Preparing for Puppy to Come Home

Before you bring your puppy home, there are a number of supplies you’ll want to get as well as puppy-proofing your home. Remember that puppy is a blank slate and will have more than likely been raised in a confined area, protected from everyday household items. It is a good idea that for the first little bit as puppy learns the ways of the world, for him to be confined to a small area. This will make it easier to train your puppy and keep an eye on him. The kitchen is a good place as it has flooring that is easy to clean. Use a puppy or baby gate to close off areas that you do not want puppy to go in. As he becomes more reliable with housetraining, chewing and obeying commands, you can expand the area he is allowed to be in.

Puppy Proof Your Home
Look carefully around the area you have designated for him, paying attention to those things in particular that are at puppy level. Puppy level includes while on all four legs as well as if he were to jump up on anything. It’s a good idea to crawl around on all fours to see everything from your puppy’s perspective.
Here are some of the things to look out for: Electrical cords are right at puppy level and are particularly enticing for puppies to chew. Either hide or remove any electric cords puppy has easy access to. Floor length drapes are fun to chew, pull and shake, which may lead to puppy ripping them down, along with any hardware. Plants are prime targets for puppy to chew on and can be dangerous as many plants are poisonous to dogs. Check low tables such as coffee tables for nick knacks, remotes, books, magazines and anything else you don’t want puppy grabbing and chewing or ripping apart.

Create an Area for Puppy
You’ll want to have a crate for your puppy to sleep in and as a place for him to go when you can’t supervise him. Although we as humans would not like to be confined to a small space, your pup will actually appreciate having a place of his own. A crate replicates the den for dogs, they prefer having a small, enclosed space to sleep. This is why you’ll find dogs crawling into tight spaces for naps, such as under porches, decks or even under your coffee table. Click here to find about more about crate training. A set up that works especially well is to have your pup’s crate and use an exercise pen to create a “puppy playpen”. Set up the crate, then using the ex-pen, attach one end to the back right corner of the crate. Wrap the ex-pen into a semi-circle around the crate and attach to the front left end of the crate, leaving the door to the crate open. Place his food and water dishes in the play area and you now have a place where you can safely leave your pup. He is able to access his crate to sleep, access his water and food and has a place to stretch out and play.