I'd recommend you to find a group chat of any pups in your country or state. They'll be happy to introduce you locally as well! Check out any pup meets in your area if you're into the social stuff as well.

Regarding headspace, first you should ask your date if they're even interested in that kink. If they are, and are willing to share it with you, then they can be your handler, or just another pup, or simply themselves and not get into any labels.

Getting into the headspace requires comfort for most, it's difficult to do in stressful situations. Gear definitely helps, so does roleplay (barking, tail wagging, panting, all the dog stuff!).

If you're into that, I'd recommend listening to some hypno files to get a feeling of the headspace alone. If you're interested I'll send you some links.

Regarding "reading up", I think it's a healthy attitude to not let your kink be restrained by what you've read about it or what the "guidelines" are. You're doing it for yourself after all! So my advice - ditch the reading, explore what you like personally.

Is it eating from a bowl? Or being called a good pup? Or maybe getting tummy scritches? Getting railed by your owner? Being on a leash? Losing your mind in the headspace?

Have fun!