Getting a puppy might seem like a wonderful idea, but it’s one that takes a lot of effort and care. Bringing another life into your home is a task that needs planning and strategizing. If you begin planning after the puppy’s arrival, there is a high chance that you might get distracted before you get to the execution stage. It’s best to prepare before-hand to ensure a smooth transition after its arrival. 

If you are looking for some guidance, here is a 5-step guide on how to puppy-proof your home. 

1. Keep your possessions well-protected

In a home, there are usually a lot of things kept around in the access-level of a puppy. For example: shoes, mats, toys, books etc. All of these items can be destroyed when a puppy arrives. It is best to store these items elsewhere--in a closet or higher up in an attic.

If you do not want to realign your house too much, it is advisable to keep these items away when you’re not around. 

2. Give them space

This is a very crucial step in the process of puppy-proofing. Once you give your new pet space, it is likely to minimize the damages you might incur.

One good way is by creating a crate den or enclosed fence where your puppy can play freely. This however might take some training within itself. The other option is to give the puppy a room where you don’t mind things getting damaged.

Once they’ve settled and housetrained, you will be able to give them access to more space around the house, but careful not to overwhelm them.

3. Keep in mind the doors, handles and windows.

This step is similar to that when you’re baby-proofing your house. Baby gates are an easy way to ensure that puppies remain confined to a particular space.

It is important to make sure that you lock all the doors of rooms you don’t want your puppy to be entering while they’re investigating their new surroundings. This includes putting a lock on the toilet seat as well. 

Another very important area is narrow confines and unsafe gaps between closets and walls. These are places where the puppy can easily get wedged and hurt themselves fatally. 

4. Keep a check on the edible products around the house

Puppies can be allergic to a number of different products. Additionally, they are prone to eat anything if left unsupervised. 

As a rule, it is important to keep any toxic or edibles out of their access. Puppies can get sick if they chew on certain house plants as well so keep that in mind as well.

Antifreeze, rodent poison, cleaning products and medicinal products should be kept out of their reach, or in one of the cupboards.

5. Make a list of all the supplies and equipment you will need

Jot down all the things that will be needed to bring in a puppy into the house and purchase them pre-hand from the pet store. This includes different kinds of chew toys, food, puppy pads etc. Also, don't forget to just make sure that your puchase of dog bed is big enough for your puppy to grow into.

Conclusion

If these steps are followed properly, it will be easier as a puppy-parent to concentrate on helping your newest pet transition into its new home. Otherwise, you will left to scramble last-minute.

Remember, bringing a puppy into the house is a big deal which requires patience. Make sure you are truly ready as another life will be depending on you.

About the Author: -

I am Anoop Nain, proud father of four rescued dogs and two Flemish giant rabbits. Besides being a full-time rabbit father, I am a freelance content writer and an educationist, with more than 6 years experience in the field of content writing. In the span of six years, I wrote for various industries but one project that remains closest to my heart is my stint with People for Animals as their social media page manager. It was while working with them I got an opportunity to educate people on animal rights, pet healthcare, animal welfare and various other issues pertaining to animals.