Bringing a new dog home changes everything – and we really mean everything. Of course it’s not as comparable as bringing your beloved newborn home for the first time, but it’s a similar feeling. All of a student your household not only serves you and a partner, but is responsible for your entire growing family.
This is an exciting time. Yet while you might be focused on picking out the perfect bed or choosing between food brands, your home itself needs just as much attention. Many new dog owners find themselves trying to make adjustments after their rescue pup or even older dog arrives, often learning through trial and error what their space really needs. We think we can help you avoid that wasted time.
Thankfully, taking care of a few key areas before your dog arrives makes the transition smoother for everyone and it’s not too difficult to put these measures in place. Your dog will feel more secure in a properly prepared space, and you’ll feel more relaxed knowing you’ve covered the basics as they adapt to the household and become trained as a lovely family pet. Most of these changes will feel natural after a while. Without further ado, let’s begin:
Secure Your Outdoor Areas
A secure outdoor space gives your dog freedom of course, and having a garden to run around in is great. But it’s important to design for freedom while keeping them safe. Good fencing matters more than most people realize, as yes they’ll be helpful for keeping your dog in, but also preventing other animals from getting into your property. Check for gaps near the ground where a curious pup might try to squeeze or dig through, and remember, they may surprise you. As such, you might want to bury the fence a bit deeper or lay gravel along the edges. Remember to check gates too – many dogs figure out simple latches surprisingly quickly, so you might need something more secure or with a higher opening.
A Safe Interior
Your home’s interior needs just as much attention as the garden space too, especially because your pup might not be house trained yet and will no doubt try to chew on everything. Electrical cords often attract curious dogs, so consider cord covers or rearranging furniture to keep them out of reach. From there, think about secure cabinets containing cleaning supplies or medications, as dogs can be surprisingly good at nosing open doors. Many people find that baby gates help manage where their dog can go, especially during training to prevent them from harming themselves on the stairs or going into important rooms like your home office.
Set Up Dedicated Dog Areas
Dogs need their own spaces within your home, not to run it themselves of course, but places where they can relax, eat, and play safely. As such, you can pick spots for food and water bowls where they won’t get kicked over but are still easily accessible, like a utility space. A consistent sleeping area helps your dog feel secure, no matter if you prefer a crate or just a cozy corner with their bed. Some pet owners create a cleaning station near an entrance for when they’ve been running in mud with dirty paws too. These designated areas will help you prepare for their presence best of all.
With this advice, we believe you’ll renovate those space especially necessary for the comfort of your dog.
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