15 guides
Dog care basics for new owners
Plain-English guides for new dog owners. We don't sell pet products, and no brand pays us. For health questions, talk with your vet.
Getting started
Choosing, adopting, preparing and the first week.
- Choose the right dog
Match the dog to your life.
- Adopt or buy?
Questions to ask either way.
- Prepare your home
Dog-proof before day one.
- The first week
Calm, routine, patience.
Health
Vet visits, vaccines, parasites and teeth.
- The first vet visit
Start a good relationship.
- Vaccine basics
Protection your vet will plan.
- Fleas, ticks and heartworm
Prevention is easier than treatment.
- Dental care
Teeth matter too.
Training
House-training, rewards, leash and socializing.
- House-training basics
Routine and rewards.
- Train with rewards
Kind and effective.
- Loose-leash walking
Walks you'll both enjoy.
- Socialization
A confident dog.
Daily care
Feeding, exercise and grooming.
- Feeding your dog
The right food, the right amount.
- Exercise and play
A tired dog is a happy dog.
- Grooming basics
Brush, bathe, trim.