New Dog & First Weeks
You just got a dog — now what?
Tools
First Week PlanA day-by-day plan for a new dog's first week — potty schedule, crate, decompression, and honest red flags.Pre-Arrival PrepA before-they-come-home checklist — the right crate size for your dog's adult weight, supplies, puppy-proofing, and the first night.Living With Two DogsFeeding two dogs without theft, introducing a newcomer, and walking the pair — plus an honest line on when fighting needs a behaviorist, not another home fix.
Guides & how-tos
What is a dog microchip, does it hurt, and do I have to register it?A microchip is a rice-sized electronic chip placed under the skin by injection during a routine vet visit. It …What supplies do I actually need before bringing a new puppy home?Before your puppy arrives, have the core setup ready: a crate, a dog bed, food plus food and water bowls, a co…What do I do on my puppy's first night home?Keep your puppy's first night calm and predictable. Take them out to potty right before bed, settle them in a …How do I puppy-proof my home room by room before the puppy arrives?Go room by room and get anything a puppy could chew, swallow, or knock over out of reach: secure cleaning prod…What should I ask and know before adopting a dog from a shelter?Before you adopt, be honest about whether you have the space, time, and budget (adoption fee plus ongoing vet …Do I need to spay or neuter my dog, and what are the benefits?Spaying or neutering is widely recommended by veterinary organizations: it prevents unwanted litters and offer…What is the 3-3-3 rule for a newly adopted dog?The 3-3-3 rule is a rough guide to how a newly adopted dog decompresses: in about the first 3 days they're oft…