Welcoming a new pup (or older pup) home is a magical and transformative time, but it can also be a stressful one if you’re not fully prepared. Not only can you find they’re prone to cause a little more trouble when getting used to a new environment, but there are real risks to their health and safety that need to be addressed. For that reason, here’s how to create and maintain a dog proof home.

Make sure you can leave them home alone

You don’t want your dog to feel anxious or lonely, but it’s simply impossible to not leave them by themselves sometimes. To avoid the destructive behaviour that often accompanies this anxiety, crate training them or keeping them in a specific room or space designed for them can help. Don’t leave them outdoors, for fear of escape attempts or injury, and make sure they have enough to eat, drink, and a favourite toy or comforter.

Give them a hazard-free space

You want your new dog to have a space that they can feel free to play and explore without worrying about where they’re going. Setting up a hazard-free, pet-friendly zone without any hazardous items, furniture you don’t want damaged, and plenty of room to play is essential.

Ensure you have the essentials

That hazard-free space should have everything that they need to make a home. Bedding and a pillow, puppy pads, chew toys, and some of the best puppy food UK are all essential to make sure your dog gets used to and comfortable with their new home. If you’re ever wondering if you’re missing some essentials, feel free to ask your vet or local pet store owner what you should consider.

Protect your possessions

Rethink your whole home from the perspective of your new dog. Managing their anxiety can help you curb destructive behaviour, but you should expect their curiosity and excitedness to get them exploring and playing where they can. Move everything that you want to protect out of their reach or make some rooms of your home inaccessible to them.

Make medicines and toxins inaccessible

To be doubly certain that your dog isn’t able to reach anything that might make them sick, put childproof locks on any cabinets where you keep medicines or household products that they shouldn’t be getting into. It’s worth doing a little research on plants that are toxic to them as well, and to remove any from the garden that could be a concern.

Secure the environment

Check the perimeter of your garden or outdoor area to make sure that it is as secure as can be. You can install fencing specifically for keeping dogs away from areas that could offer unsafe gaps that could result in them breaking out, too.

With the home dog proofed, that’s most of the most pressing concerns out of the way. Now it’s just about building a relationship with your new dog and making sure that their needs are taken care of with the exercise, grooming, and attention they need. Before long, they’ll feel welcome in their new home and you’ll be delighted to have them.