15 Essential Steps to Prepare Your Home for a New Puppy

nd3000/Getty

Bringing a new puppy home is an exciting adventure filled with wagging tails, wet kisses, and boundless energy. But it can also be a nightmare of potty accidents and destroyed furniture, especially for inexperienced pet parents. So before you welcome your future playmate, there’s important work to do. This guide walks you through 15 essential steps to ensure your home is ready for your four-legged family member.

Puppy-Proof Your House

Amina Filkins/Pexels

Your curious dog will explore every nook and cranny in its new environment. That’s why you must tuck away loose wires, secure trash cans, and remove toxic plants in advance. Remember, puppies are like toddlers—if they can reach it, they’ll try to eat it. Store cleaning supplies and medications in high cabinets and close toilet lids to prevent unwanted swimming lessons.

Stock Up Puppy Food

OlyaSolodenko/Getty

Puppies need specially formulated food to support their rapid growth and development. Choose high-quality puppy food appropriate for your new friend’s size and breed. Ask a vet for recommendations and buy smaller bags at first, as your pup’s preferences may change as it grows.

Invest in a Cozy Crate

 CBCK-Christine/Getty

A crate is your puppy’s safe space and aids in its housetraining. Buy one spacious enough for your pup to stand, turn around, and lie comfortably. Then line it with soft bedding and make it inviting with toys. Soon, it’ll become its favorite den.

Gather Grooming Supplies

Gustavo Fring/Pexels

Even short-haired puppies need regular grooming. Get a brush suitable for your pup’s coat type, nail clippers, and puppy-safe shampoo. Start grooming sessions early and keep them short and positive. This helps your puppy get used to being handled and makes future vet visits easier.

Prepare for Playtime

Tanya Gorelova/Pexels 

Dogs have endless energy and a need for chewing. To save your furniture and shoes from their fangs, buy various toys. Some would be for mental stimulation and a few for cuddling. To keep your pup engaged, rotate these toys regularly.

Set Up Feeding and Water Stations

Pakhnyushchyy/Getty

The utensils you feed your dog with are almost as important as the food itself. Sturdy, non-tip bowls are the most suitable for food and water. Consider elevated bowls for larger breeds to promote better posture while eating. Also, keep fresh water available, and be prepared to refill often—growing puppies are thirsty creatures!

Plan for Potty Training

   avtk/Getty

You don’t want your dog stinking up your apartment, so stock up on puppy pads for indoor accidents and poop bags for walks. And once your pet arrives, introduce them to the designated potty area in your yard. Though accidents will happen, having cleaning supplies on hand tackles messes quickly.

Puppy-proof Your Yard

Magda Ehlers/Pexels

Aside from your home, your yard should be a haven for your dog. Gaps in your fences, toxic plants in your environment, and other harmful oversights can cause wounds or permanently end your pet’s stay. Endeavor to check for these before welcoming your pet home. Aspiring pet parents with pools should also install a safety fence or cover.

Prepare for Sleepless Nights

Karolina Kaboompics/Pexels

Disclaimer: Your puppy may cry during its first few nights away from its litter as it adjusts to the new surroundings. To minimize these tantrums, set up a cozy sleeping area near your bedroom. Invest in a ticking clock or soft music as it mimics the comforting sounds of its past littermates. Still, be prepared for middle-of-the-night potty breaks; it’s all part of the puppy parenting experience.

Schedule a Vet Visit

Tima Miroshnichenko/Pexels  

Before you bring home your puppy, book its first check-up. Building a relationship with your vet early on ensures quality care for your new family member. For an insightful consultation, prepare a list of questions about vaccinations, parasite prevention, and nutrition. Buying a puppy health record to track growth and medical history is also advisable.

Invest in Training Tools

Erik Mclean/Pexels

Have you ever seen a dog owner lose control of their pet in public? If you want to avoid such, gather your training supplies immediately. Get a sturdy leash and collar or harness for walks and training sessions. You should also budget for tasty reward treats and a pouch to keep them handy during training.

Prepare for Teething

Thiago Oliveira/Pexels

Yes, puppies experience teething too. And since they love to explore the world with their mouths, it can be uncomfortable. A spray bottle is an excellent way to discourage chewing on furniture. But easing the pain requires teething toys. These should be soft and durable to keep your dog comfortable during this process.

Set Up a Puppy First-Aid Kit

Towfiqu barbhuiya/Pexels

Accidents happen, so be prepared. In your puppy safety kit, include gauze, non-stick bandages, tweezers, and a pet-safe antiseptic. Add your vet’s contact information and the pet poison control number. Finally, keep the kit accessible and familiarize yourself with basic dog first-aid techniques.

Create a Puppy Schedule

Pixabay/Pexels

You hate unproductive days and so does your dog. Puppies enjoy routines with mealtimes, potty breaks, play sessions, and quiet time. Before yours arrives, draft a daily schedule for it.  This pre-planning helps you visualize your future life with your per.

Plan for Identification and Tracking

  alexei_tm/Getty

Ensure your puppy can always find its way home. Buy a sturdy collar with an ID tag containing your contact information. Consider microchipping your pup for permanent identification or explore GPS-enabled collars for peace of mind. These steps can be crucial if your pup ever explores the neighborhood solo.

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply