Adopting a dog after a long time of not having dogs

Hi,

I am planning to adopt a dog from the shelter. I had dogs as a child and I volunteered at a shelter for years during uni but for the past 7 years I had a cat, who sadly passed away and I am ready to be a dog owner again. However, I feel like my “dog knowledge” has faded away, so I want to ask some questions. For the record, I do not have the dog picked out yet but I am aiming for a small dog (below 8kg)

1. Is it better to use a harness or a collar?

2. What is the best feeding option in your opinion? I know some people feed only kibble, some people give wet food, or do BARF, I am looking for recommendations which diet to follow.

3. People who fly with dogs: is there a difference between the dog being in the cabin with you versus being in the hold? Is it harmful for dogs to fly short distance (2.5 hours) maybe 6 times a year? I used to fly with my cat in the cabin and I gave her some pregabalin so she slept through the flight. My reasoning for adopting a maximum 8kg dog is that I can take her in the cabin with me. But is there a difference if I adopt a bigger dog and put her in the hold? I mean in the stress it causes for the animal and the health consequences. Also, do you give mild sedatives for dogs (pregabalin) or they take the travel better than cats?

4. What are the products you would recommend a (kinda) first time dog owner to definitely get before bringing a dog home?

I hope it makes sense. 🙂 just want to be sure I am prepared and ready to give the best life to my future dog.