Dogs bring plenty of joy into our lives by offering unconditional love. It’s our responsibility to provide them with a safe environment where they can flourish.

If you've recently adopted a new dog or a puppy, you'll want to keep your four-legged friend’s best interests at heart. Here are some effective tips for dog-proofing your home.

Many people believe that putting a dog in a crate is cruel, but that’s certainly not the case. Believe it or not, a dog’s crate can become its den—a place where they feel safe and enjoy spending time. While a crate is a helpful tool for many owners, it is possible to use it improperly. As long as you don’t use the crate as a punishment or leave them in there too long, there’s nothing wrong with crating your pup. Consider these important reasons to crate-train your puppy.

Adopting a puppy is a huge decision; you shouldn’t take it lightly. Although many people have dogs, owning a pup isn’t for everyone—you must evaluate your lifestyle and plans to determine whether it’s the right choice. Once you decide on adoption, you’ll need to prepare your mind, home, and lifestyle to welcome a new family member. Follow along for a few vital things to know as a first-time dog parent to increase your preparedness for this new chapter in your life.