Bringing home a new puppy is an exciting adventure, especially in the summer when warm weather allows for more outdoor fun. To ensure a smooth transition for your new pup and the whole family, it's important to prepare your home in advance. Puppy-proofing is essential to prevent accidents like bathroom mishaps and chewed-up shoes. Here are some tips and tricks to help you get ready for your new furry friend.
Secure potential hazards
Much like you would approach “baby proofing” a home, “puppy-proofing” requires looking at your home from the lens of what is potentially dangerous and adjusting accordingly. First, you’ll want to make human food and cleaning supplies inaccessible to your pup by putting them high up on shelves and counters and behind closed doors.
You’ll also want to secure trash cans, keep toilet lids closed, and close doors when you’re not in the room to avoid unwanted mischief. Finally, remove poisonous houseplants and unplug electrical cords to protect your dog and your home from harm.
Set up a safe haven for your dog
Bringing a new puppy home is an exciting time for you and your family, but it can be a scary and overwhelming experience for them as their whole world changes overnight. To help your new dog adjust, it's a great idea to create a safe space they can call their own. Whether it's a quiet corner with a comfortable bed or an appropriately sized crate with cozy blankets, these retreats provide a sense of security and comfort.
Your puppy will quickly come to rely on this space for naps and breaks from all the activity, helping them feel more at ease in their new home. This dedicated area can also be a great training tool, helping you to reinforce positive behaviors and giving your puppy a consistent spot to retreat to when they need a moment of calm.
Get appropriate supplies
To help your new puppy safely acclimate to your home, you’ll want to make sure you have the right pet supplies on hand before they get there. This includes food, toys, treats, dog bed, and crate and can also include a pet gate if that works best in your home. Make sure all items are the right ones for their size and breed (i.e., dog crate should be the right size and food should be for their weight and age).
Don’t forget about your yard
If you have an outdoor space that you plan to share with your pup, it’s important that you also scan it for hazards and puppy-proof that space in advance. Some great tips include:
Fence your yard if possible (and ensure the space between the bars doesn’t leave room for unwanted escaping)
Fence or place a barrier around pools and ponds
Check landscaping for poisonous plants and remove or place a barrier around any you find
Put away cleaning supplies and electrical cords
If you are adopting a new puppy and need to schedule a veterinary appointment, our team at Bregman Veterinary Group is here to help. We make it our mission to help you determine the best course of action for your pet from the very beginning so that they can live long, healthy lives. To schedule an appointment for your new pup, click here to get started.
