Bringing home a dog to your house can be a very joyous experience. A dog will quickly become a wonderful part of your family and can provide you with some great memories. While getting a dog can be a very exciting time, it does require a significant amount of preparation. Particularly, there are four areas of your home that you need to make ready for your dog before you bring a new puppy into your house.
Kitchen
One area of your home that you should dog-proof is your kitchen. Kitchen cabinets frequently store food, cleaning supplies, and other items that could be hazardous to the help of a dog. Because of this, you should invest in locks and other devices to keep your dog from getting into the cabinets and making a mess or hurting themselves.
Living Room Space
Another part of your home that you need to get ready for your dog will be your living room. Your living room will likely have a variety of pillows, decorative pieces, and could have carpeting. It is important that you hide and secure any items that are very valuable to you until you can completely trust your dog. Further, investing in hardwood floor installation could be a great improvement over carpeting. This will make cleaning up little accidents easier and won’t hold the smell the same way carpet does.
Outside Living Area
One part of your home that can be damaged the most by a new dog is your backyard. If you have a prized yard that you have taken care of, you should make sure that it is properly protected. One of the best ways to do this is to limit the accessibility that your dog has to certain areas of the property. Consider installing a dog run so that your puppy doesn’t dig up holes or wear down your grass by running in the same spots. If you do install a dog run, make sure that it is large enough for the breed you get and that it is a comfortable place for them to spend time, regardless of the season or weather.
Bedroom
The last place in your home that you would want your dog to have an accident or cause other damage would be your bedroom. The best way to make sure that your dog does not do anything wrong in your bedroom is to deny access completely. Adding a baby gate or fence to either a hallway leading to your bedroom or in front of your door will go a long way.
Getting ready to bring home a new puppy can be stressful. However, if you follow these four tips, they will help in ensuring that your home will be completely ready for your new best friend. This will provide your puppy with a more comfortable living experience and can reduce stress for everyone in the household.