Guide: first time dog owner
First Time Dog Owner: What to Know Before You Get a Puppy
As a first time dog owner, the most useful thing you can do is be honest about your time, budget and energy before you choose a dog. A puppy needs daily exercise, training, grooming and company for ten to fifteen years. Match those needs to the right dog, and the rest can be learned along the way.
Are you ready? A checklist for the first time dog owner
The American Kennel Club (AKC) suggests an honest look at three commitments before you get a dog (AKC):
- Time. Plan on at least two walks a day, plus training, play and housetraining.
- Money. Food, vet care, grooming and supplies add up every month.
- Years. Some dogs live more than 15 years, so think about where you will be in a decade.
If one of these is shaky today, wait. A dog will still be a good idea next year.
Choosing a dog that fits your life
The AKC advises looking past appearance. Instead, ask what the breed was developed to do, how much energy it has, how much grooming it needs and how its temperament fits your household. A heavy coat, for example, means regular grooming at home and at a salon.
The American Veterinary Medical Association adds a practical point: consider who will care for the dog day to day, and what happens when you travel (AVMA).
Are Poodle mixes good for a first time dog owner?
Often, yes. Both of the mixes we raise come from parent breeds that score 4 or 5 out of 5 for trainability with the AKC.
- Havapoo. Small, affectionate and happy with moderate exercise. However, it needs regular grooming and dislikes long hours alone. See Havapoo pros and cons.
- Goldendoodle. Friendly and eager to please. On the other hand, it needs daily exercise and more grooming time. See Goldendoodle pros and cons.
Budget before you buy
An AKC survey put the first year with a small dog at about $2,674, and that figure has only risen. Therefore, add up food, vet visits, grooming, a puppy class and an emergency fund before you pay a deposit. Our guide to the cost of owning a puppy has a full list, and pet insurance for puppies explains one way to handle emergencies.
Find the right source
New owners are the main target of bad sellers. So learn the warning signs first.
- How to choose a puppy breeder lists 12 checks.
- Puppy scams shows how fake ads work.
- Adopt or buy a dog compares shelters and breeders honestly.
The first week as a first time dog owner
- Set up before pickup. See our new puppy checklist.
- Start the potty routine on day one. See potty training a small breed puppy.
- Book the vet within the first week. See our puppy vaccine schedule.
- Begin gentle socialization. See our puppy socialization checklist.
- Expect a wobble. Feeling overwhelmed is common. See puppy blues.
Finally, sign up for a puppy class. It is the fastest way for a new owner to learn.
Related guides
- How to Choose a Puppy Breeder: 12 Things to Check Before You Pay a Deposit
- Working Full Time With a Puppy: A Realistic Plan
- Christmas Puppy: Is It a Good Idea? What the Research Says
- Therapy Dog vs Service Dog vs Emotional Support Animal
- Flying With a Puppy in the Cabin: A Step-by-Step Checklist
See all our puppy guides, or meet our Havapoo puppies for sale and Goldendoodle puppies for sale.
Sources
- American Kennel Club. Should I Get A Dog? How to Know If You’re Ready For A Dog. akc.org
- American Kennel Club. Finding the Perfect Breed for Me: How to Choose the Right Dog. akc.org
- American Veterinary Medical Association. Selecting a pet for your family. avma.org
- American Kennel Club. The Cost of Owning a Dog. akc.org
Sources were checked on October 7, 2026.
Ready to meet your puppy?
Our puppies are born and raised inside our family home in Eagle Mountain, Utah, from health-tested parents. See who is available now, or ask us a question.