How To Prepare Your Home For A New Puppy (& Avoid Stress)
With the excitement of finally bringing home your new puppy, it's important to plan ahead to ensure that you and your furry friend have a stress-free transition! As well, training a puppy begins the moment you pick it up, so you want to be prepared in advance. Find out how to properly prepare your home and family for the arrival of your puppy, as well as tips on how to avoid common pitfalls associated with new pet owners. On a side note, most people are excited to give their new pups treats to reward them and to bond. A quick note on this is here. It is worth a read now before you go out and buy any treats.
Before you introduce your new puppy to your home there are a few steps that must be taken. Firstly, researching the breed you're bringing home is essential as each breed may have specific needs and behaviors when settling into their new environment. Depending on what breed you’re getting, they may require certain types of food or other items. Check if they require flea/tick prevention and familiarize yourself with any health concerns associated with that breed of puppy.
Moreover, it's important to create a puppy-safe environment by dog-proofing your home. Make sure all small objects your pup could swallow are out of reach, cords are tucked away, hazardous materials are safely stored and any poisonous plants in the house are moved somewhere securely away from your puppy. Ensure you also block off access to dangerous areas such as stairs, balconies or pools - puppies don’t know what’s safe for them yet!
You should also set up an area for your new puppy that is dedicated solely for them to relax and play in - designate an area where they can sleep at night free from distraction or disruption. You can fill this space with toys, bedding and a crate so that they feel secure when you
Preparing your home for a new puppy:
When you bring a new puppy home, there are a few things you'll need to do to make sure they feel comfortable and at ease in their new surroundings. Below is a list of things to do to prepare your home for a new puppy:
1. Create a safe space: Puppies are curious creatures and will want to explore every nook and cranny of your home. To prevent them from getting into trouble, create a safe space for them with baby gates or by blocking off areas of your home with furniture. This will allow them to explore without having to worry about them getting into mischief.
2. Puppy-proof your home: Take a look around your home and identify any potential hazards that could harm your puppy. Remove any items that could be swallowed or chewed on, such as small objects, toxic plants, and cleaning supplies. Keep an eye out for electrical cords that could be tempting for chewing puppies.
3. Get the right supplies: Before bringing your puppy home, make sure you have all the supplies you'll need, such as food and water bowls, a collar and leash, toys, and waste bags for picking up after them on walks. Having everything ready ahead of time will make the transition smoother for both you and your puppy.
4. Introduce them slowly: When you first bring your puppy home, give them some time to adjust before introducing them to everyone in the family at once. Have each family member take turns meeting
Storing foods in airtight containers
One of the most important things you can do to puppy-proof your home is to store all of your food in airtight containers. This will keep your puppy from getting into any food that could potentially make them sick. It is also important to keep all food out of reach of your puppy, as they may be tempted to jump up and grab it if they see it.
In addition to food, any other substances that could be dangerous for a puppy should also be stored in airtight containers and up out of reach. This includes cleaning products, medicines and other hazardous materials. By storing all of these materials in an airtight container, you can help minimize risk of accidental ingestion or interaction with these potentially dangerous items.
Storing their kibble in an airtight container will also keep it form spoiling and will prevent bugs getting in.
Rotate pet beds and blankets
It's important to rotate your pet's bed and blankets so they don't get too worn out. You can do this by washing them every few weeks and letting them air dry. If you have more than one pet, you can also consider buying a few different beds and blankets so they each have their own. This will help to prolong the life of your pet's bedding and keep them comfortable.
Replace harmful cleaning products with natural alternatives
No matter how clean you keep your home, it’s only a matter of time until your new puppy makes a mess. And while cleaning up after your pup is part of the joy of pet ownership, you don’t want to use harsh chemicals that could be harmful to their health.
Fortunately, there are plenty of natural alternatives that work just as well (if not better) than conventional cleaning products. Here are a few to get you started:
Vinegar: A natural disinfectant and deodorizer, vinegar can be used to clean surfaces, floors, and even carpets. Just be sure to dilute it with water before using, as the acidity can be tough on finishes and fabrics.
Baking soda: Another multi-purpose cleaner, baking soda can be used to scrub sinks, tubs, and countertops. It’s also great for absorbing odors from carpets and upholstery.
Lemon juice: Not only does lemon juice smell great, but it’s also a powerful grease cutter and stain remover. Use it on stainless steel, ceramic tile, and Formica surfaces for a streak-free shine.
Castile soap: This all-natural soap is gentle enough for use on dogs (and people), but tough enough to cut through grime and dirt. You can use it diluted in a bucket of water for general cleaning or apply it directly to stains.
You can also find a good variety of natural, organic and essential oil products here. Using products that are single ingredient and free of grain are the best to use on your pet. For example, many people might use and oatmeal based shampoo on their dog only to find out they are allergic to oatmeal-something not required in the shampoo.
Remove plants from the home (especially if your pup eats them)
If you have any plants in your home, it's important to remove them before bringing your new puppy home. Many plants are poisonous to dogs if they eat them, so it's best to err on the side of caution and get rid of any plants you have. If you're not sure which plants are safe for dogs, ask your veterinarian or do some research online.
If you have plants in your home, it's best to remove them before bringing your new puppy home. Some plants are poisonous to dogs if they're ingested, so it's better to be safe than sorry. Plus, puppies like to chew on things and your plants might not survive the onslaught.
Keep bedrooms dog free to avoid chewing on anything that can be ingested.
Chewing is a natural behavior for dogs and is how they learn, but it can be destructive if not properly managed. It's important to keep your puppy's bedroom free of anything that could be chewed up and swallowed. This includes items like shoes, socks, toys, clothes, and bedding. If you have any concerns about your puppy chewing on something, it's best to err on the side of caution and keep it out of reach. Many a puppy have eaten a sock only to be on the operating table a day later having it removed.
Start creating an exercise area outside or inside the home.
It is important to work with your pup and keep them active!
Assuming you would like tips for creating an exercise area for a puppy:
Create an easily accessible space for your puppy to get their energy out. If you have a backyard, great! You can section off a part of the yard with low fencing or use tall planters as natural barriers. If you live in an apartment or condo, create an indoor “puppy pen” using baby gates or x-pens. Be sure to set up the space with their toys, water and any potty training pads or turf you might be using.
Make sure the space is safe for your pup by checking for any poisonous plants, reviewing your fence for any escape routes and Puppy proofing your home before letting them have the run of the house.
Although it might be tempting to let your puppy free range all day, that’s not necessarily the best idea – especially if you’re not home to supervise. That’s why it’s important to find an appropriate balance of exercise and rest time for your new pup. A good rule of thumb is 5 minutes of exercise per month of age (up to twice a day) plus 1 additional minute per week until they reach 4-5 months old. After that, most puppies can handle about 20-30 minutes of exercise at a time two to three times per day.
One of the best ways to keep your new puppy healthy and avoid behavioral issues is to make sure they get plenty of exercise. If you have a yard, set up a designated play area with toys and fetch items. If you live in an apartment or don’t have a lot of space, there are still plenty of exercises you can do indoors with your pup. Get creative and look up puzzle toys or dog-friendly games you can play in small spaces.
Another way to ensure your pup gets enough exercise is to take them on regular walks around the neighborhood or park. This is also a great opportunity for socialization as they’ll get to meet other dogs and people. Just be sure to start slow and gradually increase the distance as their stamina builds.
One last thing, just as important as exercise is sleep for a new puppy! Puppies at 8 weeks old can sleep up to 22 hours a day. So a crate or nap spot where they can calm themselves is crucial to them getting a good rest.