Your first dog or puppy: the complete starter guide
Your first dog or puppy? We'll walk alongside you!
From the very first basket to the first walk: in 10 steps you'll know exactly what your dog needs.
Hi! How great that you're getting a dog!
I'm Woef, and I'm a dog. I'm going to tell you everything about how to take good care of your dog. At every step I'll ask you a little question. Do you know the answer? Then you get a star! Collect all the stars and become a real Dog Expert. Are you picking out the supplies together with mum, dad or another grown-up? Ready? Woof woof, here we go!
— Woef
Hi, I'm Michael!Michael van Wassem · Founder of FidelloRead more
I graduated in Animal Management (BSc), specialising in companion animals. Dogs are loyal, clever buddies who prefer to do everything together with their human. That makes them wonderful, but it also means they count on your time, patience and good care. In this guide I'll take you through it step by step, so your dog has a top-notch life from day one. Ready? Grab the lead, here we go!
Love, Michael
First, a quick start check
Two questions, then we'll tailor the guide to your situation.
What kind of dog is coming to live with you?
Are there other pets in the house already?
Good to know: take the introduction to your other pets slowly. Give every animal its own place to retreat to and keep the first meetings short and supervised. Feel free to ask the shelter or breeder for advice on your new dog's character.
Great! The guide has been tailored to your situation. Scroll down for step 1.
Step 1A safe place to sleep of their own
Dogs sleep and rest far more than you'd think.
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A quiet spot of their own where nobody disturbs them is therefore very important. Choose a basket or cushion in which your dog can stretch out fully, in a spot without draughts and not in the middle of the walkway.
Many owners also choose a crate. Furnished with a soft cushion and a blanket, a crate feels like a safe little den. A good rule of thumb: your dog should be able to stand up, turn around and lie stretched out in it. Always use the crate as a nice place to rest, never as a punishment, and build it up gradually.
Puppy: a pup needs a great deal of sleep and gets overstimulated quickly. A crate or puppy pen helps to protect rest times and stops your pup from gnawing on cables or shoes unnoticed. For the first nights, preferably put the bed near yours. That gives your pup something to hold on to now that it has just left its litter.
Adult dog: a dog from a shelter or a rehoming often already has habits. Find out whether it knows a crate and where it likes to lie. Give it extra peace and space for the first weeks, and let it discover its favourite spot itself. A familiar blanket or toy from its previous home helps enormously.
Tip from MichaelPut an old T-shirt that smells of you in the basket. Your scent is reassuring, especially in the first nights.
Fun factDid you know that adult dogs sleep or rest for a large part of the day? Pups sleep even more!
Step 1A cosy bed for your dog
You have a bed of your own, and your dog needs a bed of its own too. Dogs sleep a lot, especially puppies! The bed goes in a quiet spot. When your dog is sleeping in its basket, you leave it in peace. Just like you don't like being woken up either!
Which one do you like best? Tap it to choose!
When do you choose what?
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Why so much choice? This makes it easy to choose
Baskets differ in material (plastic, fabric or foam), shape and size, and a crate is a safe place of its own. That way you'll find a good bed for every dog and every budget.
- Measure your dog: it has to be able to lie stretched out.
- Got a pup? Choose a puppy basket or a crate with a soft cushion in it.
- Not sure? Choose the Top pick in your adult dog's size.
Choose a basket, crate or cushion
Question from Woef
What do you do when your dog is sleeping in its basket?
Well done! Dogs need lots of sleep, so rest is very important.
Step 2Good food and a food and water bowl of their own
Good food is the foundation of a happy dog.
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Choose a complete food that suits your dog's age and size. The packaging says roughly how much to give. See that as a starting point and then look at your own dog: does it stay at a nice weight?
When you collect your dog, ask which food it is getting now and switch gradually: mix the new food into the old a little more each day over several days. That way the tummy can get used to it. And of course: always fresh water in a clean water bowl!
Puppy: a pup grows fast and therefore needs puppy food, which is matched to a young, growing dog. Pups get their food split over several small meals a day. When to switch to adult food differs by breed and size. Feel free to discuss it with your vet.
Adult dog: choose food for adult dogs that suits your dog's size and how active it is. Coming from a shelter? Then ask which food it's used to and start with that. That way, amid all the excitement of the move, it at least has familiar food.
Tip from MichaelUse part of the daily food as a reward while practising. That way you train all day long, without your dog getting too much.
Fun factDid you know that dogs have a much better sense of smell than humans? Their nose is their superpower!
Step 2Kibble and fresh water
You eat every day, and so does your dog! A dog eats special dog food, such as kibble. A puppy eats puppy food, because it still has to grow, just like you. Your dog also always needs fresh water. Will you help to clean and fill the water bowl every day?
Pick at least 2 that you like!
When do you choose what?
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Why so much choice? This makes it easy to choose
Dog food differs in life stage, kibble size, type of meat and price per kilo, and bowls in material and size. That way there's always something to suit your dog.
- Got a pup? Choose food with 'puppy' or 'junior' on the packaging.
- Pay attention to your dog's size: small, medium or large breed.
- New food? Mix it gradually into the old food over a week.
Choose food and a food and water bowl
Question from Woef
What does your dog always need?
Exactly! There must always be fresh water, all day long.
Step 3Collar or harness, lead and ID tag
For a dog, going for a walk is the highlight of the day.
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For that you need a collar or harness and a lead. A well-fitting harness spreads the pressure across the chest and is good for dogs that still have to learn to walk nicely on the lead. A collar is handy for the ID tag or ID tube with your phone number, so that anyone who finds your dog can call you quickly.
Pay close attention to the fit: with a collar you should be able to fit two fingers underneath, and a harness must not rub under the armpits. Arrange the microchipping and registration of your dog together with your vet.
Puppy: a pup outgrows its things, so choose something adjustable and check the fit every week. Let your pup get used to the harness calmly at home, with a treat. A light, long line is great for practising recall, for example at puppy classes.
Adult dog: ask the shelter or the previous owner whether your dog is used to a collar or harness and how it walks on the lead. Don't let it off the lead for the first few weeks: it needs to get to know you well before it will reliably come back.
Tip from MichaelTake your dog with you to the shop or measure carefully at home: the circumference of the neck and the chest. A good fit makes every walk nicer.
Fun factDid you know that a sniffing walk can be just as tiring for a dog as a good run? Sniffing is brain work!
Step 3Ready for a walk
Dogs think going for a walk is the best thing ever! For that, your dog needs a collar or harness and a lead. Hanging from the collar is a little tube with your phone number in it. If your dog ever gets lost, someone can call you straight away. Clever, isn't it?
Pick at least 3 that you like!
When do you choose what?
Tap a type to see only those products.
Why so much choice? This makes it easy to choose
Harnesses, collars and leads differ in material, adjustability and length. With a few simple choices you're ready for every walk.
- Measure the neck or chest and choose the right size.
- Got a pup? Choose a light harness and a training line to practise with.
- Don't forget the ID tube on the collar or harness.
Choose a collar or harness, a lead and an ID tube
Question from Woef
Why is there a little tube with a phone number hanging from the collar?
Absolutely right! That way your dog always gets home safely.
Step 4Out and about tidily with poo bags
A good owner always cleans up.
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Make sure you have poo bags with you on every walk. A handy holder on the lead means you never forget them. That keeps pavements, parks and play areas clean and pleasant for everyone.
Going on a longer walk? Then also take a drinking bottle with bowl, especially on warm days.
Puppy: house-training is really a matter of persevering at first. Go outside often: after sleeping, after eating and after playing. Does your pup wee or poo outside? Party time, with a reward! Clear up accidents indoors without grumbling.
Adult dog: even a house-trained dog can take a while to find its rhythm in a new home. In the first few days, go outside more often than seems necessary, always at fixed times. That way it quickly learns what your day looks like.
Tip from MichaelHang a roll on every lead and keep one in every coat pocket. That way you always have them with you, even when you rush out of the door.
Fun factDid you know that dogs often turn around in a circle before they do their business? They're looking for the perfect spot!
Step 4Cleaning up after a poo
Everybody has to poo sometimes, even your dog! When your dog does a poo outside, a grown-up cleans it up with a poo bag. Then nobody steps in it and the park stays clean. A puppy still has to learn to wee outside. Does it do it well? Then you say: well done!
Which one do you like best? Tap it to choose!
When do you choose what?
Tap a type to see only those products.
Why so much choice? This makes it easy to choose
Poo bags differ in material, scent and number per pack, and holders in style and how you attach them. That way you choose what you find handy.
- Choose a holder that you clip onto the lead.
- A large pack is often better value per bag.
- Loose rolls fit in most holders.
Choose poo bags or a holder
Question from Woef
What do you do when your dog does a poo outside?
Great! Cleaning up is part of it, so it stays pleasant outside for everyone.
Step 5Playing, chewing and sniffing
Dogs want to be busy, with their bodies and with their minds.
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So toys are not a luxury. Fetching, tug games, chewing and sniffing are all part of their natural behaviour. A fillable toy or snuffle mat keeps your dog nicely occupied, and a lick mat provides a calm moment.
Choose toys that suit your dog's size, so it can't swallow them. Swap them regularly to keep things exciting. And above all, play together: that's the best way to build a close bond.
Puppy: pups explore the world with their mouths and so love to chew. Give them plenty of suitable chew toys, and your furniture and shoes will stay in one piece. Keep play sessions short and fun. After playing, it's time for a nap.
Adult dog: discover together what your dog likes best. Is it a true retriever, a tugger or a sniffer? Strong chewers benefit from extra sturdy toys.
Tip from MichaelDon't put all the toys out at once. Swap a few toys every week, and old toys will feel brand new again.
Fun factDid you know that searching and sniffing tires a dog out in a lovely way? Ten minutes of sniffing can be just as tiring as a good long walk.
Step 5Let's play!
Just like you love to play, your dog does too! How boring it would be without toys, right? Dogs love to run after a ball, pull on a rope and search for treats with their noses. Puppies like to gnaw too. Give them a toy, and they'll leave your cuddly toys alone! Pick out at least three toys together.
Pick at least 3 that you like!
When do you choose what?
Tap a type to see only those products.
Why so much choice? This makes it easy to choose
Dog toys differ in material (rubber, rope or fabric), sturdiness and type of play: chewing, tugging, fetching or searching. Variety keeps it fun.
- Choose a size that doesn't fit entirely in your dog's mouth.
- Got a pup? Choose puppy toys; a strong chewer? Choose extra sturdy.
- Combine something to chew on, something to share and something to search for.
Pick at least 3 for variety
Question from Woef
What may a puppy gnaw on?
Correct! Its own toy is perfect to gnaw on.
Step 6Tasty rewards for training
Dogs learn fastest when good behaviour earns them something nice.
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A small, soft treat is therefore your best training buddy. Choose treats that you can easily break into small pieces, so you can reward often without your dog getting too much.
A clicker is a handy tool: with the click you mark the exact moment your dog does something right. A sturdy chew treat also provides a calm, contented moment in its basket. Always keep an eye on it.
Puppy: choose treats that are suitable for pups and keep the pieces extra small. Count the treats towards the daily amount of food.
Adult dog: discover what your dog likes best of all. For tricky exercises, keep a 'jackpot': an extra tasty treat that it only gets then.
Tip from MichaelReward within a few seconds of the good behaviour. Then your dog understands exactly what it's getting the treat for.
Fun factDid you know that dogs also respond very well to a happy voice? An enthusiastic 'good dog!' is already a reward for many dogs.
Step 6A treat as a reward
When you do something clever, you might get a sticker or a compliment. Dogs learn best when they get something tasty, too. Does your dog sit nicely? Then it gets a small treat and you say: good dog! But not too many treats, mind. Small pieces are enough.
Which one do you like best? Tap it to choose!
When do you choose what?
Tap a type to see only those products.
Why so much choice? This makes it easy to choose
Treats differ in size, softness, flavour and price. For training you want small, soft pieces; for calm chewing, something bigger.
- Training? Choose small, soft treats that are quickly eaten.
- Got a pup? Choose treats made specially for puppies.
- Count treats towards the daily amount of food.
Choose a few reward treats
Question from Woef
When does your dog get a treat while practising?
Exactly! That's how your dog learns what you're asking of it.
Step 7Brushing, nails and teeth
Every dog needs some grooming.
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How often you brush depends on the coat: a short-haired dog is fine with a rubber brush now and then, a long-haired dog needs a slicker brush more often to prevent tangles.
Also check the nails regularly. Can you hear them clicking on the floor? Then carefully trim only the tip and stay away from the quick. Nervous about it? Have it demonstrated at the vet or a grooming salon. Also let your dog get used to tooth brushing calmly with a finger toothbrush. Worried about the teeth or the coat? Ask your vet.
Puppy: start practising briefly right away: holding paws, looking in the ears and a very quick brush, always with a reward. That way your dog will find grooming completely normal later, even at the vet.
Adult dog: some dogs have had bad experiences with grooming. Build it up calmly, in short moments, and stop before your dog stops enjoying it.
Tip from MichaelMake brushing a cuddle moment: short, calm and finished off with something tasty.
Fun factDid you know that some dogs moult heavily twice a year? Then extra brushing is no unnecessary luxury.
Step 7Brushing and looking pretty
You comb your hair and brush your teeth, and a dog likes being looked after too. Brush very gently, in the direction of the hair. Afterwards your dog gets a stroke and a compliment. A grown-up or the vet trims the nails.
Pick at least 2 that you like!
When do you choose what?
Tap a type to see only those products.
Why so much choice? This makes it easy to choose
Brushes differ by coat type and toothbrushes in shape. With one brush and something for nails or teeth you have the basics covered.
- Short coat? Choose rubber or a glove. Longer coat? A slicker.
- Got a pup? Start with a soft brush and short, calm moments.
- Is trimming nails daunting? Ask your vet or groomer to show you first.
Choose a brush and something for nails or teeth
Question from Woef
How do you brush a dog?
Yes! Gentle brushing feels like a lovely cuddle to your dog.
Step 8Safe in the car and on the go
Your dog obviously has to get home first, and after that now and then to the vet, the woods or on holiday.
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Make sure it is securely fastened in the car: in a sturdy crate or with a seat belt that you attach to a harness, never to the collar. A car blanket protects your seats from hair and muddy paws.
Never leave your dog alone in a warm car, not even for a moment. A car heats up very quickly in the sun. After arriving, also plan an introductory visit to the vet. They can check your dog over and advise you on things like vaccinations, worming and microchipping and registration.
Puppy: keep the first trips short and fun, for example to somewhere to sniff around. That teaches your pup that the car means something nice.
Adult dog: find out whether your dog is used to car travel. Does it find it scary? Then first practise getting in and sitting still in a parked car, with a reward.
Tip from MichaelAlways take water, a bowl, poo bags and a familiar little blanket when travelling. Then your dog quickly feels at home anywhere.
Fun factDid you know that many dogs come to enjoy going for a ride? They know exactly that the car often means an adventure!
Step 8Safe in the car
You sit in the car in a seat with a seat belt. Your dog has to sit safely too! That can be in a crate or with a special dog seat belt. And do you know what's very important? A dog is never left alone in a warm car. You also take the car to go to the vet. That's the doctor for animals!
Which one do you like best? Tap it to choose!
When do you choose what?
Tap a type to see only those products.
Why so much choice? This makes it easy to choose
There are different ways to travel safely: a belt on the harness, a car seat, a crate or a blanket for the back seat. What suits best depends on your dog and your car.
- Pup or small dog? A carrier crate or car seat is handy.
- Larger dog? Clip the seat belt to the harness, not to the collar.
- A car blanket keeps your back seat clean.
Choose a seat belt, crate or car blanket
Question from Woef
How does your dog sit safely in the car?
Well done! That way your dog sits just as safely as you do in your seat.
Step 9Training and puppy classes
A well-trained dog is a happy dog, because it knows what is expected of it.
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Train with rewards, patience and short sessions of a few minutes. Start with the basics: responding to its name, sit, down, stay and recall. Punishment doesn't work: it makes your dog insecure and damages your bond.
A course at a dog training school is a good idea. You learn how your dog thinks and you practise in an environment with distractions. Choose a school that works with positive methods and feel free to watch a lesson first.
Puppy: the first months are extra important. Let your pup meet all kinds of people, sounds, surfaces and other (friendly) dogs calmly and positively. Keep it short and pleasant, and watch for its signals. Ask your vet when your pup can safely play with other dogs and go to puppy classes.
Adult dog: older dogs still learn plenty of new things too! Give your dog a few weeks to settle in first. After that, a course is a great way to get to know each other better. Noticing behaviour that worries you? Then call in a qualified behaviourist.
Tip from MichaelPractise often, but briefly: five minutes three times a day works much better than half an hour once. Always stop on a success.
Fun factDid you know that dogs also pay close attention to your body language? They sometimes learn a hand signal even faster than a word.
Step 9Off to dog school
You go to school to learn, and a dog can go to school too! At dog school your dog learns to sit, lie down and come nicely when you call it. You practise with a cheerful voice and a treat. Never get cross, because that makes your dog sad. Practise briefly and often, that's the secret!
Question from Woef
How do you teach a dog something new?
Great! With patience and rewards your dog learns fastest.
Step 10The first week together
At last it's home!
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It's tempting to have everyone come round straight away, but your dog mainly needs calm, routine and time. Everything is new: the smells, the sounds, the people. Keep the first days quiet, and fixed times for eating, walking and sleeping give it something to hold on to.
Make your home dog-proof: cables out of the way, shoes put away, and chocolate, grapes and medicines out of reach. Let your dog come to you by itself and reward calm behaviour. You build trust step by step.
Puppy: for the first few nights your pup may whimper, because it misses its littermates. A sleeping place close to you helps. Also practise being alone briefly: a few minutes at first, then gradually longer.
Adult dog: give your dog time to settle in. It can take a few weeks before its true character shows. Don't leave it alone for long at first, and build that up gradually.
Tip from MichaelWrite down a few house rules together with your housemates: is the dog allowed on the sofa, which word do you use for 'sit'? If everyone does the same, your dog learns much faster.
Fun factDid you know that dogs are very good at recognising routines? After a few days they often know exactly when it's time for a walk!
Step 10Becoming best friends
Now comes the best part: becoming friends with your dog! At the start everything is new and a bit scary for it. So stay calm and talk in a soft voice. Let your dog come to you by itself. And do you know the loveliest thing? When your dog is happy, it wags its tail!
Question from Woef
How do you behave in the first week with your new dog?
Absolutely right! Calm and gentle, and your dog soon feels at home.
Your starter pack
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Dog Expert certificate
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has learned everything about caring for dogs and is ready to become a super owner!
Woef & Michael from Fidello
Ready for a life full of wagging tails!
You now have everything you need for a flying start. Got another question? Our customer service team will happily help you out. And if you're worried about your dog's health? Then always go to your vet.
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- Personal advice from Michael
Questions? Michael is here for you
Not sure which product fits best, or want to bounce ideas around about your new pet? Send Michael a message. He'll gladly help you with all your pet questions.
This guide is intended as general, practical starter information and does not replace advice from a vet.