Bringing a dog home is exciting — and a little overwhelming. There’s a lot to figure out fast: where will she sleep, where will she eat, what happens if something goes wrong at 11pm? This guide covers the essentials every dog owner needs to set up from day one.
These basics apply to all dogs — but always factor in the specific needs of your breed. A Border Collie and a Basset Hound don’t have the same requirements.
Personal Space
Your dog needs a dedicated spot to rest and decompress. A soft dog bed, a basket with a cushion, or even a folded blanket in the corner works well — just make it clearly hers. Put her favorite toys nearby so she associates the space with comfort.
Keep the spot away from heating vents, radiators, and drafts near exterior doors. Temperature swings stress dogs out more than people realize.
Wash the bedding every 2–3 weeks. Bacteria builds up fast, especially if your dog spends time outdoors. Keep the area dry and consistently clean.
House Training and Indoor Toilet
The fastest way to house-train a dog is to stick to a schedule — consistent walk times teach her when and where to go. But life isn’t always predictable, and an indoor toilet option is worth having.
Popular indoor toilet options:
- Box-style toilets
- Trays with absorbent pads or artificial grass
- Post-style litter poles (for smaller dogs)
An indoor option is genuinely useful when your dog is recovering after vaccinations or illness and shouldn’t go out, or when your schedule doesn’t allow a timely walk.
To get her using the right spot:
- Place a cloth with her scent in the tray — it signals that this is the right place
- If you catch her going elsewhere, calmly move her to the tray; treat the wrong spot with an odor-neutralizing repellent
- Praise her every time she gets it right — tone matters as much as words
Feeding Setup
Whether you feed homemade food or commercial kibble, your dog needs a fixed feeding station: two bowls — one for food, one for water — in an easy-to-clean spot. The kitchen is the obvious choice. Avoid placing bowls near coats and shoes (dust, dirt) or on surfaces you can’t wipe down quickly.
A rubber mat under the bowls will save you a lot of cleanup.
Bowl size by dog:
- Puppies and small breeds: up to 400 ml
- Medium breeds and older puppies: 700 ml – 2 L
- Large breeds: 2–2.5 L
Metal bowls are the practical choice — stable, durable, easy to clean. Ceramic is fine on a stand but breaks. Plastic is lightweight but tips easily and holds onto bacteria in scratches.
Always wash bowls with plain soap, not scented dish detergent — residue can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive dogs.
Feed at set times and remove the bowl when she’s done. This helps you track appetite (a good early indicator of health), prevents overeating, and stops the habit of grazing or playing with food.
Video: Are you feeding your dog correctly?
Home First Aid Kit
Do a quick daily check: paws, fur, eyes, ears, nose. You’re not looking for anything in particular — just noticing what’s normal so you’ll spot changes early. Most health issues are easier to treat when caught in the first day or two.
Medications to keep on hand:
- Wound-healing ointment (Bepanten Plus, D-Panthenol)
- Antiseptic (0.9% saline, 0.01% Miramistin, or 0.05% Chlorhexidine)
- Sorbent for poisoning (activated charcoal, Enterosgel, Polysorb)
- Mild laxative (Duphalac or flaxseed oil)
- Antibiotic eye drops (Tsiprolet, Tobrex)
- Ear and eye lotions, dog-safe toothpaste — from a vet pharmacy
Supplies:
- Sterile bandages
- Cotton pads
- Antibacterial wipes
- Tweezers
- Tourniquet
- Scissors
Run the kit past your vet when you first bring your dog home — some medications don’t suit every dog, and knowing in advance which ones to avoid is far better than finding out in an emergency.
If you travel with your dog, pack a travel version and save the number of a vet clinic near your destination.
Walking Your Dog
Before every walk: collar, leash, muzzle, a treat or two, and waste bags. If it’s your dog’s first time in a new area, carry her for a minute and let her take in the environment before setting her down on the leash.
Early on, walk often — frequency reinforces outdoor toileting habits faster than anything else. Once she’s reliable, you can settle into a schedule that works for both of you.
Keep an eye out for things she might eat off the ground or try to drink from puddles — both are common sources of illness.
During the walk, prioritize:
- Active play or basic training — both wear her out mentally and physically
- Supervised off-leash time in a designated dog area, where she can actually run
Write your dog’s name and your phone number on the back of the collar — or get an engraved tag. It’s a small thing that can make a huge difference if she ever slips the leash. The collar stays on outside; take it off only at home.
