Bringing a furry friend into your home is an exciting adventure, but it comes with its own set of responsibilities and adjustments. Consider these savvy investments in your home to ensure a comfortable and safe environment for your new companion. Here is how to get ready for a dog.
1. Set Boundaries
The first thing that you should do when you have a new fur baby is to set up boundaries in your backyard. A key component to how to get ready for a dog is to invest in fence installation. A fence will add value to your home as well as help to keep your new pup safe. Fences are available in various styles and materials that can complement any landscape.
Some things to consider when installing a fence are the height of the fence and the materials of the fence. It would help if you decided whether a metal, vinyl or wood fence is the right choice for your property. Many homeowners opt for privacy fences for durability, security, and appearance. You may have to work with a surveyor to ensure that your fence is installed within the boundaries of your property.
A fence can be a great investment that improves your property. Fence companies can easily make recommendations that will fit your budget, lifestyle, and home style. Have a fence installed now, so when you bring your dog home, the yard will be ready.
2. Outdoor Space
If you are wondering how to get ready for a dog, the backyard should be a focus. Once you have your fence in place the outdoor renovations can continue. Many homeowners choose to designate a portion of their backyard to their pup instead of allowing them to have full reign over the backyard.
A good landscape supply company will have everything you need to create a puppy oasis in your backyard that gives your dog a designated space. The right materials are essential in creating a safe space for your pup to play outdoors. Keep in mind when you are working on your landscaping that not all plants are pet friendly. As a matter of fact, some plants can be highly toxic to dogs.
Do your research to ensure that your outdoor plants are not a hazard to your dog especially if the dog is still a puppy. Enhance your outdoor space with dog-friendly landscaping. Invest in landscape supplies that are safe for pets, such as non-toxic plants, soft ground coverings, and pet-friendly fertilizers. It will keep outdoor spaces safe for your pet.
3. Electrical Hazards
Learning how to get ready for a dog is essential to ensure your dog’s well-being. One of the many things that new pet owners don’t think about are electrical hazards. Puppies are like toddlers. They enjoy exploring and often find that they get into dangerous situations. Electrical hazards are also a risk with a puppy.
Puppies are well known for chewing on shoes and furniture, but they also chew on electrical lines cords, and plugs. Dog-proofing your home includes securing electrical outlets and wiring. Consult with an electrician to assess and address any potential hazards, ensuring a safe environment for your curious canine.
It’s better to evaluate any electrical threats before your dog arrives than to risk serious injury or even death. Electrical hazards can come in the form of a dangling lamp cord. In many cases, the poor pooch sustains injuries not from the electricity but from pulling on cords that cause items to come tumbling down on them. Ensure you are considering electrical hazards and addressing them before you bring your new friend home.
4. Proper Planning
When you are considering how to get ready for a dog, don’t forget about arranging for puppy care when you are away. Whether you work from home and need to take an occasional day in the office, or you work outside the home regularly, puppy day care is essential. Puppies can’t be left alone for any length of time. They need supervision.
It is vital if you are going to be away from home overnight that you have a backup care plan in place to ensure your pup gets the best care while you are away. Don’t depend on friends and family members to care for your dog. It’s best to get professional care, it takes the stress out of the situation and ensures everyone stays on good terms.
Slumber party dog boarding is a great option for overnight care for your pet. They will get the one-on-one attention that they deserve with constant monitoring. Why shouldn’t your dog have a good time when you are apart? Check out boarding services now to be fully prepared for the future.
5. Dog Accessories
There are some things that you will need to invest in that is for dog use only. One of the key suggestions that you will find when you are learning how to get ready for a dog is to invest in a good kennel. Kennel training your pup is good for their mental health and yours. Dogs are den animals naturally and they enjoy having their own den (kennel) to retire to when life is stressful.
A kennel is not the only dog accessory you should invest in. Your dog will need food and a water bowl, a comfortable place to sleep, grooming tools, and a harness and leash at the minimum. These accessories will make it easier to manage your dogs needs. It will also help to keep your home calm while the puppy is transitioning into the family.
If you plan on letting your pup lounge on the coach with you, you may want to invest in blankets that are specifically designed to prevent damage to your furniture from pet use. Invest in puppy pads to protect your flooring until your dog is fully potty trained. Investing in these items will promote harmony in your household.
6.Water Quality
There are a lot of water borne illnesses that affect both humans and dogs alike. A water treatment system can help you to improve the water quality in your home. One of the key answers to how to get ready for a dog in your home is to focus on setting up a healthy environment. Of course, improving the water quality in your home benefits everyone in the home.
Water from municipal sources and well sources can be contaminated with harmful chemicals and heavy metals. A whole home treatment system can ensure that you are getting the best quality water possible for your new dog and your family. Having confidence in your water quality will also give you peace of mind.
Most counties in the United States offer free water testing. Have your water tested to learn more about the quality of the water in your home. If you have questions about contaminants, consider speaking with a specialist at a water treatment company.
7. Refresh With Paint
It may sound counterintuitive to suggest that you connect with local house painters when you are looking for how to get ready for a dog. However, it is actually a good idea to have your house painted before your pup arrives, especially if you live in an older home. Flaking, peeling paint can be a hazard to your dog.
Older homes were constructed before the lead paint rules were enacted. That means that if you are peeling paint, it may contain lead, which can be highly toxic to dogs. Even if you live in a newer home, painting the space before your dog arrives is a good idea.
Paint can be used to define your dog’s space. It can also be used to keep maintenance down. A nice semi-gloss can be much easier to wipe clean than other finishes. Besides, painting your home will add value to your home. You can get about 107% return on your paint investment. A new dog is a great excuse to paint your home.
8. Learning Manners
A new puppy is full of life and often full of mischief. Planning with a professional puppy trainer to start training classes straight away is a good answer to how to get ready for a dog and ensure they learn how to behave quickly. The goal with pet ownership of any type is to seamlessly transition the pet into the household. Unwanted behaviors can put a dent into those plans.
Unwanted behaviors like nuisance barking, potty accidents in the house, destructive behavior and more can really test a relationship between pup parent and pup. Unwanted behaviors can strain a relationship and cause a lot of stress. Training from early puppy hood can be a game changer for unwanted behavior.
Of course, proper training is not only about keeping the annoyance down, it is also about keeping your pooch safe. Your dog should listen to directions and commands to ensure they stay safe. For example, the stay command is essential when near danger, as is heel, to ensure that your pup does not chase other animals into a danger zone. Training is about establishing the alpha in your family. The alpha should be you.
9. Climate Control
Your dog should never be left outdoors overnight or during bad weather. Likewise, when you are considering how to get ready for a dog, you should consider the stability of your heating and cooling system indoors. Ensuring that your dog is comfortable, as well as your family is essential. Furnace repair is necessary if your heating system is on the blink.
Climate control systems are essential systems in any home. It’s important that you have good control of the climate in your home when you are home and away, not only for your dog but for the other systems in your house. Start by having your heating and cooling system checked out by a professional. If there are issues, have the repairs made as soon as possible.
Consider installing a smart thermostat that you can control from an app on your phone. This will ensure that, no matter where you are, you can control the climate in your home and keep your dog comfortable. Dogs can overheat very quickly and have few options for comfort when it gets too cold. Ensuring you can manage the climate is essential to caring for your dog.
10. Final Prep
If you have followed all the tips for how to get ready for a dog, you only have one thing left to do. You should contact a trusted veterinarian to set up an appointment for your new dog. Shopping around for a veterinarian before the dog moves in will make it easier to compare services and get a feel for what different veterinarians in the area have to offer.
It’s important that you figure out where you pet will get the health care that they need before they come home. There are preventive services like vaccines they will need and more. Lining up a vet service now will ensure that you are fully prepared to add a dog to your family. Consider the vets experience and what services they offer. Do a little research to ensure you are making an informed decision.
Ask family members and friends for referrals. There is nothing more important than having the right healthcare support for your dog. There is no better time than now to get started looking for a veterinarian.
Many people want to add a furry friend or canine companion to their families. However, this isn’t something to undertake lightly or carelessly! While pups are adorable, they are also a big responsibility. Neglecting to prepare adequately can make your pet uncomfortable or even inhumane. There are a lot of things you need to do before you bring a dog into your home, and learning more is an important first step. Learning how to get ready for a dog is key in the successful transition of adding a new member to your family. Look for more tips for how to prepare your home and your lifestyle for a new dog today.