5 Ways to Get Your House Ready for a New Dog
You’ve finally done it. After weeks, maybe even months of searching, you’ve found the perfect dog for your family. But before you bring your new furry friend home, there are a few things you need to do to get your house ready. With a little preparation, you can ensure that your dog feels right at home from the very first day. Here are five ways to get your house ready for a new dog.
1. Pet-Proof Your Home
Just like you would for a human baby, you must ensure that your home is safe for your new dog. Go around and pick up anything that could be dangerous or harmful to your dogs, such as cleaning supplies, medications, and small objects that they could choke on. You should also ensure that any potentially dangerous areas, like the pool, are properly fenced off.
Puppies, in particular, are full of energy and love to explore, so it’s important to ensure they can’t get into trouble. This is also a good time to start thinking about pet-proofing your furniture. Dogs can be notorious for scratching up floors and furniture, so you might want to consider investing in some throw rugs or furniture covers.
2. Create a Designated Feeding Area
One of the first things you need to do when you bring your new dog home is to create a designated feeding area. This will help your dog know where their food and water are supposed to go and help keep your floors clean. If you have a kitchen with tile or hardwood floors, this is a great place for your dog’s feeding station. Just be sure to choose a spot out of the way so your dog doesn’t get in the way while you’re cooking.
You can either use a pet food bowl or an elevated feeder for your new dog. Depending on your dog’s feeding schedule, you may want to feed them two to three meals daily. If you have more than one pet, you might consider getting two separate feeding stations to avoid fighting over food.
3. Fence Your Yard
According to the National Association of Landscape Professionals, 81% of Americans have a lawn. If you’re one of those Americans, you must ensure that your yard is properly fenced before bringing your new dog home. Not only will this keep your dog safe, but it will also help to keep them from running off and getting lost.
There are various fencing options available, so you’ll need to choose the one that’s right for your home and your dog. If you have a small dog, you might be able to get away with a simple picket fence. For larger dogs, however, you’ll need something more substantial, like a chain-link or privacy fence. No matter what type of fence you choose, inspect it regularly to ensure that there are no gaps or holes your dog could squeeze through.
4. Get the Right Dog Bed
One of the most important things you’ll need to get for your new dog is a comfortable bed. Dogs spend a lot of time sleeping, so it’s important that they have a bed that’s just right for them. When choosing a dog bed, you’ll need to take into account your dog’s size, age, and sleeping habits.
If you have a small dog, you might want to consider getting a pet crate that doubles as a bed. For larger dogs, there are a variety of different beds available, from orthopedic beds to memory foam mattresses. And if your dog likes to curl up in a tight ball when they sleep, you might want to get them a donut-shaped bed.
5. Get Some Toys
According to the ASPCA, the initial year’s expenditure for dog ownership is over $1,000. And some of that money will need to go towards buying your new dog some toys. Toys are important for keeping your dog entertained and mentally stimulated, and they can also help to redirect their chewing habits away from your furniture.
As you can see, there are a few things that you need to do to get your house ready for a new dog. But if you take the time to do these things, you’ll be setting your new furry friend up for success. And who knows, maybe they’ll even help you keep your house clean!
