. They can give you specific recommendations based on your pet's health and needs.
Once you've narrowed down the type of food you want to feed your dog, take a look at the ingredients list. You want to choose a food that has high-quality ingredients, as this will ensure that your pet gets the nutrients they need. Avoid foods that contain fillers or artificial ingredients, as these can be harmful to your pet's health.
Take some time to read reviews of different dog foods before making your final decision. This will help you see what other pet owners think of the food and whether or not it's a good fit for your pup.
Feeding your dog the right food is important for their health and wellbeing. By following these tips, you
What are some other things I need to know about owning a dog?
Assuming you would like tips for first-time dog owners:
- Research the type of dog that would best fit into your lifestyle. Do you have kids? Are you active? etc.
- After you've picked a few breeds, research those specific breeds to see if they would be a good fit for you and your family.
- Be prepared to potty train your new pup, this takes patience and consistency.
- Dogs need exercise, so be sure to take them on walks or runs (if they are high-energy dogs) daily.
- Dogs also need mental stimulation, so be sure to provide them with toys and puzzles to keep their minds active.
- Lastly, create a routine for your dog and stick to it as much as possible. Dogs thrive off of routine and predictability.
Conclusion
If you're thinking about getting a dog for the first time, there are a few things you should consider. First, what size of dog do you want? Small dogs may be easier to handle and take care of, but large dogs can be just as loving and loyal. Second, what energy level do you want in a dog? Some breeds are more high-energy than others, so if you're looking for a laid-back companion, make sure to choose a breed that isn't too active. Third, what kind of coat does the dog have? If you don't want to deal with shedding, choose a breed with a short coat that doesn't require much grooming. With all of these factors in mind, we've compiled a list of the best dog breeds for first-time pet owners. Take a look and see if one of these pups is right for you!
