How To Prepare Your Home for a New Puppy

A new puppy is a welcome addition to most homes. Once you adopt a pup, your family will get an adorable new companion who will remain loyal and shower everyone with affection. However, before your dog arrives, you need to properly set up your house.

 

Supplies

Purchase lots of items for your new dog to ensure he has everything he needs. Basics such as bowls, beddings, collars, food, identification tags and toys are a must. You should also invest in grooming tools, including brushes, combs and shampoo. Do not forget toothbrushes, toothpaste and flea-and-tick controls. You may also want to purchase a travel crate.

Of course, getting all of these supplies can be quite costly. Many of them also need to be replaced over time. If you are worried about the costs associated with your new furry friend, you can try cutting down on some of your other expenses. For instance, you can lower your utility bill by having solar panels installed in your home.

 

Puppy-Proofing

The above supplies should keep your pup happy as he settles into his new home. However, safety is paramount, as well. Your puppy is curious and will want to sniff and chew everything around him. Some of these items could be dangerous.

Electrical wires, in particular, could be harmful to your pet. A puppy will see a wire on the ground and think it is a toy. If he is teething, he may also use the wire to soothe his gums. However, the wires may block the puppy's intestines or burn his mouth. In severe cases, a puppy could even get electrocuted.

To protect your puppy and prevent damage to the wires, the cables should be placed somewhere out of reach. You can cover them up or put them in a drawer.

Puppies enjoy chewing other household objects, as well, including bags and shoes. Do not leave these items lying around on the floor. Long tablecloths and curtains should also be kept away from your pup.

Other items in your home could actually be poisonous for puppies. Many houseplants, in particular, could make your pup sick. You should thus store these somewhere the puppy will not go.

Trash bags are another potential hazard. You probably throw leftover food into the garbage can each night. Your puppy will smell this food and want to try it for himself. However, over-processed human foods can harm your pup's stomach.

Bathroom trash cans can also be dangerous. Puppies may want to play with soft tissues or paper towels.

Ideally, you should move the garbage bins outside or into the garage until your dog is a bit older. You can also invest in puppy-proof lids.

Yet it is not just delicious-smelling food that tempts puppies. They may also try investigating various medicines, detergents and cleaning supplies in your home. If you have any low cabinets in your bathroom or kitchen, you should purchase child-proof locks. You can also purchase sprays that will help your dog realize which items in your home he should avoid.

 

Fencing

Your puppy will love running around in his new backyard. However, you need to stop him from escaping into the street. There are various types of outdoor fences from which you can choose.

Chain-link fences are the most cost-effective option. They are durable and cheap. If you want a bit more privacy, you can also opt for fences without any openings.

Some dog owners instead opt for electric underground fences. These are great for puppies who can dig under or jump over traditional fences. To install electric fences, have special wire buried at the edge of your yard.  The configured wire should be connected to a transmitter. Your puppy will then wear a special collar that issues a mild shock if he gets too close to the wire.  

Bringing a new puppy into your home is an exciting experience. To make sure you and your pet enjoy your bond for years to come, you need to properly prepare your house. This means gathering necessary supplies, puppy-proofing dangerous items and installing proper fencing.

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