Puppy Basics

Getting ready, the first weeks, and what a dog really costs.

A ledger, calculator, and a few veterinary receipts spread on a wooden kitchen table while a French bulldog puppy rests its chin on the edge, lit by a warm desk lamp.

What a Dog Really Costs in the First Year (Itemized)

A realistic, itemized first-year dog budget in USD with low, typical, and high ranges, plus honest regional notes and smart ways to save.

9 min read
A young woman sits on the floor in a softly lit living room at dusk, a newly adopted corgi puppy yawning on her lap beside an open crate and a small blanket, candid real-life shot with shallow depth of field.

The First 24 Hours With Your New Puppy: An Hour-by-Hour Plan

An hour-by-hour plan for your puppy's first 24 hours, from the car ride home to the first night, plus what to skip on day one.

9 min read
A beagle puppy curled up asleep on a gray knitted blanket beside a plush toy, lit by soft side window light in a quiet, warm setting.

How Much Should a Puppy Sleep? Sleep Needs and Schedules by Age

Puppies need 18-20 hours of sleep a day. See typical sleep by age, a sample nap schedule, why overtired puppies bite, and when to worry.

9 min read
A cozy living room floor neatly arranged with new puppy supplies—a padded crate, stainless steel food and water bowls, a leash, chew toys, and a bag of puppy food—as a curious eight-week-old golden retriever sniffs a toy in warm afternoon window light.

New Puppy Checklist: What to Buy and Set Up Before Day One

A new puppy checklist with grouped buys, US price ranges, and a 48-hour home setup plan so you're ready before pickup day.

8 min read
A low-angle view of a modern kitchen where a Labrador puppy stands on the floor looking up at a cabinet fitted with a child safety lock, with a baby safety gate on the floor nearby in soft morning light, realistic home photography.

How to Puppy-Proof Your Home, Room by Room

Puppy-proof your home room by room with this practical checklist covering cords, toxic plants, meds, xylitol, and a 15-minute eye-level crawl-through.

9 min read