Get Your Home Ready for a New Puppy

Welcoming a new puppy into your home is an exciting time, but is your home puppy-roof? Some planning is necessary to get the house ready for your fluffy companion. Our real estate agents love puppies too, and they have compiled the guide below to prepare for your new pet.

1. Contain Cords and Cables
   As you will soon discover, puppies love to chew. Your pet can get electrocuted if they chew on plugged-in cords, so you should keep them out of reach. Use cord concealers or spiral cable wrap to conceal cords from your puppy. Another tip is to attach rubber cable protectors to walls or skirting boards to keep your cords away from curious paws.
   
   
2. Remove Poisonous Plants
   If your home is furnished with plants and flowers, ensure none is poisonous to puppies. The ASPCA has an exhaustive list of toxic and harmless plants to guide any pet owner. Toxic plants cause vomiting, diarrhea, digestive failure, and even organ failure in puppies. You can place your plants in places the dog can't reach or let a family member keep them as you train your new pet.
   
   
3. Designate a Safe Space
   Your new puppy needs time to readjust into your home, and a safe, quiet space makes the transition easier. This safe retreat can be a pen, crate, or comfortable sofa.
   
   It's best to set the crate in a busy area like the kitchen and living room to keep the pet from becoming distressed. Supervise the puppy when out of the safe zone as he or she can wreak havoc around the house in a short time if left unsupervised.
   
   
4. Put Away Sharp and Small Objects
   Your new puppy will chew on anything they find as they explore their new home. Thus, remove scissors, razors, tools, other sharp objects, and choking hazards. If your family members leave coins, jewelry, q-tips, and other small items around your house, discourage this tendency to prevent choking and blockages. Also, remove items with batteries like electronic toys and remote controls as an ingested battery burns the soft tissue on a puppy's esophagus.
   
   
5. Lock Away Restricted Areas
   Puppies are inquisitive and want to explore every part of the new environment. Use baby gates to close off areas with hazardous items like the pantry or kitchen. Choose see-through gates that open easily to let you peek at the pet from wherever you are. Also, block access to pools, ponds, gardens and use a dog fence to keep the puppy in your yard when they play outside.
   
   
6. Remove Medication from Easy-to-Reach Places
   Most people leave medication on tables and bathroom counters, where your puppy can easily get them. Pills in a plastic container are no good either, as a determined puppy can chew through and ingest the prescription. So, store medication in closed drawers or high cabinets.
   
   
7. Dog-Proof the Trash Can
   Puppies are drawn to the food smells from trash cans. In addition to the mess the pet creates as they rummage through the trash, your new puppy may ingest something that causes gastrointestinal issues, like onions, chocolate, gum, medication, or germ-filled food. Thus, secure trash cans with tight lids and keep them in closets, pantries, or under the sink with a safety lock.
   
   
8. Designate Areas to Keep Bags
   If your home is often littered with purses, gym bags, diaper bags, or backpacks, create spaces to keep these materials out of your pet's reach. A mudroom or closed closet are great ideas as the items in bags can easily harm your new puppy.

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