Welcoming a new puppy into your home is a big step for any dog lover. While this major milestone can be exciting, it can also be anxiety-provoking. A new dog upsets the rhythm of your entire home, and you will need to make adjustments to create a cohesive environment. Creating a special place for your dog to sleep, making sure your yard is puppy-ready, and clearing your home of hazards are all things to consider before you move in with your new furry family member.

Are you wondering how to kickstart your puppy-proofing project? Here are a few tips for success.

Carve out a special space for your pup

Giving your new pup a designated space of their own is essential in welcoming them into your family. Some dog owners opt to create a dog paradise in a spare room or dedicate their mudroom to their furry friend. Others find creative solutions to incorporate their dog’s essentials into family rooms. No matter where you choose to rest your pup, make sure they are comfortable. Give your dog the bed all of the neighborhood hounds will envy, and search for the best memory foam dog beds to make their unique space as comfortable as can be.

Check for dog-level hazards.

There are more hazards in the average home than you might think, and you don’t even consider them until you take in a new four-legged friend. Consider doing an “all fours” inspection of the common areas of your home where your dog will most likely spend time. Decorations and knick-knacks can become choking hazards for a curious pup. Also, beware of any bug traps or other pest control devices. Although many of these household pest products are non-toxic, they can still be dangerous if not closely monitored. Your garbage can be a significant hazard for dogs as well, so consider securing your trash bin with a tight lid or storing it in a cupboard. 

Puppy-scaping your backyard

While creating a doggy paradise within your home is essential to make your new pup feel welcome, don’t ignore the yard. Dog’s need a lot of outside time, so puppy-scaping your yard is vital. Having a soft grassy patch for your dog to use as a restroom is a no-brainer, and keeping it trimmed makes poop-scooping a breeze. Before you plant shrubs or flowers, make sure they are not toxic if ingested. Also, consider fencing off that backyard herb garden. Those thriving chives can cause your furry friend to become ill.

Pet-safe flooring and furniture

Inviting a dog into your home encourages new kinds of messes, and if you don’t consider how to protect your furniture and flooring, you’ve got double the costs coming your way. Classic hardwood floors can scratch when your dog gets the zoomies and clacks their nails all over the panels. Consider vinyl plank flooring. It’s a low-cost dupe for hardwood with easy clean-up and maintenance. When it comes to furniture fabrics, there are many sustainable options to choose from. Microfiber is stain-resistant and easy to lint-roll, so no more worries about muddy paws and shedding dogs. 

Designate dog-free zones

While making your dog feel at home is essential, it is also important to have designated dog-free zones to keep your home in order. Once you’ve dedicated sleeping space for your pup, keeping the master bedroom, a dog-free zone is a good start. If you establish a no-dogs-on-furniture standard for your home, keeping your bedroom dog-free can aid in training. Another good dog-free zone is the kitchen. Not only can you train your dog not to beg, but you can also avoid hazards that fill a kitchen, such as food debris and dangerous tools. 

Set up a walking station

Potty training a new dog takes a lot of patience, but creating a special dog walking station inside the house can help build a routine that enforces a bathroom-break routine. A walking station is as easy as hanging wall hooks to hang your leash and having a consistent place to keep your doggie bags. The act of taking down the leash and grabbing the doggie bags is a signal to your pup that it is time to go outside. Once you’ve established this routine, your dog can tell you when it needs to use the bathroom by making its way to the walking station. As you establish this routine, you can work on cementing other habits with your dog, like leash training and interacting with other dogs. 

Final thoughts

Your dog is an integral part of the family and deserves a place in the house. Give them a warm welcome by gifting them with their own space and sprucing it up with a memory foam dog bed. Ensure your home is free of dog hazards and prepare your interior for a new, messy arrival. Also, be sure to hold fast to your boundaries, like a dog-free kitchen and bedrooms. 

With enough time and a calculated approach, your dog will find its way into your routine. For a puppy-friendly space, tailor your living area to your dog’s needs by introducing elements like a  walking station. Soon enough, your pup is now a fully integrated member of the family.