Real advice from someone who's lived it.
Are You Ready for a New Best Friend?
One that will literally follow you everywhere and rely on you as their entire world?
If you're reading this because you're thinking about getting a dog — congratulations. This could be one of the best, most life-changing decisions you ever make. But before you dive in, there are a few things you should know that will make life easier for both you and your future best friend.
The Big Questions: Puppy or Adult? Big or Small? Rescue or Breeder?
There are a lot of ways to do this right. The best path is the one that fits your lifestyle.
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Want a blank slate to train from the ground up? A puppy might be perfect — just know that it comes with accidents, teething, and sleepless nights.
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Prefer a calmer, more predictable energy? An adult dog could be a better match.
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Got allergies? Look into low-shedding breeds like doodles (though no dog is truly hypoallergenic).
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Thinking of rescuing? Please do. It’s one of the most selfless and impactful decisions you can make — and you’d be surprised how many amazing dogs are waiting in shelters, even purebreds.
You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to show up.
What You’ll Need: The Ultimate Puppy Starter Pack
(Download our New Puppy Cheat Sheet + Supplies Checklist here.)
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Crate
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Bed
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Leash & collar
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Food of choice (ideally natural or raw)
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High-value training treats
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Poop bags
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ID tag
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Toys and enrichment
Pro tip: Many shelters don’t have space for all the donations they receive. That means you can often pick up a free crate, leash, or even unopened food just by asking. It doesn’t have to be expensive to be good.
Finding a Vet & Understanding Vaccines
Establish a relationship with a local vet early, but don’t be afraid to ask questions and make informed decisions. Not every dog needs every shot.
Core Vaccines (recommended for all dogs):
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Rabies
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Distemper
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Parvovirus
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Adenovirus (Hepatitis)
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Parainfluenza
Non-Core Vaccines (based on lifestyle):
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Bordetella (kennel cough)
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Leptospirosis
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Lyme disease
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Canine influenza
If your dog goes to dog parks, boarding, or high-traffic areas, some of these may be necessary. Otherwise, you can consider titer testing — a blood test to see if your dog still has immunity from past vaccines.
I only give my dogs Core Vaccines
Training: Start Simple and Stay Consistent
Training doesn’t have to be overwhelming — and it doesn’t have to be perfect.
Start with the basics:
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Sit
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Down
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Stay
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Come
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Heel
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Place
Social media and YouTube are full of amazing short-form videos from experienced trainers. Save a few and practice a little every day. Our favorite tip? Always use high-value treats and positive reinforcement.
Here are our favorite Training Videos Across Different Platforms:
Never get physical. Never yell. Dogs don’t understand punishment — they understand guidance.
How to Teach “Yes” and “No”
These two words are everything in dog training.
Let’s say you’re teaching “place,” and your dog sits right in front of the bed.
You calmly say, “No,” then gently guide them onto the bed.
Once all four paws are on, say “Yes!” right away, reward with a treat, and praise them.
Repeat this consistently. Over time, your dog will learn that “No” means try again, and “Yes” means you nailed it. No clickers required — just clear communication.
The Emotional Side No One Talks About
Your 20s are weird. One minute you're surrounded by people, the next you're realizing how many of them aren’t really your people. It can feel lonely. Disorienting. Unstable.
A dog won’t fix that, but they will help you get through it.
They ground you. They give you purpose on days when you don’t feel like showing up for yourself. They don’t care about your relationship status or job title. They just love you.
And when you’re grieving — whether it’s the end of a friendship, a breakup, or something deeper — dogs have this way of just being there. Quiet. Steady. Healing.
They’re more than pets. They’re little pieces of your heart walking outside your body. And when you’ve gone through something hard with your dog by your side… You come out better, stronger, and more true to yourself.
