How to prepare your home for you new dog
Prior to bringing home your new dog, it is important that you mentally and physically prepare. The first few weeks of transition when your dog is getting used to a new environment and learning the rules of your home can be stressful for you and them. You can start this by physically preparing your home to nurture your dog’s mental and physical well-being by following these simple tasks.
• Inside safety: Make sure all electrical cords are safely tucked away and that there are no magazines, books, small tempting knickknacks or children’s toys that are easily accessible (or edible) to a curious canine.
• A quiet space: Set up a quiet area or room with a cozy crate that isn’t accessible to other pets or children. This will become a safe space for your new pup to decompress and become comfortable in their new home. A bathroom, mud room, spare bedroom, or even a cozy corner in an adult’s bedroom can all make for great decompression areas.
• Separation: Be prepared to keep interactions with other pets limited and supervised as you all get to know each other. Allow your new dog to get to know your house and other family members slowly with you there for support. Aside from a crate, be prepared to provide separation within the house so no one gets overwhelmed. Separation techniques from other pets and children can include closed doors, baby gates, or x-pens depending on your space and needs.
• Outside safety: If you have a fenced yard, check it over and over again with fresh eyes.
Is there anything a dog can jump on top of to boost themself over the fence?
Are there any holes where they could slip under and run away?
Are there any weak spots that could be exploited?
Make sure you carefully and actively supervise all pets in your fenced yard until you are absolutely positive they cannot escape. If you are unsure how your new dog will do in a fenced yard or if you don’t have a fence, we strongly advise you to purchase a long line so that your dog is able to explore and run while still safely under control.
Supplies
• Enrichment items: These things will help your new dog (and other dogs in your household) relax. Consider stocking up on some of the following prior to bringing your pup home:
Kongs / Kong Wobblers
Busy Buddy Squirrel Dude
Tricky Treat Balls
Bobs-A-Lot
Bully Sticks
Puzzle toys
Snuffle mats
Lick mats
Nylabones
Benebones
Goughnuts