Our family grew by one about a year ago when we brought our sweet Dimples home. We love our pup so much and want him to have the best life possible! Dogs are a lot of work and it’s important to not lose sight of that when deciding to adopt. I’m sure almost anyone will agree that the puppy stage is a serious business. When you’re getting ready to bring a new pet into your home, there are many ways to prepare for a smooth transition. As we are soon to be out of the puppy stages, I wanted to share some of our family’s favorite tips for preparing your home for a new dog.   

PET PROOF YOUR HOME

Animals are very nosey and love getting into things. Pet proofing your home will help to make sure your new dog isn’t getting in the trash or the toilet, just to name a few. Here are some great ways to pet-proof your home:

• Invest in tight-closing trash cans and food containers.

• Try to hide any cords or wires because your new furry friend will probably think they’re a snack.

• Make sure any plants in your home are not poisonous to dogs. Most people don’t consider this, but there are more than 700 plants that are toxic to dogs and cats if they ingest them.

• Secure all doors, window screens, and containers (oh and don’t forget to always close the toilet seat if you aren’t planning to shut all doors)

CREATE FAMILY GROUND RULES

Before bringing home your new family member, make sure everyone in your family is on the same page. This can be anything from where your dog is and isn’t allowed in the house to if they can rest on furniture or in beds. These rules should be specific to your family’s needs and desires with having an animal in your home. 

STOCK UP ON NECESSITIES

You don’t need to buy all the necessities right away, but it’s important to make sure you have what your puppy needs for its first few weeks home. Be sure to keep your dog’s size and age in mind when considering these items.

• Quality dog food and treats: When picking out your puppy’s new food, pay attention to the first few ingredients on the list to make sure you’re feeding your dog all the right things. 

• Food and water bowls: These are an obvious necessity, but it’s important to keep in mind the size of your dog when picking out your dishes. Make sure the bowls are an appropriate size for your puppy to avoid them from eating too much.  

• Leash and collar: Look for a 6ft-8ft leash when starting out with a new dog because the retractable ones can be harder for training. Also make sure the collar you choose isn’t too big or too small (don’t forget about ID tags!!)

• Dog bed: Pick out a bed that’s durable, but still looks cute in your home. Yes this is for your dog, but it’s also a new piece of decor for your home, so choose one you love too!

• Dog crate: If you’re wanting to house train your new dog, using a crate while you’re out of the house is a great recommendation. Remember that size matters and it’s important for this to be a safe space for your dog. 

• Toys: Trust me, I know it’s hard not to buy all the toys you see because they all look like so much fun. Splurge on a few that you love and try to stick to $20 worth of toys for the first bit of new dog life. 

HARTZ® DOG DIAPERS

We use Hartz® Dog Diapers during every stage of Dimples’ life, but mostly when he first joined our family as a puppy. Hartz® Dog Diapers were a must-have tool for welcoming my dog into my home! They offer leak-proof protection, which makes these diapers great for house training and anxiety that comes with adjusting to living in a new home. It’s perfectly normal for dogs to have problems with urinating from excitement or when they are anxious in their new environment, so having Hartz®  Dog Diapers on hand is a great way to prepare your home for your new pup! 

Hartz® Dog Diapers provide superior comfort and fit for leak-proof protection made with FlashDry® Gel technology, which instantly turns urine into gel for up to 6 hours of leak-proof protection. There are even adjustable Velcro tabs and soft gathers that offer a customized fit without sticking to fur! With two stylish and fun prints, both you and your puppy will love using these diapers! Pick up Hartz® Dog Diapers and Male Wraps on Amazon, Chewy.com, and Walmart.com. 

PREPARE DOG’S PERSONAL SPACE

When thinking about where your dog will stay the most, it’s important to keep in mind whether or not you will allow your new dog to roam around all areas of the home. Every household is different, but it’s a necessary conversation to have. We found it super helpful to set up Dimple’s space before he came into our home so that he knew it was his area when we brought him home. Set up your dog’s new crate, bed, toys, bowls, and maybe a blanket with your family’s scent on it to bring comfort to your dog at night. 

What are your top tips to prepare your home when adopting a dog? Share them in the comments below!