While excitement and anticipation may be at the top of the list
when bringing home a new puppy, preparing for him should rate
highly on the list. Just as you would need to prepare a home
when you have a baby, pet owners also need to take special
precautions when "puppy-proofing."
Before you start preparing your home for a puppy, you should
take into consideration the yard and garden. First, check
fences and gates to be sure there are no holes large enough for
him to get his head stuck in. Watch for litter and/or trash
cans, which can be tipped over, giving your new puppy the
chance to eat things that he shouldn't. And finally, know where
you are treating your lawn and garden with pesticides, and then
forbid your puppy from going there. In addition, make sure that
all chemicals and other harmful products are put away out of
your new friend's reach.
Next, you will need to investigate your home and pretend that a
small toddler is coming to live with you! Like toddlers, puppies
will find everything new and exciting. They don't know when
something is dangerous or can't tell if that "interesting"
remote control will get them into trouble.
In addition, when preparing your home for the new puppy, you
should keep these tips in mind:
Be sure all electrical and cable wires are either in a space
your puppy will not be or hide them under rugs or carpets. Do
not keep wires where your puppy could chew and gnaw on them. Just like a toddler, your puppy will explore every element,
including low cupboards. Just when you thought having a puppy
was easier than a child, he will learn to nudge those cupboard
doors open! Consider installing locks or sort through them and
only keep safe objects in low areas.
So far, so good, right? Well, that's only if you remember that
in reality your puppy has the mind of a small child. Soon
you'll be getting ready for afternoon walks to the park, 3 a.m.
trips to the bathroom, (more officially, outside) and lots of
cuddling. So, while preparing your home for your puppy, think
of him as a member of your family. Buy him a bed made from
plastic, which is more resistant to chewing. Line it with
comfortable bedding—washable of course—and then place it in a
special place just for him. Make sure it is somewhere he will
be safe and comfortable.
Preparing your home for your new puppy is a lot of work, so you
may consider buying a puppy pen until everything is taken care
of. Just like a baby's playpen, a puppy pen will offer an area
for him to play without roaming the house. By doing this, you
are also saving your furniture and other objects from being
chewed on. (Don't worry—he'll eventually grow out of this!)
Another important thing to think about when preparing your home
for your puppy is any stairs that you may have in the house. If
you have an open basement or second floor, use baby gates to
confine his run area to prevent harm. Babies and puppies alike
are not aware of danger and don't realize that they could fall
down steps and hurt themselves.
The most important thing to think about while preparing your
home for the new puppy is just like a child, they will need
cuddling, attention and there will definitely be a lot of wet
kisses!
This article courtesy of http://www.puppy-training-guide.net
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