Preparing Your Home for a Puppy
Getting a new puppy is the beginning of a wonderful relationship. Never buy or adopt a puppy on a whim – this is an animal that has needs you are responsible for every day. Keep in mind that this will be a big day for your new puppy. He will be away from his mother and littermates for the first time. He’ll be in a strange new environment. He will have lots to learn. And you need to be patient and prepared. You need to get your home ready for your four-legged friend.
First, look at everything that is at a dog-accessible height. Put up floor plants – some are toxic to dogs, and puppies are inquisitive chewers. Pick up and put away any shoes, clothing, toys or other items on the floor. Check under beds and sofas for any small stray items.
Secure tablecloths and any other hanging material – a curious puppy could easily tug on it and bring it all crashing down. Clear coffee tables of anything that can be grabbed or chewed. Make sure to move anything fragile that could be in the path of a wagging tail.
As you would with a baby, put a handle lock on cabinets with dangerous cleaning materials, paints or other hazardous materials. Secure wires and electric cords in a plastic sheath.
Protect the legs of wooden furniture like tables and chairs by encasing them temporarily in thick plastic sheeting. You can also try a bitter spray pet formula to deter chewing.
Don’t forget about your yard. Put away garden tools. Fence off the pool – a puppy could fall in and drown if they don’t know how to get out. Look for other spots where your puppy could chew something dangerous, fall in or otherwise hurt himself. Make sure to lock away potentially poisonous lawn fertilizers, pesticides and paints. Lastly, make sure that your fencing is secure and there’s nowhere for Fido to get out. Block up any holes and make sure the gates latch securely.
