How to prepare your home for a new puppy

The first few days you’ll spend with your new puppy at home will not only be exhilarating but will also be unnerving. Puppies get stressed a lot when they move to a new home, which can also stress the owner. That’s why you have to prepare your home well before you bring in your new puppy.

Here are a few things you need to consider before you bring your new furry friend home.

1. Have a meeting as a family

Bringing a new puppy home is like bringing in a new member of the family. So, you need to bring everyone on board and share responsibilities. It may be necessary to share responsibilities and appoint one family member as the chief caretaker to prevent arguments on who should do what.

Also, come up with rules that will guide the conduct of the pup in the house. For example, will you allow him on the bed or the couch? Where will the dog eat or sleep? Which rooms will be out of bounds for the dog? Allow everyone to give suggestions then come up with agreeable rules for the whole family.

Including all family members in the decision-making process is a great bonding experience. In addition, you’ll have a common activity to do, which is taking good care of a new member of your family that needs love and care. You can teach your children the relevance of taking care of animals in promoting a sense of responsibility, concern for nature, and leadership.

2. Buy the dog supplies

There are some basic items that your puppy will need. So, you need to have a list of these items so you can buy them in advance. Some of these items include:

• Separate bowls for water and food
• Crate(s)
• Leash and collar
• Dog food and treats you’ll use for training. Ask your veterinarian about the best dog diet.
• Bed
• Odor and stain-removing cleaners
• Toys: choose toys the dog can chew to prevent him from chewing items in the house
• Dog gates to control the dog’s movement in the house
• First aid and medical supplies such as cough medications, hydrogen peroxide, Dramamine, etc.

3. General home preparation

When you’re getting a new puppy, there are important things you need to consider, such as the location you’ll buy or adopt a dog. You can get free puppies from local dog shelters, adoption forums, local dog breeders, local dog rescues, social media, and even from your family, relatives, and friends. 

It’s also crucial to prepare your home to welcome the new pet properly. Your home will need some fixing before the puppy arrives. This is because pups are title-holders in chewing. They chew anything they can lay their teeth on.

That’s why you’ll need to create some gated space where your pup can relax, play, and even eat. Keeping him in a gated area will also ensure he doesn’t get injured.

The gated space should be in the busiest room in your house, so the dog doesn’t feel isolated. Add some dog toys to keep the dog busy.

4. Poop bags and potty pads

Once you’ve brought the dog home, you’ll have to house train him.

Training should start immediately after the puppy arrives so he can start on the right path. For this reason, you must have some poop bags and potty pads ready.

Don’t go for cheap items. You need high-quality pads that are super absorbent to prevent any leakage. They should also be easy to clean and portable.

You’ll also have to buy high-quality poop bags plus a dispenser that you can use to attach it to the dog’s leash.

Use the following tips on how to house train a puppy: 

• Start by taking your furry friend outside at least every two hours every day. Bring your puppy outside immediately after waking up, at playtime, and after feeding.
• Choose a location outside that’ll serve as your puppy’s bathroom spot.
• Reward your dog every time they poop outdoors, such as giving treats or praising verbally. 
• Put your dog on the same feeding schedule every single day to establish a routine. Your puppy may need to eat twice or thrice daily. You need to feed your puppy on a regular schedule to make training easier.

5. Get a dog license

It is a legal requirement to have a dog license if you want to keep a dog. Visit the relevant authorities to find out what the requirements are to be sure you are compliant. If you live in a rented property, find out whether you can keep a dog. Some landlords don’t allow dogs on their property.

For ease of tracing in case your dog gets lost, you may also want to have him microchipped. Visit your nearest animal care office to get more information about licensing and chipping. In some cases, you may find all the information online and even apply for licensing online.

6. Hire a good dog trainer

Dog training needs commitment and dedication because it is a lot of work and a lifelong process.

You may not have enough time to do it on your own. If possible, you can hire a dog trainer for your puppy.

Note that not everyone who claims to be a dog trainer is qualified to do so. Do some research to identify the best trainer. You can as well take the dog to a dog training class.

Puppies are social animals, so they are very playful, especially at a young age. Playing is good, both for their health and physical well-being.

That’s why you need to set aside some time to play with your dog. This will also help in creating a strong bond between you and the dog.

Amy Sloane is an alum from Oregon State University and spends her free time as a freelance writer and knitting enthusiast. Amy loves reading, cooking, and spending time with her dog, Molly. 

Puppy training 101: 10 tips to prepare your dog for success