New items added weekly - free shipping on orders over $70 for our friends and neighbors in Minnesota

Earn rewards when you shop in-store & online

Atlas | May 1

Bringing Home a New Dog: What You Need to Be Ready

Bringing home a new dog is exciting—but it can also feel a little overwhelming once reality sets in. Between the excitement of picking them up and the first night at home, there’s a lot happening at once.

Most people focus on the obvious things like food and a bed. But the dogs that settle in the easiest usually have a few more basics covered from the start—comfort, routine, and a calm environment.

This guide walks through what you actually need before and after bringing your new dog home so the transition is smoother for both of you.

Before your dog comes home: setting up the space

Your home doesn’t need to be perfect, but it should feel predictable and safe.

Dogs do best when they understand where they’re supposed to eat, sleep, and relax.

At a minimum, set up:

• A designated sleeping area (crate or bed)

• A feeding spot that doesn’t change

• A “safe zone” where they can decompress

• A leash/harness spot near the door for easy access

Try not to overwhelm them with too much space at first. Starting small actually helps with house training and anxiety.

Food, feeding routine, and consistency

One of the biggest early mistakes is changing food too quickly or feeding inconsistently.

Even if you plan to switch foods later, it’s best to:

• Start with what they were already eating (if known)

• Transition slowly over 7–10 days if switching

• Feed at the same times every day

Dogs rely heavily on routine in the beginning. Predictable meals help with digestion, behavior, and training.

Essential supplies

You don’t need a massive shopping haul. You just need the basics that actually get used.

Here’s what matters most early on:

• Properly fitted collar or harness

• Leash (a standard 4–6 ft leash is best to start)

• Food and water bowls

• Comfortable bed or crate pad

• A few durable chew toys

That’s it. Everything else can be added once you learn your dog’s personality.

House training and early routine

Even adult dogs often need time to adjust to a new home.

The key is consistency, not complexity.

Start with:

• Frequent bathroom breaks (especially after eating, drinking, or naps)

• Taking them to the same spot outside each time

• Rewarding immediately after they go outside

• Supervision indoors when possible

Accidents are normal early on. What matters most is building a pattern they can learn from.

The first week: what to expect emotionally

This is the part people don’t always talk about.

Your new dog might:

• Sleep a lot (adjusting is tiring)

• Seem shy or unsure

• Test boundaries a little

• Follow you everywhere

This doesn’t mean anything is wrong—it’s just adjustment. New environments are a big change, even for confident dogs. The best thing you can do is keep things calm, predictable, and low-pressure.

Socialization and stimulation

It’s tempting to do everything at once—walks, visits, training, social time.

But early on, less is often better.

Focus on:

• Short walks in quiet areas

• Gentle introductions to new people

• Basic name recognition and recall

• Simple enrichment toys indoors

Avoid overstimulation in the first few days. Stability builds confidence.

Common mistakes new dog owners make

Most issues in the first month come from doing too much too soon.

A few things to avoid:

• Switching food immediately without transition

• Overwhelming them with visitors

• Skipping routine for “flexibility”

• Expecting perfect behavior right away

• Leaving them alone for long stretches too early

Dogs don’t need perfection—they need consistency.

The bottom line

Bringing home a new dog isn’t about having everything figured out on day one. It’s about creating a stable, simple environment they can understand while they adjust.

If you get the basics right—routine, space, patience—you’ll avoid most of the common stress points new dog owners run into.

The rest comes with time.

Helpful Atlas resources

As you settle in, you may also find these helpful:

• Puppy and adult dog food options

• Chew toys and enrichment tools

• Calming products for anxious dogs

• Crates, beds, and comfort essentials

Flea and Tick Season in Minnesota: How to Protect Your Dog This Summer

Summer in Minnesota means more time outdoors with your dog—whether you're hiking local trails, spending weekends at the cabin, visiting parks, or simply enjoying your backyard. Unfortunately, warmer weather also brings an increase in fleas and ticks, which can pose serious health risks for dogs and their families.

Understanding when flea and tick season starts, where pests are most commonly found, and how to prevent infestations can help keep your dog healthy all summer long.

Fireworks Anxiety in Dogs: How to Help Your Dog Get Through July 4th

If your dog hates fireworks, you’re definitely not alone. For a lot of dogs, the Fourth of July (and honestly the whole stretch of summer nights with fireworks) can be one of the most stressful times of the year.

What feels like celebration to us can feel loud, unpredictable, and honestly overwhelming to them. The good news is there are a lot of simple things you can do to make it easier on them.

Fish Care Guide: Everything You Need to Know About Aquarium Fish Care

Keeping fish can be one of the most rewarding hobbies for pet owners of all experience levels. From colorful freshwater community tanks to specialized aquarium setups, fish bring beauty, relaxation, and fascination into any home.

Whether you're setting up your first aquarium or looking to improve your current tank, understanding the basics of fish care is essential for maintaining a healthy aquatic environment. This guide covers aquarium setup, water quality, fish nutrition, maintenance, and common fishkeeping best practices.

Self-Serve Pet Wash in Minnesota: The Easiest Way to Keep Your Pet Clean (Without the Mess at Home)

Bathing your dog at home sounds simple—until you’re crouched in the tub, soaked clothes, fur everywhere, and your dog plotting their escape.

That’s why more pet owners in Spring Lake Park are switching to a faster, cleaner, and less stressful option: self-serve pet wash stations right here in-store.

If you’ve been searching for an easier way to keep your dog clean, our in-store pet wash is built for exactly that.

Dog Heat Safety in Minnesota: How to Keep Your Dog Safe in Hot Weather

Minnesota summers can be dangerous for dogs, especially during high humidity and pavement heat spikes. Unlike humans, dogs don’t sweat efficiently, which makes overheating a serious risk.

Why Is My Cat Peeing Outside the Litter Box? (And What to Do About It)

Few things frustrate cat owners faster than finding an accident outside the litter box. It feels random, maybe even a little personal—but in most cases, it’s actually your cat trying to communicate that something isn’t right.

The important thing to know upfront: cats don’t do this out of spite. When litter box habits change, there’s usually a reason behind it, and it’s often fixable once you narrow it down.

Reptile Care Guide: Everything You Need to Know About Caring for Reptiles

Reptiles have become increasingly popular pets thanks to their fascinating behaviors, unique appearances, and wide variety of species. From bearded dragons and leopard geckos to ball pythons, tortoises, and aquatic turtles, reptiles can make rewarding companions when their specialized care needs are properly met.

Unlike dogs and cats, reptiles rely heavily on their environment to regulate body temperature, digestion, and overall health. Understanding habitat setup, heating, lighting, nutrition, and maintenance is essential for long-term success.

This reptile care guide covers the fundamentals of reptile ownership and provides an overview of the key factors that help reptiles thrive.

Small Animal Care Guide: Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, Hamsters, Ferrets, Chinchillas & More

Small animals make excellent pets for a wide range of households. From playful rabbits and social guinea pigs to curious ferrets and delicate chinchillas, these pets can bring a lot of personality and joy into your home—especially when their care needs are properly understood.

Even though they’re small in size, many of these animals have very specific requirements for housing, diet, enrichment, and handling. This guide covers the essentials so you can set your pet up for a healthy, comfortable life.

Cat Care Guide: Everything You Need to Know About Caring for Your Cat

Cats are among the most popular pets in the world, known for their independence, playful personalities, and ability to fit into a wide variety of households. Whether you've recently adopted a kitten or you're caring for a senior cat, understanding the basics of cat care is essential for helping your feline companion live a long, healthy, and happy life.

This cat care guide covers the fundamentals of nutrition, litter box setup, enrichment, grooming, and health so you can feel confident providing the best care for your cat.