You probably already have all the pet care essentials like a nice comfy bed, a carefully selected food, and a collar and leash. But that’s not all you need. What new dog owners don’t always know at first is just how much mobile technology has transformed the experience of being a pet parent. Smartphones give us amazing apps at our fingertips, making it a breeze to keep your pooch safe, get tips on training, and just have fun together. 

Of course, in order to use these tools, you need a phone that is compatible with them, plus fast and reliable internet service. If you find that it’s time for an upgrade, think about the type of apps you plan on using most, along with the budget you have to work with, in order to find the right device that meets your requirements and is easy to use. Whatever device you choose, make sure it has all the features you need to take full advantage of these apps. Once you have a device that’s capable of running your apps, you’ll need a strong internet connection as well. Fortunately, it’s possible to tap into powerful internet service even if you live far from major metropolitan areas. 

If you spend a lot of time away from home with your new pet, you may want to pick up a car charger for your smartphone. That way, if your battery starts to run low, you can easily give it a quick boost of power between stops. For many of us, getting caught with a dead smartphone is the ultimate nightmare, so a car charger will provide a little peace of mind.

Now that you’ve got your tech sorted out, brought to you by Stokeshire Designer Doodles, here are some exciting apps for first-time pet owners: 

For Training

Puppr

Like the folks at Petiquette, we think that all dogs are born good, but it takes a little work to ensure your dog is polite and well-behaved. That’s why we like the app Puppr, an easy-to-follow tool for dog training. It’s perfect for first time dog parents teaching Fido how to be on his best behavior. According to All My Faves, using Puppr is almost like having a real live dog trainer right in your home. We also love that it’s all about positive reinforcement, and it even features a built-in clicker.

For Safety

iKibble

You’ve probably already heard that chocolate is off-limits for dogs, what about other foods? iKibble has the answer to whether a food is safe for dogs to consume, no matter what kind of food you’re wondering about. This app makes it easy to serve your pup homemade dog food, or supplement their diet with fresh ingredients. Besides assuring you that an ingredient is safe, it also provides full nutrition value. On top of all that, if your pup ever eats something he shouldn’t have, you can do a quick search to determine if a trip to the vet is in order.

Pawprint

As a pet parent, you want to be sure your dog is healthy and happy. Pure Wow explains the Pawprint app helps you stay on top of your pup’s health by giving you access to vet records, plus the ability to track health information like feedings and walks. This app also gives you reminders when it’s time to schedule vet visits and give flea and tick medications.

Just for Fun

Say BARK!

What pet parent doesn’t love snapping cute pics of their pooch? The app Say BARK! takes the cuteness a step further. You simply upload your dog’s pic, then add animations, filters, and even lip-synced audio to create the most adorable digital greeting on the planet.

PetCoach by PetCo

This app could really fall into all three categories because it’s a broad ranging source of information about your dog, whether you’re curious about a funny behavior, you have training questions, or have a non-emergency health concern. With the PetCoach app, you can ask questions of verified pet experts, so your nagging questions can be settled beyond a doubt. 

Nothing can replace seeing your vet in person, but mobile apps give you useful information and confidence in a way that you couldn’t get otherwise. You may not realize it when you first bring your dog home, but you’re in for an amazing journey with your new best friend. Your new buddy deserves the best too, and these apps are there to help you make good on that promise.