Before adopting a new furry friend, think about how they will adapt to your place. Think about how to turn your house into their home. From restricting access to places to keeping them safe from the threats in your house, here are a couple of ways to make your house dog-friendly!
Bar the Windows
If you live in an apartment, especially on the higher floors, consider installing bars at your windows. Some breeds, especially hunting dogs and small pooches, can take a shine to birds flying outside and read the open window as an invitation to chase after them.
Therefore, to keep them safe, you either have to keep an eye on all open windows or, more simply, install bars. In some cases, special wire mosquito nets can do the same job but don’t rely on these completely. Also, avoid leaving the windows open vertically as the pup can get caught in the window and injure themselves.
Mind the Flowers
Puppies especially like to chew. Everything. Rescue dogs with anxiety problems will also likely chew on anything they can get their paws on. It is important to be aware that many plants in your house can be dangerous to your dog.
Make sure you move all of these plants poisonous to pets in a room where your puppy can’t get to them. Or, if you do not wish to complicate things too much, you could just give the plants away. As beautiful as they are, plants can cause some health problems to your little friend and a lot of worry for you.
Baby Gates and Locks
You are preparing for a dog, not a baby, so why invest in such equipment, right? Well, not quite. There are undeniable advantages to adapting some baby items to your puppy.
If you want your dog to stay out of a room or not use the stairs at some point, a baby gate is a super effective solution. Furthermore, baby proof locks are easier to install on low cabinets or drawers than actual locks. Also, you do not have to worry about losing your keys! These are efficient at keeping your pet out of the cleaning supplies cabinet and away from treats and extra food.
Can a Puppy Chew Through This?
If you’re asking the question, they probably can. Cables, floors, curtains, chair legs, shoes… an excited puppy can eat through everything. The long-term solution is to give them alternatives and teach them not to chew on certain objects. However, the short term solution is to not give them the chance to munch on any of the items previously mentioned.
Hideaway all temptations! Put larger objects in a storage area and pack your shoes away. Curtains can be pulled up for a while until the puppy gets used to the environment. Unfortunately, there is not that much you can do about chairs. These are just going to have to take a few puppy teeth.
Set up a Space for the Dog
A dog, especially a large one, will need its own space. Set up an area in a room where you put a small and comfy bed for your puppy to rest. When deciding on the location, consider being close to where you usually hang out. Still, try to shelter them from loud noises and drafts.
Make the designated space as friendly as possible. This includes supplying toys of various kinds, age-appropriate treats, and any comfort items the puppy might bring along. Also, make sure that your pet always has the necessities, food, and water. For small pups, a pee pad should be readily available.
Welcome your Puppy
Here are some of our tips on making your house a welcoming home for a new dog! We hope you found these suggestions useful and enjoyable at the same time. How did you welcome your dog? Do you have any other helpful advice? Let us know in the comments section below!
