Welcoming a new puppy into your home is an exciting adventure that brings joy and companionship. However, it also comes with new responsibilities. Your new puppy needs a safe and secure environment to keep them healthy and happy. These tips brought to you by Native® Dog Food will ensure you are prepared for the arrival of your new puppy.
Puppy Proofing Your Home
As exciting as it is to bring home a new puppy, it requires some preparation. Not only do you need the essentials, but anything you can do to help make their transition smoother, can really set the stage for a loving and fulfilling relationship. At this time in their life, puppies are a little too curious and a bit fragile, so puppy proofing your home can help eliminate hazards that could harm them.
Puppy Checklist for Puppy Proofing Your Home
- Keep electrical cords out of their reach.
- Secure any loose items.
- Store cleaning supplies in a cabinet.
- Consider using baby gates to restrict access to certain areas, especially stairs.
Setting Up a Puppy Area
In addition to puppy proofing your home, you will need to set up a designated puppy area, preferably in a quiet space away from heavy foot traffic. This area should be spacious enough for your puppy to move around and play while also keeping them contained. A consistent space like this adds some comfort to your puppy’s life and gives them a place to relax, while providing you with a controlled environment to monitor their activities. You can utilize a closet or small room and close it in with a baby gate, or you can purchase a playpen or crate. A crate can aid in house training as puppies naturally avoid soiling in their sleeping area, although other options may provide a larger space for the puppy to explore within boundaries.
New Puppies Need Rest, Play and Meal Time
After you secure a safe space for your puppy, you need to ensure this area includes something comfy they can rest and sleep on. This could be a pillow, cushion, blanket or dog bed. Choosing one that can be easily cleaned or washed, as well as durable is important as puppies can be a bit messy and a little too playful sometimes.
Don’t forget the puppy toys. Supplying your puppy with toys can help eliminate boredom, which in return gives them something to play with or chew on that isn’t your home and personal items! Toys will especially come in handy when puppies start teething and want to gnaw on anything they can get their paws on. In addition, toys play a large role in puppy development. Not only do they combat boredom, but they can help puppies develop coordination, biting control and social interaction when playing with humans or other pets.
Your puppy area will also need space for food and water bowls. You will want to opt in for sturdy, non-tip bowls, although making sure they are appropriate for your puppy’s size. Puzzle feeders are a great way to channel their high energy into a constructive manner, allowing them to eat in an interactive and mentally stimulating way.
Lastly, aside from your puppy area, you need a secured space outside where your puppy can play and go to the bathroom. This can be a dog run or backyard, as long as the area is securely fenced and free from toxic plants, small objects that could pose a choke hazard and any other threats.
A Happy and Healthy Life for Your New Puppy
By taking the time to prepare your home and create a safe, welcoming environment for your new puppy, you are setting the foundation for a happy and healthy life together. Remember, patience and consistency are key as your puppy adjusts and settles into their new surroundings.
Don’t forget that choosing a high-quality puppy food is one of the most important choices you can make to ensure your companion grows up healthy and strong. When you choose the best puppy food, you give your puppy the best start in life. Native Puppy is crafted with high-quality ingredients that provide essential nutrients for optimal growth and development. Learn more about puppy nutrition and care in other Native resources.
