Welcoming a puppy into your life is exciting, joyful, and often a little overwhelming. From the first Meet & Greet to daily routines, finances, and even how your home and lifestyle are structured, the early days matter more than most people realize. This week’s Utah Dogtopia TV episode focused on helping pet parents build realistic, sustainable habits that support both puppies and the people who love them.

We opened the episode with Candace Losee, Pet Relations Manager in Holladay, who walked pet parents through what to expect during a Meet & Greet and what the first day looks like when your dog comes home from daycare. Knowing what’s normal, what to watch for, and how to support your pup after their first visit helps set everyone up for success.

Melissa Thomas from Training to a T shared practical tips for building a puppy routine that fits your real life. Rather than completely rearranging your world around a new dog, she encouraged pet parents to help puppies acclimate to existing schedules and rhythms. She also offered a refreshingly honest reminder that puppies are an investment and suggested starting a dedicated “puppy bank account” early to help plan for training, care, and unexpected expenses.

Kristin Fritsche from Rider Real Estate shifted the conversation to long-term planning, especially for first-time home buyers. She explained why getting educated on lending and pre-approval before house shopping is so important. Understanding the process upfront reduces stress, prevents heartbreak, and helps buyers focus on homes that truly fit their lifestyle and budget.

Mike Agrelius from Nothing Bundt Cakes brought some lighthearted fun to the episode, sharing a few laughs and highlighting their popular three-pack bundt cakes. He reminded viewers that thoughtful, easy gifts still matter.

We were also joined again by Brandy and Scout from Dog Friendly SLC for an encore spotlight on Bambara at Hotel Monaco. They shared why it’s a standout dog-friendly dining option with delicious food for you and your pup.

To close the episode, Jenn Chisholm from Jade Bloom offered a beginner-friendly introduction to essential oils. She covered what families should know before getting started and things to be aware of so wellness choices stay supportive and safe.

This episode was a reminder that raising a puppy isn’t about doing everything perfectly. It’s about building habits, routines, and support systems that work for your family over time. Small, intentional choices early on can make a big difference for both pups and their people.

You can watch the full episode and explore additional resources on the Utah Dogtopia TV YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/live/r7G8QRj4F4s?si=xR14Nx2qmEnk0oWt