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New Dog Journey

Start here

Checklist + timeline for the first 30 days.

Open the start-here guide
start your new dog journey here

Start Here: New Dog Journey (Checklist + Timeline)

getting a dog

Step 1: Should You Get a Dog? Lifestyle + Budget Reality Check

Choose the right dog

Step 2: Choose the Right Dog for Your Home (energy, size, temperament)

Essentials to get ready for a new dog

Step 3: Prep Your Home (Room-by-Room Setup + Safety)

Flat lay of essential new-dog supplies including leash, harness, bowls, toys, and enzyme cleaner

Step 4: Supplies Checklist (What You Actually Need Before Day 1)

Person browsing adoptable dogs on a laptop with a notebook nearby

Step 5: How to Find a Dog (Shelters, Rescues, Foster Networks, Listings)

Person offering a treat to a calm dog during a meet-and-greet outdoors

Step 6: Meet-and-Greet + Questions to Ask (and Red Flags)

Newly adopted dog resting on a bed in a quiet corner with a water bowl nearby

Step 7: Bringing Your Dog Home (First 24 Hours Plan)

first week for the pup

Step 8: The First Week Schedule (sleep, potty, alone time, routines)

first 30 days

Step 9: The First 30 Days (Decompression + the 3–3–3 Rule)

Long term success with your pup

Step 10: Long-Term Success (habits, enrichment, health, community)

Explore

Adoptable dogsDog-friendly placesEventsShop picks
New Dog Journey | Resources | SnoutHub