Getting a dog can be very overwhelming. Welcoming a new family member is so exciting that some crucial things can often go overlooked. The first thing to do is often finding a good and responsible vet that will know how to help you in maintaining your new dog's well being throughout his life.

But there is much more to think about than puppy vaccinations, regular health checks at the vet or what will the name of your new four-legged friend be. This is especially true for first-time owners that might not be completely aware of all the aspects dog maintaining includes.

Not only will you have to inform yourself on how often you should groom your dog, feed him, or exercise him, but you should also think about all the items that will make dog maintenance much easier.

Here's where the Barking Royalty's Dog Adoption Checklist comes in handy, but you should however consult your vet, breeder or local shelter you're adopting a dog from in order to learn about special requirements of your new pup.

Ideally, you would purchase all necessary items for your new dog before he arrives. Of course, it's not the end of the world if you buy some of the items later on, but it will be much easier to accustom your dog to his new daily routines and rules if you make these items familiar from day one.

Some dogs need a lot of grooming, which translates to purchasing several types of brushes suitable for their specific type of coat. Other dogs might only need one brush, while only rare ones won't need them at all. On the other hand, taking care of your dog's dental health is also a very important thing to do. Unfortunately, dental care in dogs is often neglected by their owners, leading to health issues and pain that could have been prevented with a little bit of discipline and care.

When you welcome your dog already prepared with everything he may need in the beginning, it will be easier for both you and your dog to form good habits without any issues. It is also crucial to know how to introduce new things to your dog. If you are getting a puppy, you might want to introduce grooming as a form of cuddling at first, in order to create a positive association with the grooming activity. This way, it will be more likely that your dog won't misbehave whenever you reach for that brush. Inform yourself on the proper way to communicate with your dog and make sure you are building your relationship the right way from the start.

The same is true for all other items as well. The sooner you introduce them to your dog, the better he will understand new house rules and his daily routines. Not only, but having a special place for your dog's crate and bed, will make him feel more secure when he enters your home. Just like we enjoy comfortable couches with pillows, dogs appreciate having a cozy and soft spot to lay in. Having a crate big enough for your dog where he can enter and sit in, will provide him a safe spot from where he can observe his new environment without stress.

In order to be sure you have bought everything your dog needs, download and print out this checklist and have it with you when you head to the pet store. However, don't forget to do your research in order to pick the right items that will fit your dog's specific needs.