Dog Ownership FAQ — 20 Common Questions for Beginners

Dogs are loyal companions, but first-time owners often have many questions. Here are answers to 20 of the most common questions to help you get started with confidence. For comprehensive care basics, also see our Complete Guide to Dog Ownership.

Diet & Nutrition FAQ

Q1. How many times a day should I feed my dog? Puppies (2–6 months) should eat **3–4 times a day**, while adult dogs (1 year and older) do well with **2 meals a day**. Senior dogs with reduced digestive capacity may benefit from 3 smaller meals.

Q2. Dry food or wet food — which is better? **Complete and balanced dry food** is the standard choice for a main diet. Wet food has higher palatability but can contribute to tartar buildup. Topping dry food with a small amount of wet food is an effective compromise.

Q3. What foods are toxic to dogs? **Chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, xylitol, alcohol, and cooked chicken bones** pose risks of poisoning or digestive damage. Never casually feed human food — always verify safety first.

Q4. How many treats can I give? Treats should account for no more than **10% of daily caloric intake**. If you give more treats, reduce the main food portion accordingly.

Walking & Exercise FAQ

Q5. How often and how long should walks be? Requirements vary by breed and size. Small dogs need roughly **2 walks of 15–20 minutes**, medium dogs about **2 walks of 30 minutes**, and large dogs approximately **2 walks of 40–60 minutes** per day.

Q6. Can I skip walks on rainy days? A day or two can be substituted with indoor play, but extended periods without walks cause stress. Use a dog raincoat for a short walk, or see our [Indoor Exercise Guide](/column/dog-indoor-exercise) for alternatives.

Q7. When can a puppy start going on walks? After **completing at least two rounds of vaccinations and receiving veterinary clearance** — typically around 3–4 months of age. Start with "socialization walks" where you carry the puppy to expose them to outdoor sights and sounds.

Q8. When can I take my dog to a dog park? Ideally after vaccinations are complete and your dog has mastered basic recall commands. **From around 6 months of age**, once they have developed enough social skills to play safely with other dogs.

Training FAQ

Q9. When should I start training? **From the day you bring your dog home.** Begin with simple exercises like responding to their name and learning the toilet location. Positive reinforcement training — rewarding desired behavior — is the foundation.

Q10. Tips for housetraining? Guide your dog to the toilet at times they are most likely to eliminate — right after waking, after meals, and after play — and **praise immediately upon success**. Never scold for accidents; simply clean up quietly.

Q11. How do I stop biting? Puppy mouthing naturally decreases with age. When bitten, say **"ouch" and immediately stop playing**, teaching the puppy that biting ends the fun. Always have appropriate chew toys available as alternatives.

Q12. How do I stop excessive barking? First, **identify why your dog is barking**. For demand barking, ignore it. For alert barking, create a secure environment. For separation anxiety, practice graduated departures. Each cause requires a different approach.

Health & Medical FAQ

Q13. How many vaccinations does my dog need? Puppies need **3–4 rounds of combination vaccines** starting at 6–8 weeks of age. After that, annual boosters are standard. Rabies vaccination is **legally required once a year** in Japan. See our [Dog Vaccination Guide](/column/dog-vaccination-guide) for details.

Q14. When should heartworm prevention start and end? Administer preventive medication **once a month from around May through December**, when mosquitoes are active. Start and end dates vary by region, so consult your veterinarian.

Q15. Should I spay/neuter my dog? If you have no breeding plans, it is **recommended**. Neutering males reduces the risk of testicular tumors and prostate enlargement; spaying females significantly lowers the risk of pyometra and mammary tumors. The procedure is typically performed between 6 months and 1 year of age.

Q16. Should I get pet insurance? Since veterinary care in Japan is entirely out-of-pocket, unexpected injuries or illnesses can cost hundreds of thousands of yen. Enrolling while your dog is young keeps premiums low and avoids pre-existing condition exclusions.

Daily Life FAQ

Q17. How long can a dog be left alone? Adult dogs can generally handle **6–8 hours**. Puppies need bathroom breaks every 2–4 hours. If long absences are frequent, consider a pet sitter or pet camera.

Q18. Can I keep a dog in an apartment? Yes, in pet-friendly buildings. For apartment-suitable breeds, see our [Breed Selection Guide](/column/dog-breed-selection). Managing barking, foot noise, and odor is key to preventing neighbor issues.

Q19. Tips for introducing a second dog? Compatibility with the existing dog is paramount. Avoid immediate face-to-face meetings — provide a **separate room for an adjustment period** and introduce them gradually. Provide individual food bowls and toys, and always give priority to the resident dog to reduce stress.

Q20. How much does it cost to own a dog? Costs vary by breed and size, but expect initial expenses (including purchase) of roughly **300,000–800,000 yen** and annual maintenance of **150,000–500,000 yen**. For detailed breakdowns, see our [Dog Breed Price Guide](/column/dog-market-price).

Find Dogs on Bri-Choku

First-time owners especially benefit from buying directly from breeders. The Bri-Choku dog category features many breeders who offer ongoing advice via messaging. Find a breeder you can consult even after bringing your new companion home.