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Bringing a dog home and introducing him to brand new surroundings is both fun and challenging. As a new dog owner it is your responsibility to see to it that your dog has everything he needs to feel safe, be healthy and to keep him entertained. Your dog will need daily care, exercise, vet visits, training and years of commitment on your part.

Knowledge and training are the keys to success as a dog owner. It is all up to you. No one training approach is right for all dogs. The same holds true with toys. Not all dog toys are appropriate for all dogs. You will need to find a training method that works for your dog based on its age and what you want to teach it. As far as dog toys go, be sure to only purchase toys are are 100% safe. In other words do not allow your dog to play with or chew on items that could be dangerous. Check with your local pet store to see what types of toys are available for the size dog you have.

Be sure that you purchase the very basics before you bring the dog home. You will need a leash, collar and dog food at the very least. Have a few safe dog chew toys on hand and be sure that you have dog-proofed your home. This can be done by picking up small items from the floor that your dog may be tempted to chew on. Gather electrical cords and wrap groups of them together with twist ties or with special sleeves you can buy. If there are cupboards on the floor level that are easy to open and which contain harmful items, put child latches on these cupboard doors. Dogs are curious creatures and especially when they are left alone so it is best not to take any chances.

You also must see to it that your dog is comfortable when he rests. If you are like many homeowners you do not want your dog jumping on all of your furniture. The best way to avoid furniture jumping becoming a habit quickly is to purchase a dog bed. Be sure the bed you buy is large enough for your dog to stretch out completely. There are many large dog beds for sale today which come in all styles and colors. There are also beds for dogs in small sizes. Regardless if you need one of the large dog beds or a tiny one, be sure that the one you purchase is easy to clean and that it is made of a very durable material.

It is also necessary to invest in some good quality grooming equipment. At the very least you will need a good dog brush and a comb. It is also a good idea to buy some dog nail cutters as it is much more convenient and cheaper to keep your dog’s nails trimmed yourself than to have to travel to a groomer to pay to have it done. You might also like to buy a baby gate or two if there will be times when you do not want your dog to be in certain rooms of the house. These gates can be made of wood, metal or hard plastic. They come in a variety of sizes and styles and can be found in stores selling baby furniture and gifts.

If you live in a climate that is known for cold weather you probably should consider buying some pet clothes for your dog. Having a no-nonsense, warm coat that you can put on your dog when it is bitter cold outside is practical and a good way to protect your dog from adverse weather conditions. Buying pet clothes becomes even more important if you own a small dog that has very thin hair or if you live in an area that experiences bitter cold temps. Domesticated dogs do get cold in spite of what some people believe. House dogs are very used to being warm, cozy and comfortable indoors and do appreciate being provided with some warmth when they have to go out in sub-zero temperatures.

By following these tips you should succeed at being a good dog owner. Your dog looks to you for everything so be sure you do not disappoint him. Have the necessities on hand and learn to set some limits - both you and your dog will be glad you did!