Budget-Friendly Apps, Tips and Tricks for First-Time Dog Owners

Getting a new dog is fun and exciting! For a first-time dog owner, finding all your supplies and training your new pup can be a daunting – not to mention expensive – prospect. Fortunately, technology offers a variety of high-tech tools to help you be the best pet parent and stretch your dollars at the same time. Pet Costume Center invites new dog owners to consider these budget-friendly apps, tips, and tricks to help you and your pup get settled in together in no time.

Basic Essentials

Every dog needs some basic equipment to get started – a fluffy bed, some cool toys, a collar and healthy food are must-haves for your pooch. When it’s time to find good deals on your essential pet supplies, check sites like Retail Me Not to find discounts on everything you need to set your pooch up! Not only do they align with most major retailers, but they also offer daily deals to help you stack your savings. 

Another must for every first-time dog owner is an up-to-date phone. Older phones and limited data can have you scratching your head instead of finding answers when your pooch seems too itchy or when you aren’t sure about that leaf he scarfed up on your walk. If you need an upgrade, there are several excellent models on the market to help you stay connected and quickly find answers anywhere, anytime.

Whistle

The Whistle app is the perfect dog-tracking app for a new pet owner. The app keeps track of your dog’s activities and location in order to ensure that they are safe at all times. If your dog runs off, you’ll be able to track wherever he goes. Additionally, the app provides a comprehensive breakdown of your dog’s activities, so you can see how much time is spent walking, sleeping, eating, and more. 

Thanks to this level of attention, the app can also warn you if something doesn’t seem right. Vet bills pile up quickly if you wait for an emergency, so nipping trouble in the bud will not only keep your pooch healthy and happy, but it’ll keep your bills down.

FitBark Dog Activity Monitor

You might be surprised to learn that dogs need to stay fit, too, but as iHeartDogs points out, your pooch will benefit from routine exercise. With that in mind, FitBark Dog Activity Monitor is an excellent choice for keeping Fido healthy. FitBark uses a small device attached to your dog’s collar to track their activity 24/7, and FitBark has free shipping with a $15 order and a 30-day money back guarantee. 

With this app, you can tailor your dog’s walks, playtime, sleep, and feeding to his individual needs. You can even track your own progress, so that you and your dog can be healthy together. The device is a one-time investment, walks are free, and the memories you make together are priceless! 

Puppr

Puppr can be used with both Apple and Android systems. This app offers comprehensive lessons, with pictures and easy-to-follow instructions for training your dog. With over 40 tricks and commands, the app comes with a clicker for positive reinforcement training and a live chat where you can ask for training advice from professionals at any time. 

A well-trained dog is a pleasure to be around, and you’ll enjoy the bonding experience. What’s more, when a dog knows your expectations, he’s less apt to be destructive – so you’ll save not only potential headache and heartache if he gets into things he shouldn’t, you also save the money it costs to replace things like torn-up pillows and soiled carpeting! 

But wait, there’s more!

Okay, so there are plenty of other great apps you can use to make pet ownership even more fun, and hey, you can even find stuff just for you!

• The Dog Park Finder app makes it easy to find dog-friendly parks, trails and beaches. 
• If you love to travel and dine out and plan to take your pup, Bring Fido can help you find dog-friendly accommodations, restaurants and more.
• If you want to make your pet talk and have fun at your fingertips, the My Talking Pet app can keep the giggles going.  
• Couple those daily walks with great workouts to take your fitness to the next level with LadyBoss Pocket Personal Trainer. 

Are you and Fido ready to make memories? Between training, exercising, and cuddling, life is going to be good! With the basics covered and apps loaded, you’ll be a pro pet parent in no time.

And when you need the perfect costume or new outfit for your beloved pup, look no further than Pet Costume Center. Here you can find costumes, accessories, toys and more!