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.
Dachshund puppy in owners arms
Everything a First-Time Dog Owner Should Know
The 6 Best Pet Transportation Services of 2022
The 6 Best Pet Transportation Services of 2023
Puppy Bowl 2021
11 Takeaways From the 2022 Puppy Bowl
rabbit in green hat
6 Ways To Celebrate Your Pets on St. Patrick's Day

Explore Getting Started

All Dog Names Dog Adoption Puppies Dog Grooming
Pug in sunglasses
5 Ways to Celebrate Your Pet This Valentine's Day
Black, brown and white dog laying on bed cover next to brown and black cat
10 Reasons 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
dog in a dog bed with toys
Costs of Owning a Dog
Pomeranian dog in wire dog crate
A Guide to Buying, Setting Up, and Collapsing a Dog Crate
Building a dog house
14 Free DIY Dog House Plans Anyone Can Build
dog birthday party
10 Ways to Celebrate Your Dog's Birthday
Commerce Photo Composite
The 10 Best Dog Harnesses of 2023
Dog and man in colorful pet store.
Are Dogs Colorblind?
noodle the pug, famous pets
Why You Should Embrace Your Internet Pet Obsession
Dog wearing sweater in winter by fire
5 Ways to Accessorize Your Dog to Look Chic for Winter 
Commerce Photo Composite
The 8 Best Leash Accessories of 2023
Dog collar with license
8 Different Types of Dog Collars
Gray and white cat in front of scratching pole and household items
How to Keep Your House Clean With Indoor Pets
Best Dog Subscription Boxes
The Best Dog Subscription Boxes
Charlotte with Tom
Why Do Our Pets Love the Weirdest Toys?
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
Puppy hiding under bed
What to Know About Firework Phobias in Dogs
Small dog standing with winter coat
Should I Put a Winter Coat on My Dog?
Labrador in well fitting muzzle
Dog Muzzles: What You Need to Know for Correct Use
Pet dog stowed under airplane seat
How to Fly With Your Dog
White and brown dog head
How Old Is Your Dog in Human Years?
Mongrel with lead in mouth
5 Types of Dog Leashes
Light brown fluffy dog wearing pink dog clothes on white bed
Is It OK to Dress up Your Dog?
Dog sitting on wooden pier in lake
Do Dogs Need Life Vests to Go Swimming?
Puppy in blue kennel, boy playing with him.
How to Kennel Board Your Dog
hot dog in baby pool
How Hot Is Too Hot for Dogs?
Photo comp of dogs at daycare
The Best Dog Day Care Centers of 2023
Photo comp of dog walker walking dog
The 6 Best Dog Walking Services of 2023
Smiling dog
How to Confidently Name Your New Dog
Jack Russell Terrier riding in car
Ways to Make a Road Trip With Your Pup Feel Like Flying First Class
a cute puppy chewing on a toy
Finding the Best Dog Chews
Person hugging dog
The 8 Best Dog-Sitting Services
Golden Retriever sunbathing in tall grass
Essential Gear for Dogs
volunteering and other ways to help animals in need
Giving Back: Helping Dogs in Need
Woman Hugging Rescue Dog
Pawternity Leave: Welcoming a New Dog into Your Home
dog in a crate at the airport
How to Travel Internationally With Your Dog
dog walking station with the spruce waterless pet wash
7 Ways Busy Pet Owners Can Save Time
cute dogs of instagram roundup
The 20 Best Dog Instagrams to Follow Right Now
A black dog
How to Approach a Fearful, Shy, or Aggressive Dog
Dogs and Cats in Travel Bags
The Best Pet Boarding Services of 2023
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
The Best Animal Charities You Should Know About
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?
dog playing with a treat puzzle
7 Things to Do With Dogs Indoors
Woman and dog sitting on a furry rug
Dog Sitting for Non-Pet Owners
Dogs playing at dog park
Doggie Daycare Information
Couple with dog at a dog show
Dog Show Information
Camping Dog
12 Tips for Safe Camping with Dogs

More in Getting Started:

Dog Names Dog Adoption Puppies Dog Grooming