Getting Started with Your Dog

Welcoming a dog into your home requires a lot of work and preparation. We offer our best advice on adoption, training and other useful tips to get you started.
Hands holding a dog's paw gently
How to Build a Support System for Your New Dog
A dog biting into a torn bag spilling white material
5 First-Week Mistakes New Pet Parents Make (and How to Avoid Them)
A dog sitting on a tiled floor next to a backpack indoors with people in the background
Back-to-School Season Is Tough on Pets—Here’s What You Can Do About It
cat lays on bed content next to crochet hearts
5 Heartwarming Ways to Spend Valentine's Day with Your Pet
middle-aged man picks out dog toys at pet store
Prepare Your Home with These Must-Have Dog Supplies Before Welcoming Your New Pup
Dog paws, male hands and gift box
6 Thoughtful Gifts to Show Your Vet Team You Care
photo treatment of puppy blues
Puppy Blues Are Real—Here's How to Deal With Them
traveling with pet dog
8 Tips to Make Traveling with Pets Much Easier
Child sits on the floor with a white dog
The Relationship Between Pets and Children: How to Foster a Positive Bond
French Bulldog in pet-friendly hotel
The Different Types of Pet-Friendly Hotels
Dogs in a tent
Understanding the Different Types of Pet-Friendly Campgrounds
dog travels on train with owner
Planes, Trains, and Car Rides: The Best Ways to Travel With Pets
Furry snuggles
The Science Behind Why Pets Make Us Happy
Dachshund puppy in owners arms
Everything a First-Time Dog Owner Should Know
Black, brown and white dog laying on bed cover next to brown and black cat
10 Compelling Reasons Why Dogs Are Better Than Cats
Woman sitting on a stool playing with her small black dog. They are in the living room, there is a dog teepee.
4 Ways to Embrace the Pet Nook Trend
Pomeranian dog in wire dog crate
A Guide to Buying, Setting Up, and Collapsing a Dog Crate
Building a dog house
Build Your Own Dog House: 14 Free DIY Plans for Every Skill Level
dog birthday party
10 Amazing Dog Birthday Ideas for a Pawsome Celebration
Close up of the Rabbitgoo No-Pull Dog Harness on a dog
The 9 Best Dog Harnesses, Tested By Going On Walks With Real Dogs
Dog and man in colorful pet store.
Are Dogs Colorblind?
noodle the pug, famous pets
Why You Should Embrace Your Internet Pet Obsession
Dog collar with license
8 Different Types of Dog Collars
Small fluffy dog peeing on grass
How to Stop Dog Urine From Damaging Your Grass
Dog waiting in car
Traveling With a Dog or Puppy on a Road Trip
Adaptil collar for dogs
Adaptil Collar for Dogs
Labrador in well fitting muzzle
Dog Muzzles: What You Need to Know for Correct Use
White and brown dog head
How Old Is Your Dog in Human Years?
Light brown fluffy dog wearing pink dog clothes on white bed
Is It OK to Dress up Your Dog?
hot dog in baby pool
How Hot Is Too Hot for Dogs?
A dog hiding under a couch on a carpeted floor
5 'Concerning' Rescue Dog Behaviors That Are Totally Normal—Plus, Red Flags to Watch For
A cat sitting on a bed a hand holding a remote control in the foreground
Keep Your Pets Safe and Comfy: Here's the Ideal Thermostat Setting For While You’re Out
maine coon in carrier in backseat of car
Traveling With Pets This Summer? Try These Road Trip Game-Changers
photo treatment of woman and dog
Owner of 'Heaven is a Dog' Talks Journey to Pet Parenthood and Online Community
illo of dog with blonde hears and hankerchief
The Best Products to Keep Your Dog Happy and Healthy, According to a Dog Trainer
a cute puppy chewing on a toy
Finding the Best Dog Chews
cute dogs of instagram roundup
The Top 20 Dog Instagrams You Need to Follow Now
A black dog
How to Approach a Fearful, Shy, or Aggressive Dog
two dogs play tug of war over money
Understanding the Costs of Veterinary Care
Dog sports
Top 10 Dog Sports
Walking dog on leash with poop bags
The Best Ways to Dispose of Dog Poop
dog sitting in living room
6 Activities to Burn Your Dog's Energy
Frenchie
How to Care for Your Dog's Basic Needs
The Best Animal Charities You Should Know About
Top Animal Charities You Should Support
Cat in carrier
What You Need to Know About Boarding Your Pet
Neck down shot of woman in park with her husky dog after she has picked up poop in a baggie.
6 Ways to Make Picking Up Dog Poop More Bearable
A puppy looking off into the distance.
25 of the Cutest Puppies We've Ever Seen
dog on bed
Should You Allow Your Dog to Sleep on Your Bed?
English labrador dog walking in beach water with tennis ball in mouth
Why Swimming May Make Your Dog Smell Musty
Black Lab dog with head tilt
What Is Black Dog Syndrome?
lost dog poster on a tree
What to Do if You Lost Your Dog
dog playing tug of war with a dog sitter
How to Find an Excellent Dog Sitter
what are dewclaws and why do dogs have them
What Are Dewclaws?
Veterinarian scanning dog for microchip
What You Need to Know About Microchipping Your Dog
Small tan dog swimming in a pool closeup
Is Chlorine Bad or Safe for Dogs?
A pomeranian dressed in a blue striped shirt and looking at the camera with its tongue out.
9 Pomeranians to Follow if You Love Jiffpom
Dog Pride
Should You Bring Your Dog to Pride Month Events?
Microchip Pet Scan
Do Microchips Cause Cancer in Pets?
can dogs see in the dark
Can Dogs See in the Dark?
dog with a sweater on
How to Properly Measure Your Dog for Clothing
A dog standing in a road
Can I Let My Dog Roam Free?
A dog with a persons hand gently touching its face in an outdoor setting with scattered leaves on the ground
How to Confidently Pick the Perfect Name for Your Dog
An Australian Shepherd dog outdoors with tongue out
140 Australian Shepherd Names for Your Favorite 'Down Under' Dog
Dog standing on a rock overlooking a lake surrounded by forested hills
158 Epic Norse Dog Names With Powerful Meanings

More in Getting Started:

Dog Names Dog Adoption Puppies Dog Grooming